- The Legal Practice Council has amended Rule 1.20 to define “good standing” for legal practitioners.
- The rule introduces five requirements relating to enrolment, disciplinary status, compliance, certification, and fees.
- A practitioner must meet all five requirements to be regarded as in good standing.
The Legal Practice Council has amended its rules to clarify what constitutes “good standing” for a legal practitioner. The amendment was made under section 95(1) of the Legal Practice Act, 28 of 2014, and forms part of the Legal Practice Council Rules.
Definition of good standing
The amended Rule 1.20 defines “good standing” as requiring that the name of the legal practitioner is on the roll of legal practitioners and that the practitioner has not been suspended from practice.
The rule further requires that no proceedings be pending or contemplated to remove the practitioner’s name from the roll or to suspend the practitioner from practice.
It also provides that, where applicable, a practitioner required to submit an annual audit report, inspector’s report, or financial statement must do so within the prescribed period determined by the Council.
Where applicable, the practitioner must hold a valid Fidelity Fund certificate. In addition, the practitioner must be up to date with all payments owed to the Legal Practice Council.
Adoption of the amendment
The notice records that the amendment was signed in Midrand on 31 March 2026 by Legal Practice Council Chairperson Advocate Pule Seleka SC.
The Legal Practice Council is a national statutory body in South Africa that regulates all legal practitioners, including attorneys and advocates. It ensures the professional conduct of legal practitioners and sets standards for their admission and enrollment.
To be considered a legal practitioner, one must meet specific admission requirements, including academic qualifications and practical training.
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