LJU4802 - Professional Ethics
Assignment 1 (Semester 2)
DUE 10 September 2025
QUESTION 1
The application to strike the respondent from the roll was brought by the Legal Practice
Council (LPC), which is the statutory body charged with regulating the conduct of legal
practitioners in South Africa.¹
QUESTION 2
The attorneys’ profession in South Africa is presently governed by the Legal Practice
Act 28 of 2014, which repealed and replaced the former Attorneys Act 53 of 1979.²
QUESTION 3
An attorney is required to have a Fidelity Fund certificate in order to practise law and
operate a trust banking account. The certificate provides protection for members of
the public whose money is entrusted to an attorney, particularly where trust funds are
misappropriated or lost due to dishonesty.
Without such a safeguard, clients would be vulnerable to financial loss, as was evident
in the Steffen case where millions of rand were misappropriated. By requiring
practitioners to hold both a Fidelity Fund certificate and a trust account, the law ensures
Disclaimer:
All materials are for study assistance only. We do not condone academic dishonesty. Use at your own risk.
We are not liable for any consequences arising from misuse.
Redistribution, resale, or sharing without permission is prohibited.
Assignment 1 (Semester 2)
DUE 10 September 2025
QUESTION 1
The application to strike the respondent from the roll was brought by the Legal Practice
Council (LPC), which is the statutory body charged with regulating the conduct of legal
practitioners in South Africa.¹
QUESTION 2
The attorneys’ profession in South Africa is presently governed by the Legal Practice
Act 28 of 2014, which repealed and replaced the former Attorneys Act 53 of 1979.²
QUESTION 3
An attorney is required to have a Fidelity Fund certificate in order to practise law and
operate a trust banking account. The certificate provides protection for members of
the public whose money is entrusted to an attorney, particularly where trust funds are
misappropriated or lost due to dishonesty.
Without such a safeguard, clients would be vulnerable to financial loss, as was evident
in the Steffen case where millions of rand were misappropriated. By requiring
practitioners to hold both a Fidelity Fund certificate and a trust account, the law ensures
Disclaimer:
All materials are for study assistance only. We do not condone academic dishonesty. Use at your own risk.
We are not liable for any consequences arising from misuse.
Redistribution, resale, or sharing without permission is prohibited.
