In this episode of the Learned Colleagues Club podcast, Roxanne Shear and Mónica De Oliveira pull back the curtain on life after law school — the good, the messy, and the “why did nobody warn us about this?” moments.
They get real about the post-LLB job hunt, the pressure to “make it,” the hunt for decent mentorship (spoiler: it’s harder than it should be), and how to build a legal career that doesn’t drain your soul by 30. The conversation also dives into unconventional career paths for law grads who are quietly wondering if traditional practice is really the dream.
Equal parts practical, comforting, and refreshingly honest, this episode is your reminder that you’re not behind, broken, or failing. You’re just early in the journey.
Key Takeaways (a.k.a. Things We All Needed Someone to Say Earlier):
The post-LLB job market is… brutal. You’re not imagining it.
Mentorship isn’t a luxury — it’s a career lifeline.
You can be sucessful and still choose a non-traditional path (shock, horror).
A fulfilling career doesn’t come from titles alone, it comes from fit, values, and sanity.
Yes, the profession is saturated. No, that doesn’t mean you’re doomed.
Managing money expectations early can save you future heartbreak.
Networking and personal branding aren’t cringe — they’re necessary to stand out.
Burnout is not a badge of honour. Mental health is part of professional success.
The reality of practice is very different from varsity, and that’s okay.
The lawyers who thrive are the ones who never stop learning (or adapting).
Keywords
LLB, law graduates, legal careers, mentorship, job hunting, alternative law careers, young lawyers, legal profession, career survival guide
Summary:
If you have ever wondered how evictions work in practice, this episode is for you. In this episode of The Learned Colleagues' Club podcast, Advocate Joshua Barlow joins hosts Roxanne Shear and Monica de Oliveira to discuss the intricacies of residential evictions. They explore the legal framework, including the PIE Act, and share practical insights on managing the eviction process, client expectations, and the human side of eviction law.
Takeaways:
Keywords:
residential evictions, PIE Act, eviction process, legal framework, client management
Keywords
litigation, action proceedings, application proceedings, legal drafting, disputes of fact, timeframes, legal documents, attorney practice, court procedures, legal advice, South African Law, South Africa
Summary
This conversation delves into the critical distinctions between action and application proceedings in litigation, exploring the implications of each choice for attorneys. The discussion covers the procedural differences, timeframes, types of applications, and the importance of understanding disputes of fact versus law. Additionally, the speakers emphasise the significance of proper legal drafting and the common pitfalls that can arise, providing insights and anecdotes from their experiences in practice.
Takeaways
🎙️ First court appearance? Deep breaths. You’ve got this.
In this episode of The Learned Colleagues Club, your hosts Roxanne and Mónica spill the (legal) tea on their very first days in court - the wins, the whoopsies, and the lessons they wish someone had told them before stepping into the courtroom.
👩⚖️ From courtroom etiquette 101 to the rookie mistakes that scream “newbie,” we cover it all, obviously with a healthy dose of humour (because sometimes you have to laugh so you don’t cry).
Here’s what’s on the roll:
Whether you’re a law student, candidate attorney, or just here for the courtroom drama, this episode will have you nodding, laughing, and walking into court like you mean business.
🎧 Hit play, learn from our mistakes, and maybe avoid a costs de bonis propriis order on your first day.
If you have any stories that you think deserve a costs de bonis propriis order and mention on our costs de bonis propriis roast corner, send us as DM on instagram @edulawsa.
Otherwise, hit subscribe and follow us on:
📲 Instagram: @edulawsa
📱WhatsApp Community: https://chat.whatsapp.com/FtIb0FclxufGqeUiQVV2LK
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/edulawsouthafrica/
📩 Newsletter: https://edulaw.kit.com/
In this kickoff episode, our hosts, Roxanne and Monica get real about the messy, unpredictable world of being a legal professional in South Africa. From missing court files to disappearing toilet seats (yes, really), they share the hard truths, practical tips, and survival hacks they wish someone had told them before starting their legal careers.
What you’ll learn:
Our tools and resources:
Join the EduLaw WhatsApp community for more support and resources.
Follow us on instagram
Follow @theroaminglawyer on instagram
Sign up to our newsletter
Hashtags: #LegalInsights #AttorneyLife #SouthAfricaLaw