GLR PVT School success story: Kobus Maree

Thursday, July 23, 2026, 9:27
Kobus Maree

 

About Kobus

"I'm a Candidate Attorney at Kruger Attorneys, bringing 25 years of legal experience across all fields of law.  I'm an alumnus of the University of South Africa (UNISA), and earned my Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree in August 2025 with seven distinctions.

With a deep commitment to academic writing and the development of law in South Africa, I specialise in commercial law, contract law, and development law. 

I operate on a core philosophy that legal practice is fundamentally a calling to serve.

My journey in the legal sector spans over two decades, during which I served extensively as a senior paralegal and legal practitioner assistant before transitioning to my current role as a Candidate Attorney.  I immersed myself in diverse practice areas, including High Court and Magistrate’s Court litigation, commercial contracts, conveyancing, and bond registrations for major banking institutions, family law, and deceased estates."

 

On enrolling at the Gawie le Roux Institute of Law

"With decades of operational experience, I sought a training provider that could offer a seamless bridge between academic theory and high-level practice.  The Gawie le Roux Institute of Law is renowned across South Africa for its practical approach, expert-led instruction, and comprehensive preparation for the legal profession.

Choosing GLR was a natural decision to refine my existing skills, stay aligned with current practice standards, and complete my 150-hour PVT with an institution held in high esteem throughout the legal fraternity.

The practical vocational training programme was transformative.

The programme perfectly bridged the gap between academic theory and real-world application.  Rather than just a checkbox exercise, modules like Trial Advocacy and Practice Management transformed my perspective.

The lecturers at Gawie le Roux are exceptional.  As active practitioners and seasoned experts, they teach from lived courtroom experience rather than textbook theory.  Their insights into procedural nuances, litigation strategy, and practical drafting were invaluable, creating an engaging and supportive environment where complex legal principles were translated into actionable practice skills."

 

The mock trial

"The Trial Advocacy module and mock trial exercise were highlights of the programme.  Rather than feeling like a routine requirement, they offered a realistic, high-stakes courtroom simulation that brought together theory, evidence, procedure, and oral advocacy.

Even with my prior litigation experience, stepping into the courtroom tested my adaptability, examination techniques, and demeanor, building authentic confidence for actual court appearances."

 

Kobus's tips for PVT students

  • "Pace yourself with discipline:  Treat the 150 hours with the same gravity as client matters.  Establish a structured daily schedule to stay consistently ahead.
  • Focus on practical drafting:  Do not treat the material as passive reading.  Actively draft pleadings, notices, and contracts as you move through the modules.
  • Engage with your peers:  Form study groups to debate case scenarios, share drafting perspectives, and refine arguments.
  • Master practice management and court rules:  Pay rigorous attention to timeframes, court rules, and compliance requirements.  Procedural accuracy and effective management win matters in practice."

 

The top achiever award

"After ranking 8th among my GLR PVT School cohort, I feel thoroughly equipped to practise as an independent legal practitioner.  

As a recipient of a top achiever award, I plan to apply my award voucher toward Gawie le Roux’s specialised legal updates and advanced drafting workshops.  Continuous learning is essential in an evolving legal landscape, and investing in further professional development directly elevates the precision and service I provide to my firm and clients."

 

What's next?

"My primary focus moving forward is academic writing dedicated to developing law in South Africa, specifically within commercial law, contract law, development law, and advanced conveyancing practices.  

As technology and regulatory frameworks reshape our field, pursuing specialised research, writing, and practical certifications will allow me to serve the justice system effectively, contribute to South African jurisprudence, and practise as an empowered independent practitioner.

I look forward to leveraging my enhanced expertise to serve the justice system and advance South African jurisprudence."

 

 

Last updated on 23 July 2026.

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