Francois Malherbe passed the LPC's notarial practice exam in April 2025.
About Francois
Francois is currently an attorney and conveyancer at MHi Attorneys.
Background
"I attended Stellenbosch University from 2016 to 2021. I graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) degree in 2018 and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree in 2021."
On enrolling at the Gawie le Roux Institute of Law
"GLR is well-regarded within the legal industry. Before deciding to attempt the notarial exam, I consulted with several colleagues who had recently passed, and there was a clear consensus that Gawie le Roux was the preferred choice for preparation. Prior to registering for the course, I reviewed an older set of notes purchased by a colleague a few years ago—the quality and depth of the material spoke for themselves.
I have completed both the conveyancing and notary courses with the assistance of GLR. The notary course was most recent. I opted for the recording option as it allowed me to listen to the lectures in my own time and at my own pace. The video lectures are extremely comprehensive and break the content down into consumable chunks."
"The continued reference to examples forces a learner to grapple with the theory and to understand how it is applied in practice. This was most certainly a lifeline to me."
Francois' study tips for the notarial exam
"Leave sufficient time. I would recommend no less than 10-12 weeks, learner-dependent. Be sure to leave sufficient time to practice examples (by writing them out entirely) and attempt as many past exams as possible. It cannot be stressed enough that the notary papers are focused on drafting as opposed to the mere regurgitation of theory."
A final word
"Undoubtedly, hard work, faith, and perseverance played a crucial role in my success. I could not have achieved this milestone without the support of my wife and broader support system. The Gawie le Roux notes and lectures were instrumental in helping me absorb and retain the content required for the exam. Learning that I was one of only ten candidates nationwide to have passed was both humbling and extremely rewarding."
"Don’t let the low pass rate discourage you. The notarial exam is tough, but with the right preparation, it’s absolutely doable. Focus on understanding the material, practice past papers, and start early. Consistency and confidence are key — many have passed, and so can you."