Practical vocational training (PVT) is a compulsory step that candidate attorneys need to take to become admitted attorneys in South Africa. Securing articles and choosing a law school can be daunting, but we're here to guide you every step of the way.
This blog explores when and why candidate attorneys should complete PVT. We'll also discuss the different scenarios that will affect your decision.
Career options for LLB graduates
LLB graduates have several career options. Let's have a look at a few.
- Academic: You can become an academic by obtaining an LLM and LLD degree.
- Legal advisor: You just need an LLB degree.
- Attorney/advocate: You'll need a practical qualification. This is where PVT comes in.
The Gawie le Roux Institute of Law's GLR PVT School trains candidate attorneys. Advocates follow another route.
PVT is compulsory to become an attorney
PVT equips you with practical skills and knowledge to work as an attorney. PVT used to be called practical legal training (PLT) and is also called law school. Many aspiring legal practitioners are confused by these naming conventions. Rest assured that PLT is the same as a PVT programme of structured course work or law school.
In South Africa, law school provides comprehensive practical legal training, preparing aspiring legal practitioners for careers as attorneys. An LLB degree is the foundational degree for those aspiring to become legal practitioners and is only the first step. Don't confuse American "law school" with law school in South Africa.
You may only start your PVT after you have completed your LLB degree.
Watch this video for a summary of what practical vocational training entails:
PVT has two parts
- PVT contract (articles of clerkship): A contract with a law firm for either one or two years. While doing your articles, you will learn practical skills and 'on-the-job' experience.
- PVT school: Structured course work programme presented by an LPC-accredited law school, like ours. It supplements your articles with practical training.
Now, let's compare the PVT School options offered by Gawie le Roux.
Choose between two programmes of structured course work
- 150-hour law school: Suitable if you want to pursue or are busy with two-year articles.
- 400-hour law school: Suitable if you haven't secured articles yet or only want to do one year of articles.
Access to the competency-based exams
You must pass all your competency-based examinations (board exams or attorneys' admission exams) before you can be admitted and enrolled as an attorney.
- 150-hour school: You may only write these exams after six months of your articles have passed.
- 400-hour school: You may write these exams as soon as you've completed this school, even if you haven't secured articles yet.
How long does a PVT programme take to complete?
Both law schools take four months, but the 400-hour school is more comprehensive. That's why you can apply for admission earlier.
When should you enrol for a PVT programme?
The 150-hour school must be completed –
- during two-year articles, or
- within one year after finishing your articles. If not, you must repeat the school.
The 400-hour school may be completed –
- before finishing one or two years of articles, or
- during your two-year articles. The school must be done outside normal working hours in terms of that contract. If the school is completed during the first year, you can apply to reduce your two-year contract to a one-year contract.
Conclusion
Assessing your options after completing your LLB degree can be confusing. When you enrol in one of the Gawie le Roux Institute of Law's PVT programmes, you'll receive student-friendly notes for each prescribed subject to assist with focused learning.
Highly experienced legal practitioners, known for excellence in their respective fields, will guide you through the material. Start planning your career today!
People also ask
Is the Gawie le Roux Institute of Law accredited by the LPC as a training provider?
Yes, the Gawie le Roux Institute of Law is an LPC-accredited training provider. Both law school programmes are accredited by the LPC. To view the most recent list of LPC-accredited training providers, contact pvt
gawieleroux.co.za.
When is it better to choose a 150-hour PVT programme rather than a 400-hour programme?
The 150-hour programme is suitable for candidates committed to two years of articles and do not have the time for a 400-hour PVT programme.
The 150-hour programme is ideal if you:
- do not have time for the comprehensive 400-hour programme;
- are committed to a two-year PVT contract; and
- may benefit from a programme that is not as expensive. (Reg 6(1)(a))
This blog was last updated on 14/08/2025