About Thersia
Thersia Du Toit-Smit is a Senior State Advocate in the Specialised Commercial Crime Unit (DPP: WC) of the National Prosecuting Authority of South Africa (NPA).
Background
"I’m a multidisciplinary legal professional with 28+ years of experience spanning complex commercial crime, cybercrime investigation, inclusive education law, and human rights advocacy. As a Prosecutor of Complex Commercial Crime, Legal Tech, Fraud Examiner, Forensic Practitioner, and PLT (now called PVT) graduate, I bring forensic precision to legal analysis, policy development, and training across sectors — from government to academia."
On Gawie le Roux's Attorneys' admission exam courses
"I only used the comprehensive GLR notes for Paper 3. These notes assisted me in giving me a better perspective of focus areas and also assisted me with my own summaries of the curriculum for Paper 3."
"The GLR notes for P3 make studying for it simpler."
"I also follow Johan van Stade on LinkedIn, and read all his posts about study tips and guidance in approaching the examinations."
Thersia's study tips for the CBE
- "I have found that when I explain a concept to a fellow candidate legal practitioner (CLP), I remember it too. My boys are autistic, and I know that using all the senses when studying or trying to grasp a concept works the best. Talk to yourself, make mind maps, and explain your understanding to someone else.
- Study with insight, do not just study to remember. Study to retain the theory and apply it to a practical scenario. This, for me, comes with reading case law and doing research.
- Balance theory and practice. Exams test both your knowledge and your ability to apply it.
- Use past papers strategically. They reveal patterns and help you anticipate question types.
- Stay consistent. Regular, focused study beats cramming. Build a routine that works for you."
Key lessons learnt over a 28+ year legal career
- Cultivate resilience and lifelong learning: Opportunities will arise, but resilience is key to recognising and seizing them. Commit to continuous learning and pursue knowledge in areas that spark your interest. Every step taken toward personal and professional growth strengthens your foundation.
- Engage with experts and embrace guidance: Surround yourself with individuals who possess greater expertise. Build meaningful networks, listen actively, and never hesitate to ask questions; no inquiry is ever trivial. Growth stems from a willingness to accept constructive feedback and guidance with an open mind.
- Practice patience and lead with humility: Trust that the right opportunity will present itself at the appropriate time. Maintain humility, treat others with respect, and choose to support rather than criticise. Remember, everyone begins somewhere — extend the same grace you once needed.
What's next?
"Over the next two years, I intend to further my academic qualifications. At present, my focus remains on my responsibilities as a Senior State Advocate, specifically in the domain of high-profile prosecutions, while finalising my application for admission as an attorney.
Given my extensive experience, the nature of my work, and my contributions to legal scholarship — including published works, legal training across various disciplines, and cited cases in both the High Court and Supreme Court of Appeal — I will be requesting an exemption from a practical vocational training (PVT) contract (articles) from both the Legal Practice Council (LPC) and the Court. To support this, I have submitted a legal opinion currently under consideration by the Public Service Association (PSA) and the NPA, advocating for PVT exemption for prosecutors in similar positions.
My intention is to apply for admission and enrolment as a non-practising attorney. Following this, I plan to submit a research proposal to UNISA based on my published chapter on Autism and the Law, with the aim of pursuing a master’s degree. I hope that the depth and originality of the existing research may qualify me for exemption from the master’s programme, allowing me to proceed directly to doctoral studies.
Additionally, I aspire to be appointed as a research fellow within UNISA’s Department of Inclusive Education, where I will continue my research and contribute to academic discourse through publications focused on neurodiversity rights."
"I hope to continue with skills transfer within the NPA and for CLPs."
Last updated on 24/10/2025
Inspiration and insightful.