|
INTRODUCTION TO LEAD
LEAD provides access to quality learning that is relevant and affordable. Through its extensive range of learning activities (seminars, courses, etc), LEAD has produced graduates who are now leaders in their chosen fields. It is one of the largest providers of legal and professional education in South Africa. In addition, LEAD is an associate member of the Society of Law Teachers of Southern Africa. The Attorneys Fidelity Fund subsidises many of LEAD’s activities.
Accreditation
Where relevant, LEAD is accredited as a training provider by the statutory provincial law societies in terms of the Attorneys Act 53 of 1979, as amended. For example, the Course for Candidate Attorneys, which supplements the training provided by law firms in the knowledge, skills and attitudes required of a competent candidate attorney, and which is important facet of preparation for the profession’s Admission Examination, is in compliance with Section 15 of the Act. The practice management training course presented by LEAD is accredited by the statutory provincial law societies in terms of Sections 8 to 10 of the Judicial Matters Second Amendment Act 55 of 2003.
Here is a summary of LEAD's activities in brochure format.
WHAT LEARNING ACTIVITIES ARE OFFERED?
Click on the LEAD icon to be taken to the relevant webpage.
SUPPORT STAFF TRAINING
CANDIDATE ATTORNEYS
 School for Legal Practice
The School for Legal Practice, established by the Law Society of South Africa in 1990, is a practical law school. It offers an intensive postgraduate vocational course at one of the School’s nine residential centres situated around the country. The objective is to provide law graduates with the opportunity to acquire and develop the practical legal skills to become effective practitioners. There is a day school, night school and distance-learning school available. The full-time course takes six months to complete and the distance-learning course runs from January to December each year.
 Compulsory Course for Candidate Attorneys
The objective of this course is to supplement the training provided by law firms in the knowledge, skills and attitudes required of a competent candidate attorney. The LEAD course is practice-orientated and an important facet of preparation for the profession’s Admission Examination. The course is in compliance with Section 15 of the Attorneys Act 53 of 1979, as amended.
Other Learning Activities
Candidate attorneys may attend many of the courses, seminars and workshops offered to legal practitioners (see section below).
LEGAL PRACTITIONERS
 Practice Management Course
The Practice Management Course has been developed to assist attorneys manage their practices effectively by combining legal expertise with strategic business management. This is mandatory training for all attorneys who are issued with their first Attorneys Fidelity Fund certificates, subsequent to 14 August 2009. The course is offered on an after-hours attendance basis or distance basis. The duration of the course is six months and training is provided for 120 hours in sessions of three hours.
 Postgraduate Distance Education Programmes for Legal Practice
In a fast changing legal environment where budgets and time are limited, an attorney’s ability to specialise and stay ahead is vital. This can be achieved through LEAD’s diploma and certificate programmes. These programmes, in cooperation with universities, are offered in inter alia Corporate Law; Labour Law and Deceased Estates.
 Conveyancing and Notarial Courses
Attorneys are given a practical background in the law, practice and procedure of conveyancing and notarial practice. The training is provided by practising conveyancers and notaries.
Seminar
In 2011, the LSSA introduced a new three-day exam preparation seminar. This seminar takes place at centres where there is sufficient indicated interest among instructors and prospective participants.
 Seminars and Workshops
A wide range of seminars and workshops aimed at providing quality continuing professional development is offered. LEAD prides itself in bringing seminars dealing with important current issues at affordable fees. The lecturers include top attorneys. Candidate attorneys and legal practice staff are also encouraged to attend these seminars and workshops.
Examples of LEAD seminars
Conveyancing, Administration of Estates or Drafting of Wills, Legal Writing for Litigation, Evictions and rental recovery: a workshop, High Court Litigation or Strategic Litigation, Company Law, Criminal Litigation.
E-LEADER (an e-learning initiative)
e-Learning is the use of technology to enable people to learn anytime and anywhere, It is essentially computer (CDs) and web based (internet) transfer of skills and knowledge. LEAD’s e-learning product is called e-LEADer and it offers a range of LEAD’s learning activities.
ADDITIONAL LEAD INITIATIVES
 Sale of Knowledge Resources
A range of practice-orientated learning resources including manuals, CDs and DVDs at all levels are available at reasonable prices.
 Searching for articles of clerkship?
LEAD offers a reference database for prospective candidate attorneys seeking to ensure articles of clerkship. This free service is beneficial to both prospective principals and candidate attorneys. The service is made possible through a subsidy from the Attorneys Fidelity Fund. Download the Searching for Articles brochure here
| The legal profession is continually changing and evolving, bringing new challenges and rewards. To ensure continuing competence and professionalism, legal practitioners can improve their skills and knowledge with LEAD throughout their careers. |
|
