Opinion Writing
Online Course | 2026
5 & 6 August 2026
Duration: 13:00 – 16:00
The modern approach to opinion writing. What do your clients want? How to satisfy your mandate.
About this Course
Every practising practitioner, corporate in-house counsel, and legal advisors in all spheres of government must be able to write opinions effectively and in a manner that answers the client’s mandate. This webinar will assist you in learning techniques for writing effective legal opinions.
Learn how to research and write efficiently and cost-effectively while ensuring your opinions remain concise, practical, and fit for purpose.
Course Programme
- Analytical thinking and problem-solving
- What is applied law and how to use it
- Techniques for solving legal problems
- Making practical recommendations to clients
- Writing techniques
- Plain language usage
- Types of opinions
- The basic layout for opinions
- Current best practice opinion formats
- Research techniques and analysis
- Using AI in legal research
- Reducing research time through technology
- Applied research vs academic research
- Obtaining and analysing facts
- Legal research methodologies
- Finding the law quickly and efficiently
- Logical reasoning and analytical thinking
- Applying law to facts
- Avoiding over-reliance on AI-generated content
- Composing effective opinions
- Client-friendly opinion presentation
- Electronic opinions with hyperlinks to authorities
Presenter
Ismail Hussain SC
Former Judge of the High Court and Competition Appeal Court, highly respected LEAD trainer, expert in commercial drafting, opinion writing, litigation and case management. He is also a published author and Professor of Law at Nelson Mandela University.
What Previous Attendees Said
“This was one of the best investments I have made to my growth as a junior counsel.”
“A must-attend for legal practitioners.”
“Adv Hussain gave practical tips and advice on opinion writing.”
“A superb presentation by an excellent presenter and very good notes.”
“A great course and truly valuable to young practitioners.”
Course Details
| Date | 5 & 6 August 2026 |
| Time | 13:00 – 16:00 |
| Closing Date | 4 August 2026 |
| Certification | Attendance at both sessions is mandatory. |
Who Should Register?
- Corporate legal advisors
- Government legal advisors
- Practising attorneys
- Advocates
- Candidate legal practitioners
Registration Fees (Including VAT)
Practising Legal Practitioners
R1 800
Per Person
Non-Practising / Others
R2 700
Per Person
Banking Details
Account Name: Law Society of South Africa
Bank: FNB Pretoria
Branch Code: 250655
Account Number: 6200 9641 079
Reference: Opinion, Surname, Initials
How to Register
Step 1
Make payment via EFT and upload your proof of payment during online registration. If an invoice is required, upload a note requesting an invoice.
Step 2
Complete the online registration form.
Step 3
You will receive a confirmation email after registration. If not received, please contact Bettie Lubbe.
Need More Information?
Bettie Lubbe
Email: Bettie@LSSALEAD.org.za
Tel: 012 441 4670
Important Terms & Conditions
- One registration is valid for one attendee only.
- Group viewing and sharing of access details are prohibited.
- Attendees must join using their full registered name.
- Sharing webinar links is strictly prohibited.
- The course will be presented in English.
- MS Teams will be used for delivery.
- Recordings and PowerPoint presentations will not be shared.
- Course materials and links will be emailed approximately 24 hours before the course.
- Late cancellations and non-attendance will result in forfeiture of fees.
- LSSA/LEAD reserves the right to postpone or cancel the course if necessary.
Course Dates
Registration
Registration fee categories (including VAT):
Practising legal practitioners and other staff from legal firms: R 1 800 per person.
Non-practising legal practitioners/others: R 2 700 per person.
