Hein Bredenkamp successfully completed the coursework for the LPC-accredited 400-hour GLR PVT School.
Discipline and a strong support system earned him recognition as a top achiever at the Gawie le Roux Institute of Law's PVT Awards Ceremony in October 2025.
About Hein
"After a long career in public administration, where I served for over 30 years in senior management, I chose to pursue my lifelong passion for the law."
On enrolling at the Gawie le Roux Institute of Law
"My decision was the result of my research. I was looking for a programme that offered more than just academic knowledge; my specific goal was to gain the most practical, real-world experience possible. GLR's reputation for hands-on, practice-oriented training stood out. That, combined with the flexible after-hours structure, made it the clear and logical choice to achieve my objectives."
400-hour vs 150-hour PVT programme of structured course work
"My major consideration was the potential to shorten my articles by a year. However, the deciding factor was a specific goal: I have decades of experience working with the law from a public sector management perspective, but I needed direct exposure to the business of law. I hoped that the 400-hour programme would serve as a bridge between my existing knowledge and the day-to-day realities of legal practice. GLR surpassed this expectation; it wasn't just theoretical training; it was a simulation of the practical challenges and responsibilities an attorney manages."
On facing challenges
"The major challenge was balancing a full workday in a new practice environment with the demands of the programme. It's an undertaking that requires significant organisation. I was fortunate to have two key advantages. First, an incredible support system in my mentor, Piet van Staden, and in my wife and family, whose encouragement was a constant source of strength.
Second, I drew on the discipline honed over a 30-year management career. The ability to prioritise and focus, developed while working and studying previously, was essential in navigating the workload effectively."
Hein's tips for PVT students
"I'd offer three principles:
- First, discipline is non-negotiable. There is simply no substitute for the chair behind the desk for hours of focused work.
- Second, protect your well-being. This is a marathon, not a sprint. Maintaining a balance between your studies, your work, and your personal life is crucial.
- Finally, embrace resilience. You will have difficult days. The key is to view setbacks not as failures, but as necessary parts of the growth process. True development always happens at the edge of your comfort zone."
A final word
"My philosophy is to find a lesson in everyone I meet. I make a conscious effort to learn from the experiences of each person who crosses my path.
Beyond that, I get real inspiration from history and science. Studying the great minds of the past provides a library of successes and failures. I believe learning what not to do from a bad example is often just as valuable as learning what to do from a good one."
What's next?
"Both conveyancing and estate administration demand a high degree of precision and attention to process, which I enjoy. My interest in these fields stems from my background in managing complex systems. But more than that, they are areas of law where theory meets tangible human reality. I enjoy the challenge of navigating the processes while also applying strategic problem-solving when the inevitable unexpected issues arise."
Last updated on 07/10/2025