Claudia Zu Bentheim completed the coursework for the LPC-accredited 400-hour GLR PVT School.
Spectacular time management skills and dedication earned her recognition as a top achiever at the Gawie le Roux Institute of Law's PVT Awards Ceremony in June 2025.
About Claudia
"I am currently a jack of all trades at a steel merchant in Johannesburg while looking to secure articles and preparing for the upcoming competency-based exams."
Background
"I graduated cum laude with a postgraduate LLB from STADIO Higher Education. I also have an undergraduate degree majoring in Psychology & Criminology from Tuks, and Honours degrees in Psychology and Criminology, respectively."
Motivation for enrolling at the Gawie le Roux Institute of Law
"I chose the 400-hour GLR PVT School because the school exuded a welcoming and professional atmosphere. Other programmes felt cold and impersonal in comparison. I am happy to say that the GLR Institute was the right choice. The lecturers and support staff were amazing, and I would highly recommend the school."
On facing challenges
"It was challenging to manage a full-time job in an area completely unrelated to law, while studying in the evenings and not neglecting my personal responsibilities, relationships or mental health, especially because the pace of the programme was more intense than that of the LLB. Lacking a robust legal support network due to studying via distance learning and not having started articles yet, made digesting the material a little more challenging than it could have been."
Claudia's tips for PVT students
"The sooner you start, the sooner you can become admitted. Doing the 400-hour programme means you have one less year of articles to worry about.
Manage your time effectively. The programme is much more intense than the LLB, with assessments due nearly every weekend in addition to lectures or recordings for a period of four months. Combining that with a full-time job and personal obligations is difficult. It eventually starts taking its toll, and that is why scheduling self-care as part of your time management strategy is so important.
Try to make friends with a few people in your intake. The school provides a platform for students to interact. Having someone who is facing the same hurdles as you helps immensely with staying sane. Your friends and family might be supportive, but they won’t really understand the pressure you’re under. It also sets you up for having support when it comes to preparing for the board exams.
"Lastly, remember your ‘why’. You will probably question your life choices up until this point a lot. Imposter syndrome will creep in and make you question if you belong in the field. Knowing why you signed up for this journey and where you’re heading will keep you focused and grounded."
What's next?
"I have experience in counselling and coaching and would like to use my background in psychology, criminology and law to help victims of human trafficking and gender-based violence. I haven’t quite figured out the logistics on this yet… I just know my passion for mental health, my empathy for the voiceless and victimised and my strong sense of justice is not a coincidence. I would like to get involved in an organisation, or perhaps start my own, where I can help victims of human trafficking and GBV get access to mental health services, enforce their rights, identify perpetrators and make sure justice is served."
A final word
"I look up to professionals who are authentic and remain true to their values. I admire people who lean into their humanity, have a good sense of humour and have not allowed the profession to harden them while serving their clients with competence and professionalism."
Claudia’s achievement is seriously impressive! Completing a 400-hour programme while juggling work responsibilities shows remarkable drive and discipline. Being recognised as a top achiever is truly well deserved. Her commitment to securing articles and preparing for the next exams shows she’s clearly on a strong path forward—very inspiring.