About Ashley
"I am a Candidate Attorney at Roos Inc., Attorneys in George, Western Cape.
Before entering the legal profession, I spent approximately 14 years in the business sector. I initially studied Chemical Engineering and subsequently built a successful career in operations management, where I developed valuable skills in strategic planning, problem-solving, and decision-making.
Although I enjoyed the challenges and opportunities that accompanied a business career, the law had always been my true passion since childhood ('Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed.' Proverbs 31:8).
In 2020, while working full-time, I made the decision, prompted by my husband, to pursue my childhood dream and commenced my LLB studies through Unisa.
Balancing a demanding management position with part-time studies was one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences of my life. It required discipline, perseverance, effective time management, and, most importantly, the unwavering support of my husband, grandparents, and children. Their encouragement and belief in me carried me through some of the most demanding years of my academic journey.
In 2023, I graduated cum laude with my LLB degree. Although I experienced challenges securing articles immediately after graduation, I remained committed to my goal and continued working in operations management while pursuing opportunities within the legal profession.
In 2025, that opportunity finally arrived when I commenced my articles. Since then, I have gained practical experience in civil litigation, criminal litigation, family law, labour law, commercial and contractual disputes, debt collection, mediation, and alternative dispute resolution. I have also had the privilege of learning under the guidance and mentorship of some of the most respected attorneys in the profession, whose knowledge, professionalism, and dedication continue to shape my development as a future attorney."
"Every day presents a new opportunity to learn, grow and serve others through the law, and I can honestly say that I am living the dream I set out to pursue many years ago."
On enrolling at the Gawie le Roux Institute of Law
"I was looking for a practical training institution that would prepare me for the realities of legal practice and supplement my current practical experience, rather than simply fulfil a regulatory requirement.
The Gawie le Roux Institute of Law immediately stood out because of its reputation for excellence, its commitment to practical legal training, and the calibre of its lecturers. The opportunity to learn from experienced practitioners and leaders within the legal profession was particularly appealing to me.
The programme's emphasis on drafting, court procedure, legal ethics, trial advocacy, and practical problem-solving aligned perfectly with my goal of becoming a competent and confident legal practitioner. The training provided a valuable bridge between academic studies and practice, equipping me with practical skills and knowledge that continue to complement my work daily.
The lecturers were exceptional. They taught from practical experience rather than theory alone. Many are highly respected practitioners in their respective fields and were willing to share not only their legal knowledge, but also the practical lessons, strategies, and insights they have gained throughout their careers.
The lectures were engaging, informative, and directly relevant to practice. Complex legal concepts were explained in a way that was easy to understand and apply in real-world situations.
I particularly appreciated the lecturers' willingness to engage with students, answer questions, and share their experiences openly. Their passion for the profession was evident, and their practical guidance gave me greater confidence as I transitioned from academic studies into legal practice. The quality of the lecturers was undoubtedly one of the highlights of the programme."
400-hour vs 150-hour PVT programme of structured course work
"The 400-hour programme offered both a practical and strategic advantage.
From a practical perspective, successful completion of the programme during my first year of articles would allow me to apply for the reduction of my prescribed articles period and qualify sooner.
More importantly, I viewed the additional training as an investment in my future. The programme provided significantly greater exposure to practical legal training, drafting, court procedure, legal ethics, advocacy, and practice management. It also exposed me to areas of law that I may not encounter every day in practice, broadening my understanding of the profession as a whole.
The additional commitment was unquestionably worthwhile. The practical experience, confidence, and skills I gained through the programme have been invaluable in my development as a legal practitioner."
The mock trial
"I absolutely loved it.
The mock trial was one of the highlights of the programme because it provided an opportunity to experience the practical side of legal practice in a realistic environment. It brought together many of the skills we had been developing throughout the course, including preparation, legal analysis, drafting, advocacy, and the ability to think on one's feet. The exercise provided valuable insight into courtroom dynamics and reinforced the importance of thorough preparation.
It boosted my confidence. As someone entering the legal profession after an established career in business, it was incredibly rewarding to apply what I had learned in a practical setting."
"The experience reinforced my passion for litigation and confirmed that I had chosen the right career path."
Ashley's tips for PVT students
"Without hesitation, I would recommend the programme to anyone considering a career in law. It is one of the best investments a prospective legal practitioner can make in their future.
My advice would be to:
- Approach the programme as an opportunity to develop practical skills rather than simply another requirement to complete. Participate actively, ask questions, and take full advantage of the opportunity to learn from highly experienced legal practitioners. The more effort you invest, the more value you will receive.
- Keep copies of your notes, drafting exercises, and precedents. Many of these resources become invaluable once you enter practice.
- For those balancing work, studies, and family responsibilities, effective time management is essential. The programme requires commitment, discipline, and sacrifice, but the practical exposure, confidence, and skills you gain make every hour worthwhile.
- Never underestimate the value of hard work, perseverance, and faith. Stay committed to your goals, even when the journey becomes difficult. In my experience, dedication and hard work are always rewarded."
On facing challenges
"The greatest challenge was undoubtedly managing my time effectively. At the time, I was balancing a full-time candidate position, family responsibilities, and the practical training requirements of the GLR programme. There were many evenings, weekends, and holidays dedicated to studying, attending lectures, and completing course work.
Successfully managing these competing responsibilities required dedication, discipline, and a clear understanding of my long-term goals. It is an intentional decision.
I learned very quickly that consistency and self-discipline are often more important than motivation. There will always be days when you feel tired, overwhelmed, or discouraged, but meaningful progress is achieved by continuing to move forward, one step at a time.
The challenges were well worth it. The experience strengthened my resilience, sharpened my time-management skills, and prepared me for the realities and demands of legal practice."
Ashley's recommended reading for legal practitioners
"One book I believe every legal practitioner, particularly litigators, should read is The Art of War by Sun Tzu.
Although written as a military strategy text, many of its principles are directly applicable to litigation. Successful litigation is rarely about aggression alone. It is about preparation, strategy, understanding your opponent, identifying strengths and weaknesses, and positioning yourself for the best possible outcome.
Sun Tzu's emphasis on preparation, adaptability, and strategic thinking mirrors the realities of legal practice. Many matters are won long before they reach the courtroom through careful planning, thorough preparation, and anticipating the next move of the opposing party.
For litigators, The Art of War serves as a reminder that every matter requires a carefully considered strategy, attention to detail, and the ability to adapt when circumstances change. These qualities often distinguish good lawyers from great ones."
What's next?
"I firmly believe that learning in the legal profession never ends.
My current focus is on developing my trial advocacy skills, as I have a particular passion for litigation and courtroom practice. I am actively seeking opportunities to improve my advocacy techniques, strengthen my courtroom presence, and deepen my understanding of effective trial strategy.
In addition, I am pursuing further knowledge in legal practice management and trust accounting. I believe it is essential to understand not only the practice of law but also the business and financial responsibilities that accompany running a successful legal practice.
By combining strong advocacy skills with sound practice management principles, I hope to build a career that allows me to serve clients effectively, uphold the highest professional standards, and contribute meaningfully to the legal profession."
Last updated on 17 June 2026.