Maheerah Hendricks was a top achiever in Gawie le Roux Institute of Law's Awards Ceremony for those who passed their LPC exams in the second session of 2024.
About Maheerah
"I'm currently completing my articles with Hanware Teladia Inc."
Background
"I completed my undergraduate degree and Honours in Environmental and Geographical Studies at the University of the Western Cape (many years ago) followed by a Master's degree (MPhil) in Environmental Management. Additionally, I obtained a postgraduate qualification specialising in environmental law from the University of Cape Town.
I spent approximately 14 years working in the environmental management sector within local government, before transitioning into the legal field. I was a Senior Environmental Officer at the City of Cape Town, which sparked my interest in law—specifically in how legal frameworks can be applied to advocate for environmental justice. During my time working full-time at the City, I pursued my LLB through Unisa. I successfully sat for my board exams in August 2024, and passed all four examinations in one sitting."
Motivation for enrolling for Gawie le Roux's Attorneys' admission exam courses
"I purchased all four sets of recordings and notes for my board exams, and these became my sole study resources. The notes were clear and easy to follow, while the recordings were a game changer. Being a full-time employee and a full-time parent, the ability to watch the recordings at my own pace and at times that suited me was invaluable. The notes and recordings provided the structure and clarity I needed. The recordings were especially beneficial in breaking down complex topics into manageable, digestible sections. The flexibility to revisit and review material at my convenience ensured that I fully understood the key concepts.
The practical examples included in the recordings and study guides were crucial in applying my knowledge and preparing for the types of questions I’d encounter on the actual exam. Overall, these notes and recordings were an essential resource in boosting both my confidence and readiness for the exam."
On facing challenges
"Studying for the exams while working full-time and juggling various personal and professional responsibilities was incredibly challenging. Balancing work, school runs, extracurricular activities, homework, and the daily demands of running a household left little time for studying—it was far from easy.
To manage these challenges, I created a detailed study timetable to keep myself on track. I began by immersing myself in the recordings and study materials to build a solid understanding of the content. During the week, I set aside focused study sessions from 5 PM to 9 PM. On weekends, I dedicated 12 hours each Saturday and Sunday for more intensive preparation."
"This structured approach helped me stay organised, disciplined, and consistently make progress—despite the many competing demands on my time."
Committed to sustainability
"My interest in environmental law stems from my background in environmental management and my strong commitment to sustainability. Throughout my work in the environmental sector, I became increasingly aware of the critical role that legal frameworks play in shaping policies and addressing environmental challenges. I’ve seen first-hand how legal regulations and enforcement can either protect or harm the environment, and I became passionate about advocating for stronger laws that promote environmental protection, conservation, and sustainable development.
Environmental law offers a unique opportunity to merge my desire to make a positive impact with the ability to influence policy and drive real change at local, national, and even international levels. I am particularly drawn to the idea of using legal mechanisms to hold corporations, governments, and other stakeholders accountable for their environmental impact. I am also interested in the intersection between environmental law and human rights, as issues like climate change and pollution disproportionately affect vulnerable communities."
What's next?
"I decided to transition from the environmental management sector to the legal field because I have always had a strong interest in law and its potential to bring about change. While working in environmental management, I realised that many of the issues I was passionate about, such as environmental protection and sustainability, could be more effectively addressed through legal frameworks. I wanted to combine my background in environmental management with legal expertise to have a greater impact.
By pursuing a career in law, I believe I can advocate for stronger policies and make a real difference in the areas I care about most. The transition feels like a natural progression of my skills and values, allowing me to bring a unique perspective to the legal field.
Transitioning into the legal field was a decision I knew would require significant sacrifice—especially since I was already established in another career. Pursuing articles meant starting from the bottom, but I was committed to making that sacrifice to follow my passion and achieve my goal of becoming an attorney.
After 2.5 years of trying to secure articles, I finally had my breakthrough when I was offered a position at Hanware Teladia Incorporated. I made the difficult decision to leave a senior role to pursue this opportunity, fully embracing the journey ahead. I’m truly grateful for the chance to complete my articles at this esteemed firm and to work towards my dream of being admitted as an attorney."