Competencies Developed in this Short Course
This comprehensive course equips candidate attorneys with the essential practical skills and professional mindset required to transition successfully from training to practice. Covering core areas such as court appearances, litigation techniques, client consultations, legal drafting, research and advocacy, the course provides a structured foundation for professional growth. Each module builds progressively, linking drafting, courtroom practice, advisory skills and exam readiness to create a cohesive learning pathway. By the end of the programme, candidate attorneys will be able to do the following:
- Demonstrate competence in court appearances by applying correct procedures, etiquette, and advocacy skills in both civil and criminal matters.
- Draft a wide range of legal documents (including pleadings, affidavits, notices of motion, particulars of claim, pleas, counterclaims, and heads of argument) in compliance with procedural rules and professional standards.
- Apply principles of legal drafting to produce documents that are clear, precise, client-focused, and procedurally compliant.
- Conduct effective client consultations by integrating ethics, preparation, communication, and time management skills under the guidance of a supervising attorney.
- Undertake legal research with diligence and accuracy, using authoritative sources such as case law, legislation, and practice directives to support litigation and advisory work.
- Integrate PVT and PLT requirements by developing the mindset and skills necessary to transition from student to professional legal practitioner.
- Employ sound litigation techniques including opening and closing cases, examination-in-chief, cross-examination, and re-examination.
- Prepare and deliver persuasive legal arguments by linking written heads of argument with oral advocacy supported by legal authorities.
- Draft professional legal opinions by structuring research, adapting judicial reasoning, and providing practical, client-focused advice.
- Exhibit professional growth and readiness for board examinations and legal practice by synthesising skills in drafting, advocacy, research, and client interaction.
Course Delivery, Duration and Effort
This short course is delivered through the SA Legal Academy online learning campus over a duration of six months. The course is divided into 17 modules, requiring 4 to 8 hours of effort per week. This allows you to upskill yourself through a just-in-time learning approach while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Who Should Attend?
This short course is designed for candidate attorneys seeking to build practical legal skills, strengthen professional competence and prepare effectively for board examinations and legal practice.
About the Presenter
Advocate Lisa Thomas
A former criminal defence advocate and in-house counsel in Durban, Adv Lisa Thomas has seen the law practice from both sides. She graduated with her LLB, completed her pupillage and was admitted as an advocate in 2008. Her current area of interest is in alternative dispute resolution, specifically mediation. She is a maverick for humanity and ethics within the legal profession in South Africa with a focus on candidate attorneys.
Admission Requirements
There are no prerequisites to attend this course.
Assessments
All formative assessments will be conducted online and candidates are required to demonstrate competence in every course outcome. To successfully complete the programme, learners must be declared competent in all assessments.
Certification
Successful completion (i.e. competence in all modules) of this course will lead learners to be awarded a Certificate of Completion.
Curriculum
Overview:
The course is divided into 5 learning phases with the following modules:
Phase 1: Foundation & Preparation
- Module 1: Conquering Practical Vocational Training for Candidate Attorneys
- Module 2: Do's and Don'ts of Your First Appearance as a Candidate Attorney
- Module 3: Actions & Applications - What's the Difference?
- Module 4: Practical Approach to PVT & Board Exams for Candidate Attorneys
- Module 5: Conducting Client Consultations
Phase 2: Core Legal Practice Skills
- Module 6: Basic Litigation Techniques for Candidate Attorneys
- Module 7: Tips & Tricks of Conducting Legal Research
- Module 8: How to Approach Written & Oral Exams for Candidate Attorneys
Phase 3: Legal Drafting Fundamentals
- Module 9: Basic Legal Drafting Foundations
- Module 10: Notice of Motion Simplified for Candidate Attorneys
- Module 11: Legal Letters Simplified for Candidate Attorneys
- Phase 4: Advanced Drafting - Court Documents
Module 12: Particulars of Claim Simplified for Candidate Attorneys
- Module 13: Plea Simplified for Candidate Attorneys
- Module 14: Counterclaim Simplified for Candidate Attorneys
- Module 15: Heads of Argument Simplified for Candidate Attorney
Phase 5: Professional Opinion Writing
- Module 16: Legal Opinion Simplified for Candidate Attorneys
- Module 17: How to Use Legal Judgments in Legal Opinion Writing
Phase 1: Foundation & Preparation
Module 1: Conquering Practical Vocational Training for Candidate Attorneys
Overview:
Module 1 provides candidate attorneys with the essential knowledge and practical skills required for effective court appearances and the preparation of court documents. The module covers drafting, service and filing of documents, court etiquette, and client consultations to build competence and confidence in legal practice.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify and understand the different types of court appearances and the purpose of each in legal practice.
