Candidate Legal Practitioner / Candidate Attorney — Umhlanga (Durban)

Martin Vermaak Attorneys Inc.; Umhlanga Rocks; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading family law firm in Umhlanga seeks a Candidate Legal Practitioner to join their team. As a Candidate Attorney, you will handle complex cases, perform court work, and participate in structured training. Candidates should have completed an LLB and possess strong drafting skills. This role provides exposure to high-net-worth matters and valuable courtroom experience. Apply via email with specific documents by the deadline of 5 January 2026.

Benefits

Structured growth opportunities

Training sessions

Exposure to high-net-worth cases

Qualifications

• Eligibility to register articles under the Legal Practice Act.
• Advantageous: family-law exposure from clinic/moots.
• Strong academics.

Responsibilities

• Draft pleadings/affidavits/notices and briefs.
• Research and produce memos and case digests.
• Ensure file hygiene: indexing, bundles, pagination.
• Handle court/registrar work and service logistics.
• Capture accurate time daily.
• Maintain clear client communications.
• Adhere to SOPs and legal compliance requirements.
• Attend weekly skills sessions and firm-wide learnings.

Skills

Excellent written English

Precision drafting

Strong procedural instincts

Organised

Calm under pressure

Accountable to deadlines

Education

Completed LLB

Job description

Candidate Legal Practitioner / Candidate Attorney — Umhlanga (Durban)

Start date: Monday, 5 January 2026

Firm: Martin Vermaak Attorneys — Specialist Family Law (HNW divorce, DV, children’s matters, maintenance, forensic asset tracing)

Who we are

Martin Vermaak Attorneys is a top-tier South African family law firm with offices in Sandton (HQ), Pretoria, Cape Town and Umhlanga.

We act in high-conflict, high-net-worth divorces, domestic violence protection orders, complex children’s disputes (care, contact, relocation), maintenance, and forensic investigations to trace hidden assets. We are process-driven, standards-led, and measured on outcomes and professionalism.

The opportunity (Umhlanga, Durban)

We’re hiring a Candidate Legal Practitioner (Candidate Attorney) to join our KZN team. You’ll work closely with Noelle Pillay (Attorney, KZN) and the national team on live matters, with structured training, clear SOPs, and early responsibility.

What you’ll do

• Draft pleadings/affidavits/notices, discovery and counsel briefs using our precedents and Legal Quality Checklist.
• Research and produce crisp memos and case digests to support strategy.
• Run file hygiene: indexing, bundles, pagination, service proofs — defect‑free.
• Court/Registrar work and service logistics as required.
• Time discipline: capture accurate time daily (by 09:00 next day) with proper narrations.
• Client comms: clear attendance notes and follow‑ups, same day.
• Compliance: work to our SOPs and the LPA/POPIA/FICA requirements at intake and beyond.
• Training: attend weekly skills sessions and a 2‑hour All‑Legal Forum every 5 weeks (firm‑wide learnings, standards, improvements).
• Etc.

Why this is a fit for a top candidate

• Exposure to complex, HNW matters and real courtroom work.
• Structured growth under a Legal Manager (firm‑wide quality, training, and file audits).
• Clear expectations and feedback: our SOPs make good lawyers faster.
• National platform with high standards and a supportive, no‑nonsense culture.

What you bring

• LLB completed; eligible to register articles under the Legal Practice Act.
• Excellent written English, precision drafting, strong procedural instincts.
• Organised, calm under pressure, accountable to deadlines and checklists.
• Advantageous: family‑law exposure (clinic/moots), strong academics.

How to apply

Email [e-mail] with subject:

“Candidate Attorney — Umhlanga — Start 5 Jan 2026 — [Your Name]” and attach:

1. CV (max 2 pages) and certified academic transcript
2. Cover note (≤300 words): why family law, why MVA, why Umhlanga — and your earliest start date (confirm 5 Jan 2026)
3. Writing sample (max 3 pages) — de‑identified (e.g., pleading extract, research memo)
4. Two referees (name, role, contact details)

Shortlisted candidates will complete a brief practical (drafting/research) and interview.

If you’re serious about becoming a high‑calibre family law attorney, this is where you’ll be tested — and developed.