South Africa’s Legal Practice Council has issued a directive confirming the application of rule 22.1.3.1 to practical vocational training contracts and withdrawing the administrative notice on remote working issued in November 2022. With effect from 3 August 2026, every candidate attorney must serve in the office of the principal under the direct personal supervision of the principal, or another admitted attorney who is a partner or attorney in that office.
The Council defines direct personal supervision as regular, day-to-day and in-person oversight, guidance and control of the candidate’s work and training. Standing or default home-working arrangements, supervision conducted only or predominantly through electronic means, and supervision by a practitioner outside the principal’s office will not comply, subject to the absences and alternative arrangements expressly permitted by the rules. Non-compliant service may not be recognised for admission and may constitute misconduct. The Council is considering whether the rule should be amended for modern working environments but says the current text must be applied unless and until a formal amendment is made.