Naomi Engelbrecht was a top achiever at our recent awards ceremony for alumni who excelled in the LPC exams.
About Naomi
"I’m currently a second-year candidate attorney at CK Attorneys, where I’m gaining valuable exposure to various aspects of legal practice. My areas of interest include family law, evictions, and civil litigation in general. I’ve particularly enjoyed seeing how legal principles play out in practical, client-centred work. It’s a side of the law that constantly challenges and inspires me to keep learning."
Background
"I completed both my BA Law and LLB degrees at the University of Pretoria. My studies gave me a solid legal foundation while developing my interest in critical thinking, research, and the practical application of the law."
On Gawie le Roux's Attorneys' admission exam courses
"The Gawie le Roux Attorneys’ admission exam courses were instrumental in helping me prepare for the exams. I enrolled for the recordings covering all four papers. The concise notes, practical examples, and model answers clarified exactly what the scope provided for, while the structured approach helped me stay organised. The notes and recordings made time management more bearable, which made it easier to balance my preparation with the demands of work."
Naomi's study tips for the CBE
- "Time management is absolutely key. Start early, plan your study schedule carefully, and stick to it.
- Breaking the syllabus into smaller, achievable goals helps you stay consistent and reduces stress closer to the exams.
- Past papers are incredibly valuable; practicing them under timed conditions builds confidence and improves recall.
- The Gawie le Roux notes were my go-to resource; they condense the content into an exam-focused format that’s easy to revise from.
- Above all, consistency matters more than intensity. A few well-structured hours every day are far more effective than last-minute cramming."
Staying motivated
"It can definitely be challenging at times, but I tried to keep perspective. These exams are an essential step toward admission and the career I’ve always wanted. I set smaller, manageable goals and reward myself when I meet them, which keeps me motivated."
"What helps most is remembering that every bit of effort brings me closer to becoming an admitted attorney, and that thought alone keeps me going even after a long day at work."
How to secure articles as a candidate attorney
- "Be intentional about your applications and tailor each one to the firm you’re applying to.
- Highlight your strengths, but also show your willingness to learn and contribute.
- Networking, whether through university events, clerkships, or online platforms, is also incredibly useful.
- Don’t discount smaller firms; they often provide a broader range of exposure and practical experience early on.
- Persistence, preparation, and professionalism make all the difference."
Top takeaways from Naomi's articles of clerkship
- "Adaptability is essential: Every day as a candidate attorney brings new challenges, from client interactions to urgent instructions, and learning to adapt quickly is key to growth.
- Balance matters: Managing competing demands while maintaining accuracy, professionalism, and composure is an ongoing skill that develops with experience.
- Confidence grows through experience: The legal environment can be fast-paced and demanding, but each task, appearance, and consultation builds both competence and self-assurance."
What's next?
"Next, I plan to complete Gawie le Roux's LPC-accredited Advanced trial advocacy course. The admission exam courses built a strong theoretical and procedural foundation, but trial advocacy focuses on the art of running a trial, from cross-examination techniques to persuasive argument. I’m excited to refine those advocacy skills in a structured, practical environment that mirrors real litigation work and complements the civil practice I’m already involved in."
Last updated on 08/10/2025