About Nicole
"I am currently completing my LLB at North-West University and preparing to enter the legal profession as a candidate attorney."
On enrolling at the Gawie le Roux Institute of Law
"I chose Gawie le Roux because I wanted more than just a certificate to complete my practical vocational training. I wanted training that would prepare me for the realities of legal practice. Gawie le Roux has a reputation for producing capable, practice-ready legal professionals, and that is exactly what I was looking for.
The structure of the 400-hour programme, the emphasis on practical skills, and the quality of the lecturers made it an easy decision. As someone who hopes to build a long-term career in the legal profession, I wanted to learn from practitioners who could bridge the gap between legal theory and practice.
The lecturers were one of the highlights of the programme. Every lecturer brought valuable practical experience into the classroom, and they were always willing to answer questions and share insights from practice."
"Dr Curlewis stood out to me in particular. His passion for the law is contagious, and he has a way of explaining complex legal concepts in a practical, understandable way. He consistently challenged us to think like legal practitioners rather than students, which made a lasting impact on me."
The mock trial
"The mock trial was one of the most valuable experiences during the programme because it brought everything we had learned together in a realistic courtroom setting.
My biggest takeaway was that preparation is everything. The exercise taught me that confidence in court does not come from knowing the law alone; it comes from thorough preparation, understanding your case, and thinking on your feet.
It reminded me of one of Gawie le Roux's sayings that stayed with me throughout the programme: 'Proper preparation prevents poor performance.' "
Nicole's tips for PVT students
"Treat the programme like your first legal job, not just another course.
- Stay consistent and keep up with the workload instead of leaving assignments until the last minute.
- Participate in discussions and ask questions; the lecturers have a wealth of practical knowledge.
- Put genuine effort into every assessment and practical exercise because those are the opportunities where your legal skills really develop.
- Most importantly, prepare well. The programme rewards discipline and consistency."
The top achiever award
"I plan to use my voucher towards my preparation for the board examinations. It is an investment in the next stage of my legal journey, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity. Receiving the voucher as a top achiever is both an honour and a motivation to continue pursuing excellence."
On facing challenges
"The biggest challenge was balancing multiple commitments at the same time. I was completing my LLB, working as an assistant marker at university, preparing PVT files and assessments, and continuing to pursue opportunities for my future legal career.
There were definitely moments where it felt overwhelming, but I learned the importance of planning, discipline, and showing up consistently, even on difficult days. Instead of trying to do everything perfectly at once, I focused on taking one task at a time and staying committed to the bigger goal."
What's next?
"My next focus is securing articles and continuing to develop practical litigation and advocacy skills. I also plan to prepare for the board examinations and continue investing in professional development through specialised legal courses and practical training opportunities.
I believe learning does not stop after university or PVT. The legal profession requires continuous growth, and I am excited to keep building the knowledge and skills that will help me serve clients with excellence and integrity."
Last updated on 16 September 2026.