Legal education in South Africa is undergoing significant transformation. There is growing demand for law graduates who are not only theoretically competent but also practically prepared for professional life. Traditional teaching methods often fall short in bridging this gap. Simulated virtual courtrooms offer a promising solution and yet they have not gained substantial traction in South Africa. These digital environments allow students to engage with legal procedures in a realistic and controlled setting. They promote active learning, critical thinking and are essential to develop professional identity. This paper explores how simulated virtual courtrooms can serve as an effective and transformative pedagogical tool in South African law faculties. It examines the value of virtual court simulations in enhancing procedural knowledge and advocacy skills. This paper adopts a doctrinal research methodology, drawing from scholarly literature to support its analysis. The discussion is grounded in experiential learning theory and digital pedagogy. It considers both the educational benefits and the systemic challenges of implementation. This paper also reflects on the issue of access. While virtual simulations offer flexibility, they can deepen inequalities where digital access is limited. The digital divide and infrastructural costs are critically acknowledged possible barriers. However, if implemented thoughtfully, these tools can democratise legal education. The paper further considers curriculum implications. It argues for the structured integration of simulated courtrooms into the Bachelor of Laws programme. Simulated virtual courtrooms do not replace real court exposure. However, they enhance industry readiness and confidence among students before live participation. In a system striving for both transformation and professional excellence, virtual simulations offer a meaningful step forward. This paper makes the case for their inclusion as a necessary innovation in legal education reform in South Africa.

Keywords: Simulated virtual courtrooms, Legal education, Experiential learning, Digital pedagogy, South Africa.