Juggling your articles of clerkship and studying for the Legal Practice Council’s challenging competency-based exam (CBE) can feel overwhelming.  

That’s why we’ve brought together the top exam tips for the board exams from alumni who have not only passed but excelled in these exams.

Let’s dive in.

Truthfully, this is a difficult question to answer without delving deep into what life dealt me whilst I attempted to achieve this milestone.

Admission day

At the age of 51 on 23 May 2025, I was admitted as an Attorney of the High Court of the Republic of South Africa, and to be honest, it is still a bag of mixed emotions.  

Innovators don’t only need funding and a prototype; they need a legal strategy that captures value before competitors can copy it.  That’s where a patent lawyer comes in.  Part legal architect, part technical translator, and part strategist, this specialist helps turn ideas into enforceable, transferable assets.  Below, we unpack what patent law covers in South Africa, what a patent attorney actually does, how to become one, and why this niche matters for businesses of every size.

Converting from an attorney to an advocate in South Africa involves a gear shift to a more litigation-focused career.  This may include specialised court work and a higher earning potential, with much less interaction with clients.

This blog will delve into the benefits and potential drawbacks of conversion and briefly discuss the conversion process.

What is an attorney in South Africa?

An attorney is also a lawyer, but all lawyers aren’t necessarily attorneys in South Africa.  To qualify as an attorney, you need to:

South Africa sits astride one of the world's busiest sea lanes at the Cape of Good Hope.  Every day, tankers, container ships, fishing vessels, and offshore support crafts traverse our waters, carrying risk, regulation and opportunity in equal measure.  Maritime law is the body of rules that organises this activity.  It blends international conventions with South Africa's own statutes and court-made doctrines to govern everything from cargo damage and ship collisions to port access, pollution, salvage and marine insurance.  In short, maritime law turns ocean commerce into something predicta

This Wills Month, we're taking a deep dive into a valuable checklist: the life file.

A life file checklist is a comprehensive list of crucial documents and information needed to manage your affairs after your death or if you are unable to manage your affairs due to medical reasons, for example.  This checklist helps your spouse and family members to find essential information, like financial details, legal documents, and end-of-life wishes, making the process easier during a difficult time.