Securing articles can prove to be difficult in a saturated market. But there are things you can do to improve your chances of securing a PVT contract with a law firm. If you want to be admitted and enrolled as an attorney in South Africa, this is one of the mandatory requirements you will need to complete.
We’ve compiled a list of tips to secure articles. These are tried and tested tips from legal practitioners who have been where you are.
Angelique Mansour
“When I secured articles, I was already 48 and securing articles was not easy at all. No one wanted an older candidate, even though I brought many advantages to the table. An acquaintance offered me articles at his firm, in lieu of the many years of experience I had in business and IT.
All I can offer is that you don't stop trying.
However, if you have the means to apply for SME loans and the ability to open a business, then do so. Even if it is not in the legal field, this will keep you employed and you will have additional income whilst you do your articles when you do secure them.”
Read her success story here.
Natasha Brand
- “You need to make yourself visible through social media platforms such as LinkedIn.
- Join a recruitment agency that focuses on the legal fraternity.
- Put yourself out there – apply for vacation work whilst you are studying.
- Most importantly – believe in yourself and never give up!”
Read her success story here.
Kevin Govender
- “Dress appropriately.
- Proofread and hand-deliver your CV.
- When attending an interview, switch your cell phone off.
- Be punctual.”
Read his success story here.
Brinke Hoeksma
- "I was very fortunate to have a door open for me and to complete my articles at an amazing firm with an honest and inspiring leader. It’s something I’ll always be grateful for, not just the opportunity, but the fact that I am able to be myself throughout the journey.
- My advice to others would be to try and find a firm where you can see yourself being true to who you are, even though I know securing articles can be difficult. Put yourself out there, attend public events or fundraisers, because you never know when you might meet someone and make a lasting impression.
- And finally, prepare well and do your research. If securing articles feels like an uphill battle, don’t give up. Use the time to grow, keep learning, and add to your knowledge. Every bit of experience you gain will only make you stronger when the right opportunity comes along."
Read her success story here.
Luke Magerman
- "When it comes to articles, I would suggest doing sufficient research on a firm, what the firm's culture is like, and how best to prepare for the application process (inclusive of tailoring your CV for that specific firm and the interview process).
- Although the CA market is highly competitive, (if possible) I would suggest finding a firm that aligns with your values, to ensure that over the two years, you can gain as many skills and knowledge as possible.
- But most importantly, be yourself and remember if it is meant for you, it will not pass you by!"
Read his success story here.
Johan van Stade
- “Show the firm that they cannot afford not to hire you. This is easier said than done, and it is therefore important to play to your strengths. If you are a bookworm, make sure your marks are top-notch, and you have the practical know-how to back them up. If you are not the strongest student, make sure your personality takes the front seat during the interview process: be positive, confident, and vibrant. These traits make interviewers more receptive to people, and this will give you that extra edge and make you hard to forget.
- Invest time and effort in your CV. Do not just download a template from the internet and complete the blanks. Represent your skills properly on paper. This means that you have to include a professional headshot, i.e. a head and shoulders shot of you in professional attire. Include all your accolades from school/university and ask for a reference letter from your school principal/university lecturers.
- Ensure that your CV is error-free, as inconsistencies and many spelling mistakes will immediately disqualify you from the pack. After completing your CV, ask someone to proofread the document and give constructive feedback if they have any.
- Prepare to be rejected (a lot). Unfortunately, you are swimming in a very saturated pond, and as such, there are just not enough law firms to accommodate the vast number of candidate legal practitioners. However, do not lose heart. As with everything in life, just keep on trying – the more jobs you apply for, the better your chances are of receiving a job offer. Remember: you miss 100% of the chances you do not take.
- Lastly, if all else fails, offer your services for free at any law firm willing to accommodate you. This may not be what you had in mind, but this will give you that much-needed foot in the door. People are more willing to hire from their own pool, so if it is not the job you want, make sure you do it par excellence, and then as soon as an article job opens up, you are right there willing and waiting to fill the gap.”
Conclusion
The road to admission as an attorney can be daunting, but the Gawie le Roux Institute of Law is here to guide you every step of the way.
The Institute offers Attorneys’ exam courses as well as law school. Invest in your future today!
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