- Draft, review, and manage core court documents, including pleadings and affidavits, in compliance with court rules and procedures.
- Apply correct court etiquette when addressing presiding officers and participating in court proceedings.
- Demonstrate competence in handling court documents, including service, filing, and the use of precedents/templates.
- Develop effective client consultation skills to prepare for court appearances and the drafting of legal documents. Module 2: Advantages and Framework
Module 2: Do's and Don'ts of Your First Appearance as a Candidate Attorneys
Overview:
Module 2 introduces candidate attorneys to the essential preparations and professional conduct required for a first court appearance. It focuses on courtroom orientation, client and file preparation, and managing instructions and outcomes with confidence and accuracy.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify the correct courtroom and presiding officer to ensure proper attendance and procedure.
- Review and prepare the client’s file and supporting documents for effective court presentation.
- Demonstrate skills in preparing clients for court appearances in line with professional standards.
- Apply principal’s instructions and align them with the client’s mandate and desired outcomes.
- Respond appropriately to adjournments and emergencies during court proceedings.
Module 3: Actions & Applications - What's the Difference?
Overview:
The third module equips candidate attorneys with the ability to distinguish between actions and applications, ensuring they select the correct procedure for different legal matters. The module focuses on the nature, sequence and necessity of court papers, as well as the closing of pleadings and exchange processes.
Learning Objectives:
- Differentiate between actions and applications and determine the appropriate procedure for a given legal matter.
- Describe the nature and characteristics of both actions and applications in court practice.
- Identify and analyse the papers required in each type of proceeding and their sequence.
- Evaluate the necessity and purpose of each document in the litigation process.
- Explain the concept of closing of pleadings and the exchange of papers in actions and applications.
Module 4: Practical Approach to PVT & Board Exams for Candidate Attorneys
Overview:
Module 4 provides candidate attorneys with a practical approach to integrating Practical Vocational Training (PVT) and Practical Legal Training (PLT). It emphasises shifting from a student mindset to that of a legal practitioner in preparation for board examinations and professional practice.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the purpose and structure of Practical Vocational Training and Practical Legal Training.
- Recognise the interconnected nature of PVT and PLT in developing professional competence.
- Apply practical strategies to maximise learning and performance in both training and board exams.
- Differentiate between the mentality of a student and that of a future legal practitioner.
- Adopt a professional approach that fosters readiness for board exams and transition into practice.
Module 5: Conducting Client Consultations
Overview:
This module develops candidate attorneys’ ability to conduct professional and effective client consultations. It covers ethics, client types, file preparation, mandates and time management, while emphasising the supervisory role of the principal attorney.
Learning Objectives:
- Define who clients are and recognise the importance of professional client relationships.
- Apply ethical principles when conducting consultations with new and existing clients.
- Prepare and manage client files, consultation questions, and mandates effectively.
- Demonstrate awareness of the supervising/principal attorney’s role in client consultations.
- Manage time efficiently to ensure structured and productive consultations.
Phase 2: Core Legal Practice Skills
Module 6: Basic Litigation Techniques for Candidate Attorneys
Overview:
Module 6 introduces candidate attorneys to the fundamentals of litigation and its practical application in both civil and criminal trials. It covers trial phases, case presentation, questioning techniques, and the effective use of examination and cross-examination Strategies and best practices for the successful delivery of legal projects.
