Riya Pillay attended the LPC-accredited Advanced trial advocacy course in May 2026.
Candidates who demonstrate their competence during this course receive a certificate enabling them to apply to the Legal Practice Council (LPC) for the -
- right of appearance in the High Court (s 25(3)); or
- conversion from attorney to advocate (s 32(1)(a)).
About Riya
"I graduated with a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of KwaZulu-Natal in 2024. I then served articles at Nike Pillay Incorporated, where I have since been retained as an Associate. I was admitted as an Attorney of the High Court of South Africa on 2 March 2026."
On enrolling in the trial advocacy course at the Gawie le Roux Institute of Law
"While I had been serving articles, I noticed that for most matters at our firm, we would brief advocates to appear and argue matters in court. Some of these briefs also included simple adjournments, which I thought I would like to try my hand at. I have always been intrigued by the element of strategy involved in litigation and hoped that I, too, would one day be proficient enough to present matters in Court.
The challenge then was that, as a newly admitted attorney, I did not have the rights (nor the confidence) to appear and eventually take on more experienced adversaries in the High Court. It also seemed redundant to wait the required three years to gain the rights of appearance and only at that point in my career, begin simple adjournments and to learn the intricacies of High Court practice, especially when a much simpler, beneficial solution existed.
Dr Willem Gravett was a great lecturer. Not only was he routinely prepared for each session, but he also had many interesting tales to share from his experiences in court.
This helped explain the principles he was trying to convey, and also kept us engaged with the course content. His demeanour was easily approachable, and he was always willing to answer the questions we had."
On the practical nature and outcomes of the course
"As this course is accredited with the LPC, I will now be able to apply for right of appearance in the High Court (s 25(3)). Not only that, but I am also now equipped with the trial advocacy skills needed to effectively and efficiently present matters at Court.
Apart from the course enabling a legal practitioner to obtain the certificate, the course would benefit both newly admitted legal practitioners and legal practitioners who have been in practice for years. The course has been designed in a manner that is meticulous and detailed so that younger legal practitioners will learn the precise and proper skills of effective trial advocacy at the early stages of their career.
These skills can be carried on into their future appearances, while even legal practitioners who have been arguing in court for years can find new techniques and ways to sharpen their skills."
Key takeaways
- "Dr Willem Gravett was thoroughly prepared, and he presented the material in a way that was informative, yet entertaining.
- The material itself was deeply insightful in the technique and pertinent skills needed to present an effective argument in court.
- The Gawie le Roux team was especially helpful and well-organised. Special mention must be made of Linda Kleinhans, who made the entire administrative process a breeze and was more than happy to assist with my numerous queries."
Location, location, location
"The venue was awesome! The Intaba Venue at the Team Building Institute in Pretoria is a wonderful space, tucked away in Wapadrand, Pretoria. Not only was the venue filled with great natural light and had comfortable seating, but the location was great to limit unwanted distractions and create a conducive environment for meaningful engagement to take place."
Last updated on 3 June 2026.
Proud of you Riya your achievements and accomplishments both in the legal forum and on a personal capacity. You have made us proud
Congratulations