About Tracy
"My professional journey has never been single-tracked, but law was always a common denominator. I have been fortunate to work in technology, energy, construction, and retail industries. My foundation was built on business finance and technology solutions with a BCompt degree. I followed with a law degree at the University of South Africa. I wrote part of my exams in South Africa and finalised my law degree exams at the Auckland University campus in New Zealand."
"To me, law is a field that is continually reshaping the way we live, thrive and contribute to society meaningfully. True fulfilment, however, lies in using these skills to help others. I am a problem solver at heart, and I dedicate most of my free time to sharing my knowledge freely with the community around me."
On enrolling at the Gawie le Roux Institute of Law
"My first impression of their offering on social media captivated my interest. Thereafter, I sent a message to a trusted mentor in the legal sphere for an opinion and did some research. I was absolutely thrilled to have been accepted to attend the GLR PVT School.
It’s equivalent to a master class delivered by a consummate and exemplary professional. Everyone loved that Gawie le Roux, the founder of the law school, made a surprise guest appearance on two occasions. All the lectures were phenomenal, and lecturers who stood out for me (in no specific order) were: Dr Adriette Dekker, Dr Llewelyn Curlewis, Adv. Karlien Markram-Jooste, Prof. Koos Malan, Adv. Elgemé Haarhoff, Dr Michele van Eck, Karin van Eck, Dr Ferdinand Kehrhahn, and Elsje Clarke."
The mock trial
"Best described with adjectives: Illuminating, educational, essential, intense, humbling, and wonderful team building with fellow colleagues."
Tracy's tips for PVT students
- "Adopt a positive and end-goal mindset: Your results and certificate are handed in when you apply for admission as a legal practitioner. Plan ahead and strive for excellence from the outset.
- Maximise your study hours: To acquire full benefit and value, commit fully to the allocated course time. Attend live lectures whenever possible. Watch or replay recorded lecture sessions to reinforce your learning.
- Prioritise online punctuality: Log onto online lectures 10-15 minutes ahead of time. It may happen that crucial announcements are made at the start, and your digital attendance is tracked as a mandatory requirement for course completion.
- Execute assignments early: If the lecturer requires a written assignment, do not start midway or towards the deadline. Rather, start immediately and follow the instructions.
- Leverage your networks: Join the student Signal group at the start to exchange valuable peer tips and reminders. Concurrently, keep your programme administrator's contact details ready so that you can communicate if a problem arises. There is no need to panic; just communicate immediately.
- Master your schedule: Print and/or jot down your programme and note the dates/times for deadlines or any changes. Do not rely on a single calendar; cross-check on other platforms or Signal.
- Build tech redundancies: Always have a backup plan for wi-fi or if you lose your equipment. Avoid submitting tests or assignments at the last moment. If you do lose connectivity during a test, the system is designed to save your progress. Once during my own three-hour test, my wi-fi repeatedly dropped, but the platform rebooted precisely where I left off, giving me ample time to complete it."
On facing challenges
"Balancing a demanding four-month programme with unpredictable realities of life is an inevitable challenge. To stay ahead, I took a proactive approach. Whenever professional conflicts arose, I diligently rescheduled my commitments or delegated tasks to colleagues. Fortunately, the programme's well-paced structure offered the agility I needed.
When personal situations demanded my attention, I could pivot between live and recorded lectures. Ultimately, open communication via Signal and email proved to be my greatest asset, making it easier to resolve any hurdles along the way. In fact, the GLR law school itself demonstrated agility and robust engagement with students when it was brought to their attention that one of the course dates fell on a board exam date. GLR swiftly adjusted the course timetable to accommodate affected students."
Tracy's recommended reading for legal practitioners
"True strategic thinking requires cognitive diversity. My late father championed the idea that the mind is a professional’s greatest asset, a concept backed by neurology: reading about unfamiliar subjects actively builds new neural pathways.
To truly sharpen your strategic edge and understanding, your library should stretch beyond your comfort zone. Consuming books on time management, philosophy, history, and culture – alongside specialised scientific texts like botany or medicine – broadens perspective, fuels innovation, and allows you to approach complex business problems with entirely fresh solutions. I do read fiction as well as to relax, to be more creative in thought, and to debate or entertain another person’s point of view.
Some of my favourites:
- Atomic Habits by James Clear: Motivational. Small positive changes or changes to habits will gradually accumulate in the right direction over time to a positive outcome.
- A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson: Fortunately, a witty and concise read showing how much more there is to the world to explore.
- The Story of My Experiments with Truth by Mahatma Gandhi: About a lawyer who practiced in South Africa and was a peace advocate.
- Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela: A must-read. In fact, there are some beautiful history books that tell stories of the first black lawyers and indigenous law in South Africa. It is also interesting to read about indigenous laws and the history of other countries as well, to gain better perspectives.
- The Geography of South Africa in a Changing World by Roddy Fox and Kate Rowntree: In the past, geography was the subject that set the platform for every other subject you learn at university. The geography of any country depicts the layout and construction that follows in that country in terms of development and commerce.
- Climate Change, Carbon Trading and Civil Society – Negative Returns on South African Investments by Patrick Bond, Rehana Dada, and Graham Erion: This book was recommended to me by an environmental lawyer. I find some concepts such as carbon trading difficult to understand practically, and this book made it easier to understand that concept.
- Unbowed: A Memoir by Wangari Maathai: A courageous woman who won the Goldman Environmental Prize and founded the Green Belt Movement.
- Why We Sleep: The New Science of Sleep and Dreams by Matthew Walker: 'Your health is your wealth'. One prominent CEO in South Africa said if you did not look after your health, then your wealth would be all spent on your health. Stress, sleep, and fitness should matter to a legal professional.
- Nine Pints: A Journey Through the Money, Medicine, and Mysteries of Blood by Rose George: Written by a British investigative journalist, this was an interesting read recommended by Bill Gates as part of his regular summer reads. I find what you think you know, and you may think you know it all – the harsh realisation is that there is always more to know. I am thankful to authors and brave investigative journalists who delve to unearth truths and understandings."
What's next?
"I would like to further pursue professional legal skills in conveyancing and notarial practice."
Last updated on 29 September 2026.