Jared Ishmael attended the LPC-accredited Advanced trial advocacy course in June 2026.
Candidates who demonstrate their competence during this course receive a certificate enabling them to apply to the Legal Practice Council (LPC) for the -
- right of appearance in the High Court (s 25(3)); or
- conversion from attorney to advocate (s 32(1)(a)).
About Jared
"I matriculated from King Edward VII School and completed my LLB at the University of the Witwatersrand in 2016. I completed my articles at Webber Wentzel and practised in the Dispute Resolution Unit until June 2025 whereafter I took up an in-house legal advisor role."
On enrolling in the trial advocacy course at the Gawie le Roux Institute of Law
"Apart from it being the only trial advocacy course that was being conducted during June 2026 (according to my research), I have had a long history of engagements with the Gawie le Roux Institute of Law (GLR). During my articles of clerkship, GLR assisted me in preparing for an oral examination for the wills and estates board exam. This was a mere telephone call, which was free of charge, however, that was when I realised that GLR is not just an educational institution but a guiding light to all those who walk through its proverbial doors.
Dr Willem Gravett is clearly an expert in trial advocacy, and I could not have asked for a better lecturer. His international experience and expertise were the cherry on top."
On the practical nature and outcomes of the course
"This course pulled back the veil to the trial work I had seen counsel undertake previously. My overall goal was to deepen my knowledge and capabilities with respect to legal practice. This course assisted me in doing that and much more. This course has challenged all of the assumptions I previously had about the conduct of a trial and in doing so, prepared me for a career in legal practice beyond the gallery of the High Court.
I would encourage every legal practitioner to attend this course. I would take it one step further and encourage the LPC to ensure that this course is a prerequisite to admission or is a mandatory component of a law degree. This course will take an attorney from the galleries of the High Court sitting beside the client to standing before the Court and arguing the matter."
"The benefits of having that experience cannot be overstated."
Key takeaways
My top three takeaways (amongst many others) are:
- The courtroom is the fairest of all battlefields;
- There is no substitute for hard work and preparation; and
- A poker face is not reserved for poker.
Location, location, location
"The venue was the perfect place to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life and focus on the intricacies of trial advocacy."
What's next?
"I will be using my certificate to apply for right of appearance before the High Court."
Last updated on 1 September 2026.