Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF), a leading global law firm, has announced the introduction of a new Candidate Legal Practitioner (CLP) role specifically focused on Alternative Legal Services (ALT), as part of the firm's Practical Vocational Training Contract (PVTC) programme in Johannesburg.

The PVTC, formerly known as "articles", is the formal route to qualification for legal graduates in South Africa. 

The firm will select one ALT CLP each year to join the firm's PVTC programme, rotating through different seats during their two years of articles, including one in ALT, with a view to being retained in the ALT Practice Group at the end of their PVTC.  

HSF is the only firm in the South African market to offer a path to admission as an attorney specialising in Alternative Legal Services. Providing this unique opportunity will ensure that candidates are trained to HSF’s high standards, both in traditional legal practice and Alternative Legal Services, including the use of cutting-edge legal technology.  

This innovative idea marks the next exciting development in the growth and maturity of the firm's award-winning ALT team - HSF was named Alternative Service Provider of the Year in the African Legal Awards 2021.   

ALT's Johannesburg practice has grown rapidly in the past year to over 40 lawyers and Legal Analysts, and forms part of a global Alternative Legal Services Practice Group of close to 400 Lawyers, Legal Technologists and Legal Analysts, operating across 10 locations worldwide. 

The first Candidate Legal Practitioner to take on the ALT CLP role from February 2022 is Eustace Ndebele, who joined the firms' innovative International Legal Development Programme as a Legal Analyst in January 2021.  

Eustace Ndebele said “I am so grateful for the opportunity to participate in the International Legal Development Programme and now to be selected to serve articles at HSF, to specialise in Alternative Legal Services and be part of the future of law. It’s a dream come true for me.”

Edward Baring, HSF's South Africa Managing Partner commented “We are very excited about what this means for ALT and the Johannesburg office.  We are the only firm in the local market that is offering a formal route to qualification into Alternative Legal Services and this is another example of HSF leading the way in the Alternative Legal Service Provider space.”

Vanessa Kingsmill, Head of ALT Johannesburg said “This unique opportunity really sets us apart from other firms and ALSPs in relation to attracting and retaining the best talent. This programme will further enable us to grow and nurture our own future lawyers rather than having to recruit externally in the market.”

Submitted by Herbert Smith Freehills