Competency-based exam success story: Michelle Scott

About Michelle

"I’m currently working at Stellenbosch University at the Neelsie Letting Office, doing lease agreements.  I was advised in January 2024, where I did my articles for three and a half years, that if I did not pass Ethics, I had to leave the firm.  So I searched for work every day until I found this one." 

Background

"I was a high school dropout.  I failed Grade 11 (then Standard 9). 

I was a young mother with two children at the age of 22.  Things with my children’s father did not work out, so I went to maintenance court, and I was taught about jurisdiction.  That is where my interest in law started. 

I decided to go back to school and did my matric ABET (night school).  I come from a disadvantaged background, and the principal of the night school told my sister and me that we would never get into university.  But as stubborn and tenacious as we are, we did!

My world changed from there.  I was in the 5-year programme at UWC from 2010.  In 2013, I failed two semester modules and two year modules because life took a turn for me.  But I went on and completed those four modules, and I passed well enough that I got into the top achievers programme.  In 2015, I did my final year, and on 14 April 2016, I graduated.  I then did the 6-month law school from July until December 2016, passed, and was credited with one year of articles.  I worked at the firm for longer than a year because I wanted to obtain all the experience I could.  Best decision I made because I have litigation, conveyancing, and deceased estates experience." 

On Gawie le Roux's Attorneys' admission exam courses

"A very good friend of mine told me about his experience with the recordings, as he was struggling with Paper 3 as well.  As a candidate attorney previously and as a single mom, I could not afford it but when I started working at the university, my salary increased, so I decided to purchase the recordings."  

"It is the best decision I have ever made." 

"I contacted the Gawie le Roux offices for the recording of Paper 3.  I have struggled for years passing that paper, where I already passed the other three." 

Michelle's study tips for the CBE

"My best advice would be to purchase your classes or recordings.  Johan van Stade explained it so well that there was no way I was not going to pass it. 

Keep on trying, and exhaust all your resources if you're struggling.  If you can’t afford it, ask your principal or any director at the firm to purchase it for you." 

Key lessons learnt so far

"Now that I have passed Ethics, I will fulfil a lifelong dream of becoming an admitted attorney at the age of 43.

• Learn as much as you can, be that sponge that absorbs all information.
• Do not be arrogant to your colleagues, secretaries, or clients.
• Always make friends or acquaintances wherever you go.  You never know who you will need along the way.
• Respecting your colleagues, clients, and the profession will set you apart from the rest." 

Update

"On the 5th of December 2025, I was admitted as an attorney in the Western Cape High Court.  It was all God's grace that pulled me through, and the support of my family and friends.  I really couldn’t have done it without them. 

It has been a tough journey, keeping your head up every time I saw a fail for ethics, I had to pick myself up and dust myself off and go back to just pass that one paper.  2025 wasn’t good to me at all, but I had to redirect my focus to what was more important to me." 
 

Originally published on 31 October 2025. Last updated on 23 February 2026.