Nicolette Bekker completed the 400-hour GLR PVT School in 2024, and gained early entry to write the competency-based exams thereafter. She has now passed all her papers.
About Nicolette
"I completed a BCom Law degree followed by an LLB, which provided me with both a business and legal foundation. I mainly work in HR and Finance, where I focus on ensuring compliance and applying both my legal and business knowledge."
On enrolling at the Gawie le Roux Institute of Law
"I chose Gawie le Roux because it offers comprehensive training for the PVT programme, presented by industry professionals with practical experience. The notes are also detailed and well-structured. I prefer learning with audio, so the availability of recorded lectures was a major advantage for me. As I work full-time, it gave me flexibility to catch up."
400-hour vs 150-hour PVT programme of structured course work
"I have not yet completed my articles, but I did not want to fall behind. The 400-hour PVT programme allowed me to qualify to write the board exams before securing articles."
On facing challenges
"Balancing full-time work, children, and daily responsibilities was challenging. I managed this by staying disciplined and committing to doing a little bit of work every day. Discipline is extremely important; study time is study time."
Nicolette's tips for PVT students
"Manage your time effectively, make sure you understand the real-world application of the work, and give yourself enough time to study properly; cover all the material."
Top tips to pass the attorneys’ admission exams
- "Start early. I gave myself about four weeks per subject and alternated subjects daily.
- Focus on understanding the concepts and how the syllabus works together, rather than studying topics in isolation, especially for Paper 1 and Paper 3, where there is overlap. For Paper 4, practice as much as possible, and make sure you know the layout of your L&D.
- Most importantly, manage your time well, as many people underestimate how much time is needed. Avoid cramming and focus on understanding what is being tested. Build in time to relax the day before the exam."
"The PVT lectures were thorough and covered topics in depth, with a strong focus on practical understanding. The exam preparation classes complemented what I had already studied and helped reinforce key concepts, while also guiding exam techniques and highlighting important areas. However, having written the exams, you need to use the prep classes as a tool to allow you to study."
What's next?
"I am currently pursuing my MBA and look forward to combining my legal and business knowledge in the future. I'm currently reading a lot on business as I continue my studies. Recently, I have read The Goal, As a Man Thinketh, and The Richest Man in Babylon.
I also plan to complete a mediation course to become accredited."
Last updated on 29 April 2026.