About Akani
"I obtained my LLB degree in early 2025 at the University of South Africa, which provided me with a solid, contemporary foundation in South African jurisprudence.
Currently, I am serving my articles of clerkship at Frik van Schalkwyk Attorneys, a commercial firm situated in Pretoria. This role has immersed me in the operational mechanics of private practice, allowing me to translate academic theory into actionable solutions for clients."
On enrolling at the Gawie le Roux Institute of Law
"I chose the Gawie le Roux Institute of Law (GLR) to complete law school for their reputation in bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and applied, real-world practice. Their faculty consists of seasoned practitioners who teach commercial viability rather than rote theory, equipping candidates to deliver immediate value to a firm’s bottom line.
The lecturers were exceptional. Because they are active practitioners in their respective fields, they brought contagious enthusiasm and commercial acumen to the virtual and physical classroom."
"Their insights into client management and court etiquette provided invaluable foresight into what it truly takes to succeed in the legal profession."
400-hour vs 150-hour PVT programme of structured course work
"I personally opted for the 400-hour programme as opposed to the 150-hour programme out of a desire for comprehensive, immersive preparation. The 400-hour syllabus allowed me to potentially significantly reduce my compulsory articles, which is a highly strategic advantage.
It provided deeper exposure to high-level commercial drafting, trial advocacy, and specialised practice areas, allowing me to enter the marketplace with the confidence of an experienced junior associate."
The mock trial
"The mock trial was the cornerstone of the programme.
It required us to integrate our substantive knowledge with courtroom strategy, cross-examination, and the practical realities of dispute resolution. It forced me to think on my feet, manage unexpected contingencies, and view litigation from a commercial perspective and understand when to litigate and when to negotiate a strategic settlement."
Akani's tips for PVT students
"My personal advice is to treat the programme with the rigour of a full-time corporate role. Because the workload is heavy, mastering disciplined time management is paramount.
I highly recommend engaging actively with the materials and refraining from being a passive listener."
"Test your ability to apply legal principles to hypothetical commercial scenarios early and often."
On facing challenges
"Balancing the intensive academic workload with ongoing professional commitments proved to be the most demanding phase of my studies.
I overcame this by adopting an agile, 'one day at a time' mindset. I structured my schedule to tackle complex drafting modules early in the morning when cognitive focus was at its peak, viewing every time constraint as an opportunity to build resilience."
Akani's recommended reading for legal practitioners
"If you have not, start by reading your GLR study material."
What's next?
"My future plans are focused on pursuing a highly specialised career in banking and finance law.
I intend to leverage my rigorous training at Frik van Schalkwyk Attorneys and GLR to navigate complex regulatory frameworks, structured finance, and capital market transactions. My ultimate objective is to serve as a strategic legal advisor to leading financial institutions, orchestrating high-value deals that drive macroeconomic growth."
Last updated on 18 June 2026.