Angelique Mansour passed her final board exam paper during the second sitting this year. She is currently the Director of The Legal Brief.
Background
"I matriculated in 1992. I studied fashion design and worked in the IT industry before embarking on a career in law.
I began this journey in 2013. I decided I wanted to be self-employed, mostly because I prefer being in control of my income and not reliant on an employer.
At that time, I had a choice between surgery and law. I had to weigh up the odds of the huge drop in salary and the time of clerkship between law and medicine. I elected law. I studied at night and worked a full-time job.
In 2018, when I was in my third year, I lost my job. This left me without employment for two years, and when I finally obtained employment in February 2020, we went into level 5 lockdown due to the Covid pandemic. I was again left unemployed.
It was all the above that just cemented for me the serious inequality, injustice and abuse of power which kept me determined to finish my degree, articles and admission so that I may be able to implement the many life lessons I have endured and bring fair and just service to my clients."
On the competency-based exams
"I did really well in Court Procedure on my first attempt – the self-study notes of the Attorneys' admission exam courses were really self-explanatory and made studying easy.
Paper 3 – I wrote three times before I passed, even though I prepared extensively each time for this exam. The notes were sufficient and the drafting notes helped to integrate the practical and theory."
Angelique's tips on securing articles
"When I secured articles, I was already 48 and securing articles was not easy at all. No one wanted an older candidate even though I brought many advantages to the table. An acquaintance offered me articles at his firm, in lieu of the many years of experience I had in business and IT.
"All I can offer is that you don't stop trying."
"However, if you have the means to apply for SME loans and the ability to open a business, then do so. Even if it is not in the legal field, this will keep you employed and you will have additional income whilst you do your articles when you do secure them."
Top 3 takeaways as a candidate attorney
- "Standing in a queue is a pain, but understanding the why is important.
- Sugar gets more results than vinegar – always be polite even when you are frustrated.
- We cannot allow ourselves to be intimidated or bullied because we perceive ourselves as junior in rank. The Rules and Acts are there for us to utilise. Know how to refer to them and apply them."
A special place
"My youngest sister is 38 now. She has Down syndrome and has attended the Gateway School since she was 3 months old. Equine therapy is a fantastic form of physio and mental / cognitive therapy for many children who have any form of mental or physical disability, from ADHD to deafness.
When I was unemployed I volunteered my time to this amazing therapy, and while I was there I had a lot of healing even though I did not go there for myself. Being with these trained horses and with the very special children was the most peaceful and beautiful moment of my life, especially when you see the very small improvements or advancements. It is a very special place."