About Michelle
"I joined Richard Evans & Associates as a receptionist in 2006. What started as a chance opportunity quickly grew into a passion. I soon advanced to legal secretary, completed my senior paralegal diploma in 2012, and found myself increasingly drawn to the law. With the encouragement of the partners, I enrolled for my LLB in 2021 and completed it in 2025.
I commenced my articles at the same firm on 1 December 2025, where I have developed a particular passion for property law and estates."
On enrolling at the Gawie le Roux Institute of Law
"I chose the Gawie le Roux PVT School because of its outstanding reputation for communication, quality study material, and excellent lecturers. Whatever expectations I had going in were exceeded. The professionalism, organisation, and genuine support from the entire GLR team made the experience not only manageable but truly enjoyable.
I was genuinely blown away. The lecturers were not only highly knowledgeable and professional but also exceptionally skilled at explaining complex concepts in an accessible way. They were approachable, engaging, and often very entertaining!"
"Their enthusiasm for the law was contagious."
"You could see that they were passionate about sharing their knowledge and preparing us for upcoming exams and practice."
400-hour vs 150-hour PVT programme of structured course work
"I chose the 400-hour programme because I wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to complete one year of articles instead of two. More than that, I saw it as an investment in my future. I wanted to immerse myself fully in the practical training and ensure that I entered practice with the strongest possible foundation."
On facing challenges
"My biggest challenge was learning to say no to social events. Balancing work, studies, and personal commitments required discipline and intentional time management. Fortunately, I was in a supportive work environment that allowed me to dedicate the necessary time to the programme.
On a personal level, I reminded myself constantly that the course was temporary. What is a few intense months in preparation for a lifelong career? Keeping that bigger picture in mind helped me stay focused and committed."
Michelle's tips for PVT students
- "Master the GLR platform from Day 1. Take the time to familiarise yourself with the learning platform. Know where to access notes, recordings, and resources. It makes everything far more manageable.
- Avoid procrastination at all costs. Even on your busiest days, do something, even if it is just 30 minutes. Small, consistent effort adds up quickly. There is nothing more satisfying than reaching a deadline for a test or assignment and realising you have already completed it. It also allows you to move confidently onto the next subject while others are scrambling to catch up. Consistency is truly the key to success in this programme."
What's next?
"Next up are the board exams, followed by the conveyancing and notary examinations. I am excited to continue building my expertise, particularly in property law and estates."
Last updated on 17 February 2026.