LPC Gazettes New Rule on JSC Nomination Procedures

Posted 11 February 2026 Written by Acts Online
Category Legal Practice Council

Brought to you by SA Legal Academy: The Legal Practice Council (LPC) has introduced a new regulatory framework for the nomination of legal practitioners to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), effective immediately.

In terms of the Legal Practice Act, No. 28 of 2014, the LPC has gazetted a new rule to standardise and formalise the procedures for JSC nominations. This rule establishes a ‘new, inclusive Council-facilitated nomination model’ intended to replace previous, less transparent arrangements. The primary objective is to address historical concerns regarding the exclusionary nature of the nomination process.

Under the new rule, a dedicated JSC nominations committee is established with the mandate to:

  • Receive and process nominations for legal practitioners to serve on the Commission;
  • Determine the suitability of nominated candidates based on defined criteria; and
  • Facilitate a transparent selection process to ensure representative participation.

The LPC noted that the standard 30-day public comment period normally required for rule changes was bypassed due to the JSC’s imminent submission deadlines for upcoming interviews scheduled for April 2026. Consequently, while the rule is already in force, the Council has invited aggrieved parties or those with objections to submit representations by 16 March 2026.

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

  • For yourself: If you are a legal practitioner seeking nomination to the JSC, you must now comply with the committee-led suitability assessment process rather than previous informal or undocumented arrangements.
  • For your business: Legal practices and professional bodies must align their internal candidate recommendation protocols with the LPC’s new facilitated nomination model to ensure their nominees are eligible for consideration.
  • For your clients: No direct individual or corporate client obligations; the impact is limited to the regulatory governance of judicial selection and the legal profession’s representation therein.

Originally published at https://legalacademy.co.za/news/read/legal-practice-council-gazettes-new-rule-on-jsc-nominations-procedure

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