Registration of Practical Vocational Training (PVT)

As a prospective Candidate Attorney, you have secured your articles and are now ready to commence your Practical Vocational Training (PVT) but you may be apprehensive and uncertain of the steps to follow.

The process of registering one’s PVT Contract may seem like a daunting and intimidating task but with some guidance, as is provided hereunder, proves to be effortless.

The process may be separated into two steps, namely:

1. The commencement of the PVT Contract; and
2. The application for the registration of the PVT Contract.

Step one:

This step involves the Candidate Attorney and their Principal entering into a PVT Contract which is to be signed by both parties.

The PVT contract may be found on the Legal Practice Council website whereby you would select “Practical Vocational Training Contracts (PVTC)” from the drop-down menu under the relevant region.

Upon the date of signature of the PVT contract, your articles commence.

Step two:

This involves completing the "Application for the Registration of a PVT Contract and Screening of Prospective Candidate Attorneys" document available at the provided link.

The Required Documentation Includes:

• The original, signed PVT contract and two copies.
• Certified copy of identity document/proof of date of birth.
• Certified copy of LLB degree/proof of compliance with LLB degree requirements.
• Payment of a registration fee of R345.
• Proof of the candidate attorney's fitness and propriety, including two recent character references.
• A written request by the principal for a certificate of right of appearance if applicable.
• Certified copy of the report/certificate confirming completion of a structured course work program (if applicable).
• Completed registration application form by the principal and the candidate attorney.
• If applicable, an affidavit detailing any criminal convictions, including a copy of the court record.
• If there are pending criminal charges or disciplinary inquiries, an affidavit with details must be submitted.

Once submitted, confirmation of PVT Contract registration is expected from the Provincial Office of the Legal Practice Council.

By: Sheina Kinn
Candidate Attorney