Learning Objectives:
- Explain what litigation entails and identify situations where it is necessary.
- Describe the phases of a civil and criminal trial and their significance.
- Apply appropriate techniques when opening and closing a case.
- Differentiate between types of questions and their strategic use in trial proceedings.
- Demonstrate the skills required for examination-in-chief, cross-examination, and re-examination.
Module 7: Tips & Tricks of Conducting Legal Research
Overview:
In this module, candidate attorneys are equipped with practical skills for conducting accurate and efficient legal research. The module emphasises the use and value of different research sources, including case law and legislation, and guides attorneys in applying research effectively in practice. Identifying, assessing, and managing risks and closing out projects.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify key sources of legal research and their relevance in legal practice.
- Evaluate the value and reliability of different research sources.
- Conduct research on case law, assessing hierarchy, precedent, and validity of decisions.
- Analyse legislation to determine its applicability, amendments, and constitutional validity.
- Apply research findings efficiently to support legal arguments and enhance professional diligence.
Module 8: How to Approach Written & Oral Exams for Candidate Attorneys
Overview:
Module 8 prepares candidate attorneys to effectively approach both written and oral examinations by focusing on productive study strategies and exam techniques. It addresses memorization versus understanding, contextualising legal theory, and the realities of exam performance.
Learning Objectives:
- Differentiate between memorisation and understanding as study approaches for legal exams.
- Evaluate productive and unproductive study methods for exam preparation.
- Apply summarisation and contextualisation techniques to legal theory and practical scenarios.
- Compare the demands and techniques of written versus oral examinations.
- Reflect on the realities of exam outcomes and develop strategies to improve performance.
Phase 3: Legal Drafting Fundamentals
Module 9: Basic Legal Drafting Foundations
Overview:
Module 9 introduces candidate attorneys to the foundations of legal drafting, focusing on the purpose, structure, and content of key legal documents. It covers letters of demand, pleadings, affidavits and the application of court rules while emphasising clear, precise and client-friendly language.
Learning Objectives:
- Explain the purpose of legal drafting and its role in effective legal practice.
- Draft letters of demand (general and statutory) in compliance with legislative and procedural requirements.
- Construct pleadings and affidavits with correct structure, content and supporting documents.
- Apply relevant Magistrates’ and Uniform Rules of Court to ensure procedural accuracy in drafting.
- Differentiate between legal jargon, Latin terminology and plain language to produce documents that are both professional and understandable.
Module 10: Notice of Motion Simplified for Candidate Attorneys
Overview:
Module 10 simplifies the process of drafting and understanding a Notice of Motion for candidate attorneys. It focuses on court rules, proper citation, structural elements such as tramlines and prayers, and the supporting role of affidavits and deponents.
Learning Objectives:
- Interpret the relevant Uniform Rules of Court and Magistrates’ Court Rules governing Notices of Motion.
- Apply correct citation and structure, including prayers and tramlines, in drafting a Notice of Motion.
- Identify the roles of the registrar or clerk in the filing and processing of Notices of Motion.
- Draft a compliant Founding Affidavit to support a Notice of Motion.
- Recognise the responsibilities of the deponent in relation to affidavits and motions.
Module 11: Legal Letters Simplified for Candidate Attorneys
Overview:
This module introduces candidate attorneys to the drafting and use of legal letters, highlighting their distinctions from regular correspondence. It focuses on the types, elements and appropriate use of legal letters as well as strategies for effective responses.
Learning Objectives:
- Differentiate between regular correspondence and legal letters in professional practice.
- Identify the various types of legal letters and their specific purposes.
- Draft legal letters that include all essential elements required for clarity and compliance.
- Determine the appropriate context for using each type of legal letter.
- Formulate professional and legally sound responses to incoming legal letters.
