Kirstin Eloff attended the LPC-accredited Advanced trial advocacy course in November 2025.
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 Kirstin
"I am currently employed at Lawtons Africa as an Associate in the Commercial Litigation and Dispute Resolution team."
Background
"I completed my BA Law (with distinction) and LLB degrees at the University of Pretoria and was admitted as an attorney of the High Court of South Africa in May 2025.
My practice includes a broad range of commercial and public-law disputes, including arbitrations, company law and corporate misconduct matters, telecommunications-related disputes, property law, and administrative and constitutional law. I regularly draft pleadings and applications for court proceedings and dispute-resolution forums, and prepare legal opinions and advisory memoranda. This experience has given me a strong foundation in both the substantive and procedural aspects of litigation."
On enrolling in the trial advocacy course at the Gawie le Roux Institute of Law
"I enrolled in the trial advocacy course because I am passionate about litigation and committed to advancing my skills in this multi-faceted and constantly evolving area of law. Developing courtroom proficiency and gaining a deeper understanding of the practical nuances of trial work was the natural next step in my professional journey.
For me, the course offered the opportunity to strengthen my advocacy abilities, deepen my understanding of effective trial strategy, and enhance the quality of my courtroom performance. As someone who intends to build a long-term career in litigation, this course represented an essential milestone in my development as a legal practitioner."
On the practical nature and outcomes of the course
"The course has significantly strengthened my confidence and competence in courtroom environments. It provided a structured and practical framework for trial preparation, helping me approach litigation with greater clarity, precision, and strategic coherence. As a result, I now have a more refined understanding of how to present a persuasive case theory, conduct focused and effective examinations, and communicate with intention and impact in the courtroom.
Importantly, completion of the course has also qualified me to apply to the LPC for the right of appearance in the High Court in terms of section 25(3) of the Legal Practice Act; an important step toward expanding the scope of my litigation practice.
I intend to use my competency certificate to apply for the right of appearance in the High Court. As someone passionate about litigation, obtaining High Court appearance rights is the natural next step in expanding my advocacy experience and enhancing the scope of matters in which I can appear."
"This progression aligns directly with my long-term goal of becoming a more effective and versatile litigation practitioner."
Key takeaways
- "The course underscored how critical language is in shaping persuasion; whether in opening statements, examinations, or closing arguments. The wording we choose directly influences credibility, clarity, and impact.
- I was reminded of how essential it is to prepare witnesses fully and methodically. The course shed light on the intricacies of examination-in-chief and cross-examination and offered a fresh, practical perspective on how to manage challenging or unexpected witness situations.
- Trial preparation can often feel chaotic, but the course provided a clear roadmap for accurate and effective preparation. This has meaningfully improved my confidence in managing trial dynamics and navigating unorthodox or high-pressure moments in court."
Last updated on 3 December 2025.