Candidate Attorney
programme

Your path to excellence begins here

We offer an environment where graduates are given every opportunity and the means to reach their full potential through, for example:

Well-structured in-house training and skills development programmes
Real experience working with world-class companies on quality matters and transactions
Opportunities to work and train in diverse teams of like-minded lawyers - some of the best in the world
Access to the most up-to-date legal information resources, systems, documents, precedents and global best practices
Professional skills development and access to a wealth of expertise, experience and knowledge from across the globe
Regular evaluation to help you realise your potential and career goals
Opportunities to forge meaningful relationships with your local community through voluntary and pro bono work as well as involvement in a variety of client events, graduate recruitment initiatives at universities as well as internal firm events (i.e. charity events, sports events and social activities in the office).
We also offer an accredited in-house training programme for our law graduates in preparation for the admission exams. Lectures are presented by senior attorneys who are experts in their fields. We make past papers and memorandums available to all our law graduates. Our law graduates are also provided with sufficient study leave to prepare for the examinations.

Apply now

Eligibility

Applicants are required to apply at least two years in advance of them completing their LLB.

Programme dates

January on an annual basis.

Application window

Practical Vocational Training (2027) - Application Dates: 03 February 2025 – 31 March 2025.

Rewards & benefits

Medical aid and provident fund

Daily free lunch

Mentoring

Regular performance reviews

Skills development programmes

Library orientation

Legal research

Drafting of legal documents

Computer skills

Practice management sessions

Rotations

We firmly believe that our law graduates’ will achieve the best level of experience and learning through exposure to different practice areas. For this reason, they are provided with the opportunity to rotate through different practice areas every six months. Our intention is to provide them with the practical experience for them to explore where their niche lies and gain wide ranging practical experience that will stand them in good stead wherever they may ultimately practice.

Your application roadmap

Online application

Graduate recruitment team interview

Placement in vacation programme or online assessment

Final interview with Graduate Recruitment Committee

Offer for Practical Vocational Training

Online application

Graduate recruitment team interview

Placement in vacation programme or online assessment

Final interview with Graduate Recruitment Committee

Offer for Practical Vocational Training

You'll come for the free lunches and stay for the culture. CDH is refining the image of commercial law firms and manages to feel very homey while maintaining its hard-earned reputation.
Shameegh Allen, Senior Associate

Frequently
asked questions

How many Candidate Attorneys are you looking to recruit every year?

Annually the firm is looking to recruit approximately 30 Candidate Attorneys.

How many people apply each year, and of those, how many do you interview?

We receive thousands of applications on an annual basis, with approximately a third of the strong applicants progressing to the interview stage.

What is the process for deciding which practice area I will qualify into?

Our Candidate Attorneys are given the opportunity to rotate into different practice areas every six months. Practice areas allocations are guided by our Candidate Attorneys wish list of areas they wish to be exposed to as well as operational needs of the firm.

How do I follow up on my application?

For any queries related to your application please email us at gradteam@cdhlegal.com.

How long with am I required to complete my articles if I have already completed PLT?

A Candidate Attorney who has completed their Practical Legal Training and has successfully completed their Board exams prior to their commencement of Practical Vocational Training are eligible to serve one-year of PVT in order to submit an application to the High Court for admission, however the Candidate Attorney is obliged to honour the two-year contract with the firm.

Where can I find information on ceding of PVT?

For more information on ceding of articles please visit www.lpc.org.za.

More to explore

All

All articles

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Azola’s day as a candidate attorney

From a young age, I was drawn to the legal profession due to my involvement in debating clubs, and this passion was further fuelled during my university years.

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Meet Mike Ogutu and why he chose CDH

My journey to becoming a trainee advocate has been a blend of dedication, strategic choices and a deep commitment to excellence.

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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.

article 2 minutes

A message from our chairperson, Tim Fletcher

Tim Fletcher describes the culture of CDH and outlines key tips for new Candidate Attorneys.

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Tips on preparing for your interview

This article covers tips on preparing for your interview, what to expect, how to prepare, as well as general do's and don'ts.

article 20 Minutes

Online guide for law students

Need a guide to help you navigate the application process? From writing a motivation letter, structuring your CV to preparing for the all-important interview, this is your passport to figuring it all out.

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What Directors expect from their juniors

Chairperson, Tim Fletcher and CDH Partner Njeri Wagacha speak to Graduate Programme Manager, Boipelo Mathodlana.