Phase 4: Advanced Drafting - Court Documents
Module 12: Particulars of Claim Simplified for Candidate Attorneys
Overview:
Module 12 provides candidate attorneys with a simplified guide to drafting Particulars of Claim in line with the Magistrates’ Court Rules. It covers structural elements such as citation, tramlines and prayers while reinforcing the roles of affidavits, deponents and court officials. This module connects closely with Module 10 (Notice of Motion), as both require mastery of court rules, affidavits and structural drafting techniques.
Learning Objectives:
- Interpret the Magistrates’ Court Rules applicable to Particulars of Claim.
- Apply correct citation, tramlines, and prayers when drafting Particulars of Claim.
- Identify the roles of the registrar or clerk in processing Particulars of Claim.
- Incorporate a supporting affidavit and understand the responsibilities of the deponent.
- Recognise courtroom processes and the role of the presiding officer in matters involving Particulars of Claim.
Module 13: Plea Simplified for Candidate Attorneys
Overview:
Module 13 simplifies the concept of pleas for candidate attorneys by focusing on the four possible responses to a claim: admission, denial, confession with avoidance, and non-admission. This module connects directly with Module 12 (Particulars of Claim), as it equips attorneys to draft a structured and legally sound defence in response to claims, thereby continuing the litigation drafting sequence developed in earlier modules.
Learning Objectives:
- Explain the purpose and role of a plea in litigation.
- Differentiate between admission, denial, confession with avoidance, and non-admission.
- Apply the appropriate pleading response based on the nature of the claim.
- Draft a legally compliant plea that addresses the particulars of claim effectively.
- Assess the strategic implications of each type of plea within the litigation process.
Module 14: Counterclaim Simplified for Candidate Attorneys
Overview:
Module 14 introduces candidate attorneys to counterclaims, focusing on the distinctions between claims-in-convention and claims-in-reconvention. It clarifies the roles of plaintiffs and defendants in both positions by showing how litigation progresses when a defendant not only defends but also initiates a claim in response.
Learning Objectives:
- Define the concept of a counterclaim and its role in litigation.
- Differentiate between a claim-in-convention and a claim-in-reconvention.
- Identify the roles of the plaintiff-in-convention, defendant-in-convention, and defendant-in-reconvention.
- Draft a counterclaim that complies with procedural rules and mirrors the structure of a claim.
- Analyse the strategic use of counterclaims in advancing a client’s interests during litigation.
Module 15: Heads of Argument Simplified for Candidate Attorneys
Overview:
Module 15 equips candidate attorneys with the skills to prepare and present heads of argument, linking written submissions with oral advocacy. It builds on earlier drafting modules by advancing from pleadings and applications to structured legal arguments supported by authorities, while also introducing the role of Uniform Rules of Court and practice directives in guiding advocacy.
Learning Objectives:
- Explain the purpose and structure of heads of argument in litigation.
- Differentiate between written heads of argument and oral argument in court.
- Incorporate relevant legal authorities to strengthen submissions.
- Apply the Uniform Rules of Court and practice directives when drafting heads of argument.
- Demonstrate the ability to link written heads of argument with effective oral advocacy.
Phase 5: Professional Opinion Writing
Module 16: Legal Opinion Simplified for Candidate Attorneys
Overview:
Module 16 introduces candidate attorneys to drafting and using legal opinions, focusing on structure, research, and professional application. It reinforces how legal research and structured reasoning underpin both advocacy and advisory work, while shifting the focus from litigation to client guidance and professional decision-making.
Learning Objectives:
- Explain the purpose and role of legal opinions in professional practice.
- Draft a well-structured legal opinion that addresses client queries effectively.
- Conduct targeted legal research to support the reasoning within a legal opinion.
- Apply legal opinions in practice, including advising clients and guiding strategy.
- Demonstrate professional follow-up to ensure opinions remain relevant and actionable.
Module 17: How to Use Legal Judgments in Legal Opinion Writing
Overview:
The final module develops candidate attorneys’ ability to use legal judgments effectively in legal opinion writing by showing how to interpret, structure and adapt judgments to strengthen legal reasoning while reinforcing research skills akin to those used by presiding officers.
