Overview 

Civil litigation is ever-changing and no legal practitioner can afford to overlook the strategic use of procedural rules that safeguard efficiency and fairness in legal proceedings.  

In this webinar, we will explore the most recent updates to civil procedure, with particular focus on changes that may affect case management, the presentation of evidence, and litigation timelines.  This session will emphasize the critical need for procedural mastery and adaptability in the face of new legal developments, ensuring optimal trial outcomes and robust protection of clients' interests.  

Join Adv Dwight Snyman on 25 October 2024 from 13H00 to 15H00 to gain valuable insights into best practices that can help you secure tactical advantages while upholding the highest ethical standards.   

Learning objectives 

Attending this webinar will equip you with the following skills: 

• Gain a comprehensive understanding of the recent amendments to summary judgment procedures, including the heightened requirements for plaintiffs and the implications for defence strategies.  

• Understand the ongoing evolution of practice notes and their practical impact on litigation, including how to effectively incorporate these changes into your day-to-day litigation practices.  

• Develop the skills needed to conduct litigation in a virtual environment with confidence and precision while staying compliant. 

• Equip yourself with advanced negotiation and litigation strategies that can be continually adapted to evolving legal landscapes.  

• Understand the consolidated practice directives that guide procedural conduct across various courts. 

Content 

The webinar will cover the following topics: 

• Understand Changes to Summary Judgment Procedure 

  • Explore recent amendments to the summary judgment process. 

  • Discuss the impact of these changes on plaintiffs and defendants. 

  • Review the new evidentiary requirements and affidavit procedures. 

  • Analyze case law to illustrate the practical application of the updated rules. 

  • Highlight strategic considerations for using summary judgments in civil litigation.  

• Examine Changes to and evolution of Practice Notes 

  • Discuss how advocates draw up practice notes to assist judges in understanding complex cases. 

  • Provide an overview of updated practice notes and how they affect case management. 

  • Analyze how updated notes influence courtroom dynamics, timelines, and trial preparation. 

  • Review specific cases where new practice notes have made a difference in litigation outcomes.  

• Utilize Virtual Hearings Effectively 

  • Discuss the ongoing integration of virtual hearings in civil procedure. 

  • Examine best practices for conducting virtual trials and pre-trial hearings. 

  • Address technical and ethical challenges related to online proceedings. 

  • Analyze judicial perspectives on remote hearings in light of recent rulings. 

  • Offer practical advice on preparing clients and witnesses for virtual participation. 

• Master Negotiation and Litigation Strategies  

  • Highlight effective negotiation techniques in light of procedural updates. 

  • Explore how procedural amendments affect settlement negotiations and ADR mechanisms. 

  • Provide guidance on balancing legal strategy with client interests during negotiations. 

  • Discuss the evolving role of expert witnesses and managing evidence collection post-amendment. 

  • Highlight key procedural tools, such as interlocutory applications and discovery, to improve litigation outcomes. 

• Investigate Consolidated Practice Directives 

  • Review the introduction of Consolidated Practice Directives and their purpose in streamlining court procedures. 

  • Analyze how these directives standardize court practices across different regions. 

  • Examine the implications of these directives for case management and procedural compliance. 

  • Discuss the role of Consolidated Directives in facilitating judicial efficiency and reducing case backlog. 

  • Provide practical guidance on aligning litigation strategies with the new directives. 

About the presenter 

Adv. Dwight Snyman 

Adv. Dwight Snyman is an admitted member of the Johannesburg Society of Advocates and is accredited by the Legal Practitioners Council as an Advocate of the High Court of South Africa. Adv. Snyman completed articles of clerkship, and attorney’s competency exams under the auspices of the Wits Law Clinic. He completed his Advocacy pupillage under the tutelage of the esteemed Adv. Louis Du Bruyn. 

Adv. Snyman has had opportunity and success in litigation, in the High and Magistrates’ Courts of the republic, the CCMA, Disciplinary Hearings and assorted other venues and forums, and has become possessed of practical litigation experience beyond what would normally be expected from a practitioner of his age and seniority. He is the holder of a degree in Politics, Philosophy and Economics (PPE) from the University of Cape Town, and postgraduate Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of the Witwatersrand, for which he was accorded the honour of being on the Dean’s list for his academic performance.    

Who should attend? 

The following persons will benefit from attending this webinar: 

• Advocates. 

• Attorneys. 

• Estates administrators. 

• Corporate Legal Professionals. 

• Legal Academic. 

• Candidate attorneys. 

• Law Students. 

• Paralegals. 

Price              

• R 450.00 - Online admission - Individual.  

• Group Price 1 - From R337 per person (up to 5 users)  

• Group Price 2 - From R260 per person (up to 10 users)  

• Group Price 3 - From R224 per person (over 11 users) 

Steps to register for the event:  

If you already have a profile, login and register for the webinar. 

If you don’t have a profile, create a free profile then login and register for the webinar. 

Click here  to create a free profile (There is no charge to create a profile and gain access to our free Monthly Practice Management Series). 

Click here  to find out about the Technical Resource Centre & CPD Subscription options. 

Additional material 

By attending this webinar you will be provided with: 

• A summarised slide presentation. 

• Reference documents and/ or course material where available. 

• You can ask questions during the webinar and you will also have access to the presenter after the webinar. 

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. 

Corporate Training Solutions 

At SALA, 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.  

• Phone: +27 (0) 12 941 0448  

• E-mail: [email protected]