Legal Practitioner Fidelity Fund (LPFF)
Formerly known as the Attorneys Fidelity Fund (AFF), the Legal Practitioner Fidelity Fund is a fidelity guarantee fund operating in South Africa. Its primary objective is to safeguard the general public from financial losses resulting from theft of trust funds by attorneys. By providing a mechanism for reimbursement in cases where individuals suffer monetary or property losses due to the actions of their attorneys, the LPFF ensures that the public can engage legal practitioners with confidence, without fearing potential financial liabilities later on.
LPFF Bursary
In addition to its core function of covering financial liabilities for the public, the LPFF also offers bursaries to eligible students annually. These bursaries aim to provide financial assistance to both undergraduate and postgraduate students pursuing legal education.
Undergraduate Bursary:
- The LPFF undergraduate bursary covers the final two years of the LLB program.
- Eligible students in their second year can apply for funding to cover expenses for the third and fourth years.
- Third-year students can receive funding for their final year.
Postgraduate Bursary:
- Postgraduate students can apply for the LPFF bursary to enhance their professional qualifications.
- The bursary is awarded for a two-year period, with a maximum value of R 8000 per year.
- Funding is provided solely for tuition fees.
The amount of coverage is determined on a case-by-case basis, with the LPFF Board of Control reviewing each application. Successful candidates are notified after the bursary’s closing date.
Eligibility Criteria:
To be considered for the LPFF bursary, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria:
- Must be a South African citizen or a permanent resident.
- Must have completed Matric.
- Must be pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in a legal domain, such as B Comm (law), BA (law), B Proc/B luris. LLB students should have completed the first two years of the four-year program.
- Must be in the second or third year of study.
- The university must be recognized.
For postgraduate students:
- Must be practicing attorneys at a law firm or candidate attorneys.
- Must be studying at a recognized university.
Preference is given to students demonstrating dire financial need and those with excellent academic records. The final decision on bursary recipients rests with the LPFF Board of Control.
Application Process:
- Complete the appropriate LPFF Bursary Application form, available for undergraduate and postgraduate students.
- Gather necessary documents, including photographs, South African ID, academic transcripts, testimonials, and details of other bursaries.
- Mail the completed application form and documents to the LPFF Bursary Coordinator at the provided address.
- The closing date for applications is 15 August 2023.
Contact Details:
For further information or inquiries, applicants can contact Shawn Africa, the LPFF Bursary Coordinator, via:
- Telephone: 021 424 4608
- Fax: 086 434 7299
- Email: shawn@fidfund.co.za
Address for mailing applications:
Bursary Coordinator
Legal Practitioners Fidelity Fund
P O Box 3062
Cape Town
8000
For hand delivery:
Mr. Shawn Africa
Bursary Coordinator
Attorneys Fidelity Fund
5th Floor Waalburg Building
28 Wale Street
Cape Town – 8001