Learning Objectives:
- Explain the purpose of legal opinion writing and its relationship to judgments.
- Identify the key elements of a legal court judgment relevant to legal opinions.
- Analyse and structure judgments to extract reasoning and precedent.
- Adapt judicial reasoning into clear, persuasive, and practical legal opinions.
- Apply research techniques that mirror the approach of presiding officers in decision-making.
About SA Legal Academy
Welcome to SA Legal Academy (SALA), a provider of courses to help you succeed in your chosen career. We are committed to providing our students with the highest quality training and support, to ensure that your skills and knowledge are up to date and ready to face the challenges of the modern workplace. Our courses are designed to ensure that you reach your professional goals and enhance your career prospects. With our experienced training staff and comprehensive resources, you can be confident that you will receive the highest quality of training from SA Legal Academy.
SALA is a Level 2 B-BBEE contributor, with 125% procurement recognition. Training spend on certain solutions can be allocated against the Skills Development element of the B-BBEE Scorecard through accredited and nonaccredited training or claimed through SETA grants. In addition, 25% of your Skills Expenditure can be claimed on non-accredited training or courses.
Short Course Fees
The course fee is R 1 500.00 and consists of:
Educational Resources
- Online Materials: Access a wealth of online resources, from e-books to webinars, enhancing your learning experience.
- Practical Case Studies.
- Live Sessions: Interact in real-time with experts, gaining insights and clarifications on complex topics. Missed a live session? No worries. Access recorded webinars anytime, anywhere.
Learning Support
- Facilitation: Benefit from expert-led facilitation sessions that offer personalized guidance, addressing individual queries and ensuring a thorough understanding of the subject matter.
- Formative Assessments: Reinforce your understanding with assessments on different topics.
- Learner Forum: Engage in meaningful peer-to-peer interactions through our dedicated learner forum. Share insights, ask questions, and collaborate on projects to enhance your learning experience.
- Continuous Support: Our dedicated team is always on standby to assist with any academic or administrative queries, ensuring a smooth learning process.
Flexibility and Convenience
- Study Online: Complete your course and take your assessments online, giving you the freedom to learn from the comfort of your home.
Payment Methods
Debit / Credit Card or Instant EFT
You can pay directly on our website for an easy, secure, and instant transaction. During promotional periods, customers can take advantage of additional savings. This is the fastest and most efficient option, saving both time and money.
EFT / Bank Deposit
You can make a payment directly into our bank account using your Online Banking App, Online Banking services, or by visiting your local bank branch.
Your Company / Employer
It may be beneficial for your company to invest in training for its staff members. As there are financial and tax advantages for doing so, please speak with your employer or Training / HR manager about the possibility of paying for this training.
Third Party
If you have someone who is willing to pay for your studies, such as a parent or relative, they can either log in and pay on our website or they can pay via any of the payment options above on your behalf.
Payment Options
Option 1: Once off payment
- R 1 500.00
Corporate Training Solutions
At the Legal Academy, we recognize the evolving needs of businesses in today's dynamic environment. Beyond our standard webinar offerings, we provide tailored corporate training solutions designed to empower your team with the latest in legal and professional skills. Whether you're looking for online sessions or face-to-face training, our programs are crafted to ensure a comprehensive and engaging learning experience.
Drawing inspiration from modern training methodologies, our corporate solutions are interactive, adaptable, and focused on real-world applications. We prioritize hands-on learning, ensuring your team can immediately apply their newfound knowledge in practical scenarios.
Interested in a bespoke corporate training experience? Reach out to us at [email protected] or call 012 941 0448. Together, let's design a training program that elevates your team's capabilities and aligns with your organizational goals.
Contact Us For More Information
Have any questions or need any assistance? Contact us today!
- Online chat through our website www.legalacademy.co.za
- Call: +27 (0)12 941 0448
- Email: [email protected]
To register for this course, click here.