Careers

Career Paths

PATHS: Attorneys, Barristers and Notaries
COURSE: Law Practitioners Vocational Course (LPVC Course)
COURSE PROVIDER: Council For Vocational Legal Education
LOCATION: Mauritius, University of Mauritius (UOM)

The Mauritian Bar Course is called the Law Practitioners Vocational Course (LPVC) and is delivered by the University of Mauritius.

The University of Mauritius (UOM) is the only provider of the LPVC course; you have to apply to the Council for Vocational and Legal Education (CVLE) to sit for exams.

ADMISSIONS

• The admission process is processed by the UOM between November and December of
  each year.
• The application is made online through the UOM Enrollment System.
• The minimum requirement to apply is a Bachelor of Laws, LL.B(Hons) with at least a Second Class Second Division degree.

FEES:

• A Payment of MUR 120,000.00 (Subject to change yearly) to the UOM for the LPVC Course;
• a Certificate of Attendance if you have more than 80% of Attendance around mid-July;
• A payment of MUR 10,000.00 to the CVLE must be made alongside your Certificate of Attendance so you may secure a seat for the exams, which shall then take place at a prescribed location.

Law Practitioners Vocational Course (LPVC Course)

I)FOUNDATION (Attorneys, Barristers and Notaries)

• Introduction to Mauritian Law
• Criminal Law: Practical aspects
• Droit Civil Approfondi

(ii) ADVANCED (Attorneys and Barristers)

• Administrative and Constitutional Law
• Arbitration and Mediation
• Civil Procedure
• Commercial and Business Law
• Criminal Procedure
• Evidence
• Family Law

(iii)ADVANCED (Notaries)

• Commercial and Business Law
• Civil Procedure (Notaries)
• Practical aspects of Family Law
• Practical aspects of the Law of Immovable Property
• Revenue and Taxation Laws

(iv)PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE (Attorneys and Barristers)

• Conferencing
• Drafting of Legal Documents
• Ethics
• Opinion Writing
• Advocacy

(v) PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE (Notaries)

• Conferencing
• Drafting of Legal Documents
• Ethics
• Opinion Writing
• Rédaction des Actes
• Responsabilité Notariale
• Tenue de l’Office Notariale

EXAMS:

• Usually scheduled for September;
• Consist of 7 papers;
• the exams run consecutively (no day off between exams);
• and the last exams are usually the Advocacy exams made in the Supreme Court

PASSING THE BAR IN MAURITIUS:

• You will need to secure at least a ‘B’ in each subject;
• If you get a ‘C’, you may ask the CVLE for exemptions (not to retake the LPVC
  course);
• If you get a lower grade than C, you will have to retake the LPVC course (Rs 120k)
  and retake the whole bar exam (Rs10k).

RESITS AND RETAKES

• Each time you fail, you will have to retake the course and resit for exams (starting
  afresh).
• If you fail two modules, there is no resit; thus, you will have to retake the whole
  exam.

A PARALEGAL

What do Paralegals do?

Paralegals support other legal professionals working in law firms and private, public sector, and not-for-profit organisations. Paralegal duties would typically involve preparing legal documents, research, admin, providing quotes to clients, interviewing clients and witnesses, giving clients legal information, going to court, and handling a caseload of clients.

It is a highly varied role where you’ll dip your toes into all aspects of the legal industry. This position is essential for a legal team. It can be used as preparation for qualifying as an attorney as the work often mirrors that of a trainee or recently qualified attorney.

What qualifications do you need to be a Paralegal?

• Possess a good standard of general education, a good understanding of the law and legal system, and good administration skills.
• The LLB Law is equivalent to a BA or BSc and is a Qualifying Law Degree and one of the recommended paralegal course paths towards becoming a paralegal.
• You may consider an online paralegal course to secure a sure pathway to career success and equip yourself with up-to-date paralegal skills.

A LEGAL EXECUTIVE 

What Does a Legal Executive Do?

Legal Executives must keep up to date with legal developments and continue training throughout their career. They can be found working in law firms, in-house legal teams, and public sector bodies.

Although day to day tasks vary by sector and employer, the typical duties of a Legal Executive may include:

• Providing legal advice to clients, corresponding with them, and explaining complex legal matters.
• Liaising with fellow professionals on behalf of clients.
• Researching information and preparing legal documents.
• Attending court to assist with the presentation of cases.
• Assisting attorneys and working alongside Paralegals, Legal Secretaries, and other legal professionals

What qualifications do you need to be a Paralegal?

• You must hold a degree in a relevant field
• Any relevant experience

What Skills Does a Legal Executive Need?

To succeed as a Legal Executive, you will need to demonstrate substantial competency in the following:

• Communication and interpersonal skills.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Negotiation skills.
• Research and drafting skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Organisation skills with the ability to prioritise tasks effectively.
• The ability to work well as part of a team.
• Professionalism and discretion.
• Administrative and IT skills.

A COMPANY’S SECRETARY

Company Secretaries are responsible for the efficient administration of companies, particularly concerning ensuring compliance with statutory requirements and ensuring that decisions of the Board of Directors are implemented.

Duties may include the following tasks:

• direct the business affairs of the company by implementing the decisions of boards of directors;
• act as advisers to the directors of the company;
• handle company share transactions such as issuing new shares, arranging for thepayment of dividends and observing all legal requirements;
• liaise with auditors, lawyers, tax advisers, bankers and shareholders; attend and take notes of meetings;
• prepare reports, budgets and forecasts;
• negotiate the terms of new business contracts;
• assess and arrange insurance cover for the company;
• administer the company’s superannuation policy;
• ensure that all returns required by the Company Law are made to the respective authorities;
• ensure the requirements of the Income Tax Act are met;
• represent the company in dealings with other companies, banks, and shareholders;
• supervise financial administration, including the preparation of financial statements and budgets.

Skills:

• able to analyze and solve problems;
• management and organizational skills;
• familiarity with information technology is essential;
• discretion when dealing with confidential information;
• an understanding of the legal system as it affects business.

Prospects:

There is no promotion ladder, Company Secretaries who are senior members of a company may have to change employers to find a post with more responsibility, or their responsibilities may increase as the company expands.

Entry Requirements:

Company Secretaries are usually professionals e.g. lawyers and accountants.

Details of entry:

• requirements are to be found in the relevant occupational profiles.
• The usual educational qualifications are to register as a student with the ICSA are two “A”.
• Levels plus three “0” groups. The minimum age is 17 years.

Training:

To become an associate member of ICSA, a student must pass or gain an exemption from the four-part ICSA examinations (https://www.glamis.ac.mu/icsa-foundation-programme/) and complete a period (usually three to six years) of approved work
experience.

Opportunities:

• Public Limited Companies are required by law to have a named Company Secretary.
• The post of Company Secretary can be allocated to holders of many professional qualifications such as barrister, accountant, or a member of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (ICSA).
• Competition for the post of Company Secretary is therefore challenging.