About Brinke
"I’m a candidate attorney, currently finishing my articles and completing my LLM in International Children’s Rights."
Background
Brinke was a top achiever at our recent awards ceremony for alumni who excelled in the LPC exams.
On Gawie le Roux's Attorneys' admission exam courses
"I chose the course for Paper 4, which included detailed notes and a two-day online class. The exam sessions felt like a saving grace for me. Even though I had gone through the theory and practical questions on my own beforehand, once I started the course, everything suddenly clicked. It became easy to understand and made perfect sense.
I truly believe this course is a must for any candidate attorney facing the daunting admission exams. The notes are exceptionally well-structured, clear, and easy to follow. I really appreciated receiving them in hard copy; it made studying so much easier. Mr. van Stade, the course presenter, has an incredible talent for teaching, presenting complex information in a way that’s easy to grasp. I’m very grateful to the Gawie le Roux Institute of Law for this invaluable support."
Brinke's study tips for the CBE
"Honestly, my biggest advice is to make sure your environment is healthy, positive, and that you have a strong support system. Once you know you’re surrounded by people who will stand by you, whether you pass or fail, you’ll feel more grounded and focused. Also, don’t forget to take care of yourself and your body. Get enough sleep, keep eating properly, and give your brain the rest it needs; it makes a huge difference.
From there, the rest comes down to discipline and determination. Make sure you really know and understand the theory, even though it can feel long and draining at times, just keep going. Practice as many past papers and practical questions as you can, and don’t be discouraged if you don’t get the right answer the first time. That’s part of the process.
Most importantly, have faith in yourself. Believe that you can do it, and remember that everything happens for a reason."
How to secure articles as a candidate attorney
"I was very fortunate to have a door open for me and to complete my articles at an amazing firm with an honest and inspiring leader. It’s something I’ll always be grateful for, not just the opportunity, but the fact that I am able to be myself throughout the journey.
My advice to others would be to try and find a firm where you can see yourself being true to who you are, even though I know securing articles can be difficult. Put yourself out there, attend public events or fundraisers, because you never know when you might meet someone and make a lasting impression.
"And finally, prepare well and do your research. If securing articles feels like an uphill battle, don’t give up. Use the time to grow, keep learning, and add to your knowledge. Every bit of experience you gain will only make you stronger when the right opportunity comes along."
Top takeaways from Brinke's articles of clerkship
- "I’ve learnt that things don’t always go as planned, and that’s okay. What matters is how you adapt, keep calm under pressure, and find solutions.
- Ask more and talk less. At first, I was hesitant to ask too much, but I’ve realised that asking questions is part of learning. It shows you’re willing to grow, and it helps build confidence.
- And one last funny lesson I’ve learned is that, in South Africa, we do indeed have more than one time zone, as some usually want the answers yesterday, but we’re often only able to get them by next week. But somehow, we still make it work even though there are some potholes in the way."
A passion for children's rights
"I’m currently pursuing my LLM in International Children’s Rights and working on my mini-dissertation, which focuses on safe haven laws in South Africa. I absolutely love this course. Understanding how international laws influence the way South Africa applies its own legal framework has been fascinating. I could see myself going deeper into this field, because I’ve always believed that knowledge is something no one can ever take away from you.
Adults often have the ability to speak up when something doesn’t feel right, using their experience and understanding to deal with challenges. Children, on the other hand, may not see things the same way or know how to make their voices heard. That’s why I’ve been driven to learn more, so that one day maybe I can be a voice for those who can’t speak for themselves. I believe every child deserves respect, protection, and the chance to grow and thrive. Knowing how vulnerable children can be motivates me to advocate for their best interests and help ensure they are protected under the law.
At the heart of it, my passion for children’s rights comes from a genuine love and connection with children. I’ve always felt drawn to their world, and standing up for their well-being is something that feels deeply personal to me."