Legal Practice Council: Proposed and Finalised Rule Changes

Posted 24 November 2025 Written by Acts Online
Category Legal Practice Council

Brought to you by SA Legal Academy: The Legal Practice Council (LPC) has invited public comment on three sets of proposed rule changes and confirmed the finalisation of amendments regarding the conversion of practitioner enrolment.

In terms of section 95 of the Legal Practice Act, No. 28 of 2014, the Council has published notices for comment on amendments affecting specific categories of legal practitioners and vocational training standards. Written submissions on these proposals must be lodged with the Council by 21 December 2025.

Proposed Rule Amendments

The three sets of proposed amendments currently under consultation concern:

  • Legal practitioners in the employ of the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC);
  • Legal practitioners in the employ of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU); and
  • Vocational training requirements and the criteria for admission as an advocate.

Finalised Enrolment Rules

The Council has also finalised amendments to the rules governing applications for converting enrolment from attorney to advocate or vice versa. These changes follow a draft period initiated in May 2025. Although the notices were backdated to 21 November 2025, they were gazetted in the National Government Gazette during the final week of November.

Click here to download the finalised amendments regarding conversion of enrolment.

What this means for you, your business, or your clients

  • For yourself: If you are an aspirant advocate or a practitioner seeking to convert your enrolment status, you must comply with the newly finalised application procedures and monitor the proposed changes to vocational training requirements.
  • For your business: Legal practices and state institutions, specifically the SAHRC and SIU, must review the proposed rules to ensure their employed practitioners meet the amended regulatory and vocational standards.
  • For your clients: Clients engaging with practitioners in state investigative or human rights bodies will have greater clarity on the regulatory framework governing those specific legal professionals.

Originally published at https://legalacademy.co.za/news/read/legal-practice-council-three-more-rule-changes-imminent-one-finalised

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