Leah's day as a candidate attorney

My journey to becoming a candidate attorney started with obtaining my law degree, which laid the foundation for my legal knowledge.

I gained practical experience through vacation work, tutoring, mentorship programmes and assisting at the University of Johannesburg’s Law Clinic, which was crucial for building my curriculum vitae and making professional connections.

Applying for practical vocational training positions involved researching opportunities, refining my applications, and navigating interviews and assessments.

Once I secured a position, I focused on completing my degree and developing my skills.

Successfully completing my degree allowed me to step into a candidate attorney role, marking the beginning of my legal career.

A typical day as a candidate attorney for Leah

Stepping into the role of a candidate attorney is both exciting and demanding. It is a period filled with learning, responsibility and the occasional caffeine boost.

Here’s a glimpse into my daily routine as a candidate attorney in the Corporate and Commercial Team:

7:30 – Arrive at the office

By 7:30, I am at the office, ready to dive into the day’s tasks. I start by checking my emails to see if there are any urgent updates or new tasks. This is also the time when I review my schedule for the day. I often review and organise my to-do list, prioritising tasks based on deadlines and importance.

8:00 – Researching and drafting

I spend a good portion of my morning conducting legal research. This involves digging into legislation and precedents to support the work I am doing. Drafting agreements is also on my agenda. Precision is key here – one small mistake can have significant repercussions, so attention to detail is crucial.

11:30 – Strategy and team meetings

Once a week, I usually participate in strategy meetings with senior attorneys. We discuss active matters and brainstorm. These meetings are incredibly valuable as they offer insights from experienced professionals and help me refine my own approach to legal issues.

12:30 – Lunch break

By noon, I take a much-needed lunch break. This is a chance to step away from my desk, recharge and chat with colleagues.

13:30 – Due diligence

In the afternoon, I usually turn my attention to working on due diligence. This entails a thorough investigation and analysis of various aspects of a business to identify potential risks and verify the accuracy of information.

16:30 – Administrative tasks

As the day winds down, I turn my attention to administrative tasks. This includes recording my time, finalising and submitting work, and responding to emails. Keeping everything in order is vital for managing my workload effectively and ensuring nothing falls through the cracks.

18:00 – Wrapping up

By 18:00, I begin to wrap up my day. I review my progress, plan for the next day and make any final updates to documents. There is often a sense of accomplishment as I close my laptop, but there are also lingering thoughts about ongoing tasks and upcoming deadlines.

19:00 – Evening reflections

Once home, I take some time to unwind. This might involve catching up on the news or my guilty pleasure – reality TV – and simply relaxing. Balancing work with personal time is essential, and I find that setting aside some time for relaxation helps maintain my well-being and keeps me motivated for the challenges ahead.

We asked Leah what it’s like to be a candidate attorney

 Being a candidate attorney is both exciting and challenging. Each day involves a blend of legal research and drafting. I am constantly learning on the job, tackling new tasks and refining my skills. It is demanding, with long hours and high expectations, but it is also incredibly rewarding as I gain practical experience and contribute to real matters.

How did you choose your rotations?

 I spent my first rotation in the Employment Law Team.

My academic interest in employment law, particularly in areas such as discrimination and workplace safety, fuelled my curiosity to observe these issues in practice.

I found the work both varied and impactful, whether it involved resolving disputes or navigating complex legislation. The field's demands for creative problem solving and negotiation made it particularly engaging.

This rotation involved numerous client meetings, service and filing of documents, and visits to the Labour Court. A notable highlight was my first court appearance at the Magistrates’ Court, which proved to be a significant and rewarding experience.

I am currently completing my second rotation in the Corporate & Commercial Practice. 

I chose corporate and commercial law because the field offers a dynamic and fast-paced environment where I can work on high-stakes matters and contribute to the strategic growth of companies. I am excited by the prospect of working closely with clients to achieve their commercial goals and address their legal needs.

I have gained exposure to areas of law including mining and minerals, transport and logistics, and insurance law – fields that were not part of my academic studies.

What are your tips for new candidate attorneys? 

• Be curious and always ask questions.
• Embrace constructive criticism.
• Have clear goals and remember your why. 

What is your favourite part of being a candidate attorney? 

Being surrounded by leaders in the field and having the opportunity to gain knowledge and deepen my understanding each time I step through those glass doors. 

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a candidate attorney? 

Balancing multiple matters, each with its own complexities, can be overwhelming at times. However, it has also been a tremendous learning experience, teaching me the importance of maintaining meticulous attention to detail under pressure. 

What was most surprising about the candidate attorney role? 

What surprised me most about the role was the level of responsibility I quickly took on. I had not anticipated how much I would be involved in every aspect of legal work – from drafting documents to participating in client meetings and court appearances. 

How do you find working for CDH? 

Working for CDH has been a highly rewarding experience. The firm offers a dynamic environment where I am surrounded by experienced professionals who are always willing to mentor and support me. I appreciate the diverse range of matters I get to work on, which has broadened my understanding of the field.

The collaborative culture and emphasis on professional development have made my time here both fulfilling and instrumental in advancing my career.