Vacancy – Candidate Legal Practitioner / Candidate Attorney (Sandton)

Job description

Job Title: Candidate Legal Practitioner / Candidate Attorney
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.

What we offer

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.

Role Requirements and Expectations

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.

Key responsibilities

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.

To Apply

Email: pgodwin@martinvermaak.co.za with subject:
– “Candidate Attorney — Sandton — Start 5 Jan 2026 — [Your Name]”

Attach (PDF preferred):
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.

Give Us A Call

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