Law Society of South Africa condemns alleged exam paper leaks and warns of consequences

The Law Society of South Africa (LSSA) has issued a firm denunciation of the recent incidents regarding the alleged theft and leakage of professional examination papers associated with legal practitioners.

LSSA president Nkosana Francois Mvundlela said the organisation condemns the theft and leakage of professional examination papers, as well as the possession, circulation and use of any unlawfully obtained exam content in a statement on Friday night.

"The LSSA has noted recent social media activity alleging the circulation of leaked Board Examination materials and reiterates that such conduct strikes at the heart of professional ethics and public trust in the legal profession."

Mvundlela said the Board Examinations are administered by the Legal Practice Council (LPC).

The organisation supports the LPC in safeguarding the integrity of these assessments and called for urgent, thorough investigations into any allegation of leakage or misuse, with appropriate consequences to follow.

He affirmed the organisation's support for the LPC in preserving the integrity of these assessments.

Mvundlela urged that swift and comprehensive investigations into any claims of leakage or misuse be conducted, ensuring that appropriate consequences are imposed.

“Stealing, leaking or using stolen papers has no place in our profession. Anyone who participates in this conduct, or benefits from it, demonstrates a disregard for the law and for the public that lawyers are sworn to serve.

“If an investigation confirms involvement, such a person should expect decisive action and should not anticipate a future in the legal profession,” said Mvundlela.

LPC spokeperson, Kabelo Letebele, said the council had been made aware of a serious incident involving the leakage of the competency-based examination paper for candidate attorneys, written on 20 and 21 August.

Letebele said the LPC is deeply concerned about the integrity and credibility of the legal profession and will not tolerate any actions that compromise the examination process.

“A thorough investigation is currently under way, and the LPC will take swift and decisive action against any candidates found to have participated in this misconduct,” he said.

The LPC has issued a stern warning that any candidate found to have bought, shared (including via WhatsApp or other platforms), or otherwise participated in the distribution of the leaked paper will be barred from entering the legal profession.

Letebele noted that contingency plans, including backup papers and processes, are always in place in the event of a document leak.

"The LPC strongly condemns this conduct, which is not only unethical but also constitutes a criminal offence."

According to the LSSA, professional ethics are not negotiable. The LPC Code of Conduct clearly states that conduct bringing the profession into disrepute constitutes misconduct.

Mvundlela explained that the LPC’s disciplinary framework provides for investigation and adjudication of such misconduct, including matters relating to candidate legal practitioners.

“Confirmed involvement in examination leaks may result in the invalidation of results, exclusion from future sittings and serious consequences for admission,” he said.

The organisation appealed to the profession and candidates to report suspicions or evidence of leaks immediately. Complaints and information should be lodged directly with the LPC through its channels.

Mvundlela highlighted that this is not the first time the profession has had to confront the threat of exam leaks. He said in 2018, the problem had grave consequences for candidates and for the profession’s reputation.

“The LSSA will not allow a repeat of such harm and will support the LPC and law enforcement to ensure accountability,” he warned.

Mvundlela emphasised that the legal profession rests on integrity, competence, and the rule of law.

“Cheating corrodes each of these pillars. We will continue to work with the LPC to protect the fairness of the examinations and the credibility of the profession,” he stated.

karen.singh@inl.co.za