Candidate Legal Practitioner / Candidate Attorney — Umhlanga (Durban)

Subject: Candidate Legal Practitioner / Candidate Attorney — Umhlanga (Durban)Start date: Monday, 5 January 2026Firm: Martin Vermaak Attorneys — Specialist Family Law (HNW divorce, DV, children’s matters, maintenance, forensic asset tracing)Who we areMartin 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 doDraft 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 candidateExposure 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 bringLLB 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 patriciags@martinvermaak.co.za with subject: “Candidate Attorney — Umhlanga — Start 5 Jan 2026 — [Your Name]” and attach:CV (max 2 pages) and certified academic transcriptCover note (≤300 words): why family law, why MVA, why Umhlanga — and your earliest start date (confirm 5 Jan 2026)Writing sample (max 3 pages) — de-identified (e.g., pleading extract, research memo)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.