Legal Practitioner Fidelity Fund (LPFF) Overview:
The Legal Practitioner Fidelity Fund, also known as Attorneys Fidelity Fund (AFF) in the past, serves as a fidelity guarantee fund in South Africa. Its primary mission is to protect the general public from losses incurred due to the theft of trust funds by legal practitioners (attorneys). If you have experienced financial or property losses as a result of an attorney’s actions, the LPFF provides a mechanism for you to claim reimbursement, ensuring that individuals can confidently seek legal assistance without fearing financial repercussions.
Legal Practitioners Fidelity Fund Bursary:
In addition to its role in addressing financial liabilities for the public, the LPFF also offers bursaries to selected students each year. These bursaries provide financial support to both undergraduate and postgraduate students pursuing studies in the legal field.
For undergraduate students, the LPFF bursary covers the final two years of the LLB (Bachelor of Laws) program. This means that second-year students can apply for funding to cover their third and fourth years of study, while third-year students can receive support for their final year.
Postgraduate students can apply for the bursary to enhance their professional qualifications as practicing attorneys. The bursary is awarded for a two-year period, with a maximum value of R 8,000 per year. Please note that the bursary exclusively covers tuition fees.
The exact amount of coverage is determined on a case-by-case basis, with the LPFF’s Board of Control reviewing each application individually. Applicants are informed of the bursary decisions after the application closing date.
Eligibility Criteria:
To be considered for the LPFF bursary, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- South African citizenship or permanent residency.
- Completion of Matric (Grade 12) or equivalent.
- Pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in legal fields such as BComm (Law), BA (Law), BProc/BLuris, or LLB.
- Enrolled in the second year or third year of study for LLB (undergraduate applicants).
- Enrollment at a recognized university.
- Demonstrable financial need.
- For postgraduate applicants, practicing attorneys at a law firm or candidate attorneys studying at a recognized university.
Preference is given to students facing significant financial need and those with outstanding academic records. Ultimately, the LPFF’s Board of Control makes the final decision regarding bursary awards.
How to Apply and Application Details:
To apply for the LPFF bursary, follow these steps:
- Download and complete the appropriate LPFF Bursary Application Form based on your level of study:
- Fidelity Fund Undergraduate Bursary Application Form 2024/2025 (for undergraduate students).
- Fidelity Fund Postgraduate Bursary Application Form 2024/2025 (for postgraduate students).
- Ensure that you carefully follow the instructions provided on the application form.
- Gather the necessary documents to accompany your application. Required documents include:
- Passport-sized photographs (to be attached to the application form).
- South African government-issued ID cards or proof of permanent residence (certified copies).
- Academic records (official transcripts) reflecting results for the 2021 academic year (if applicable).
- Testimonial from the Dean of the Faculty of Law.
- Documentation of any other bursaries, grants, or financial assistance received.
- Send the completed application form and all required documents to the LPFF using one of the following methods:
- Postal Address: Bursary Coordinator, Legal Practitioners Fidelity Fund, P.O. Box 3062, Cape Town, 8000.
- Hand Delivery Address: Mr. Shawn Africa, Bursary Coordinator, Attorneys Fidelity Fund, 5th Floor Waalburg Building, 28 Wale Street, Cape Town, 8001.
Opening and Closing Date:
The LPFF bursary application process typically opens in mid-May (15 May) for the upcoming academic year and closes on 15 August each year.
Contact Details:
For further information or inquiries, you can contact Shawn Africa, the bursary coordinator:
- Contact Person: Shawn Africa (Bursary Coordinator).
- Telephone: 021 424 4608.
- Fax: 086 434 7299.
- Email: shawn@fidfund.co.za.
