Career Opportunity Morning gives Law Students Insights into Legal Pathways
UKZN’s School of Law hosted a Career Opportunity Morning for third and fourth year Bachelor of Laws (LLB) students, offering valuable insights into various career paths in the legal profession to inform students about the diverse range of career opportunities available with an LLB as an entry point.
Director of External Liaison for the School of Law, lecturer and admitted attorney Ms Salina Govindsamy opened the session with an overview of careers in Corporate Law. She emphasised the procedural steps required for admission, including exams, coursework, and ensuring that all documentation is in order.
‘It’s not someone else who drafts the papers, it’s you,’ said Govindsamy. ‘When you present yourself to the court, you’re saying: “If I can do this for myself professionally, then I can do this for others”,’ she said.
Govindsamy also highlighted the process of joining the Bar and completing pupillage for graduates who are interested in becoming advocates.
She encouraged students to consider academia, which, she said, was a rewarding path, noting that the minimum requirement was a master’s degree, with progress towards a PhD. ‘Joining academia isn’t the end of your studying journey, it requires hands-on commitment and continuous development,’ she added. For students still unsure of their career path after completing their degree, she recommended applying to become a judge’s clerk.
‘A judge in South Africa hears various types of cases of administrative law, family law and more. If you work with a judge over an extended period, you gain exposure to multiple legal fields, which helps in making informed career decisions,’ said Govindsamy.
Mrs Anita Willoughby of the Legal Practice Council (LPC) in KwaZulu-Natal, spoke about various aspects of entering legal practice. She clarified the process of transferring between firms during articles of clerkship, known as “cession”. ‘If you’re struggling to fit in with a law firm, it doesn’t mean you’re stuck there for two years. You can apply for cession, but both the current and new principals must agree. There should be no gap between leaving one firm and starting at another,’ she said.
Willoughby added that the LPC could not force a principal to sign off on a cession. ‘If the relationship has broken down or the situation is untenable, whether it’s the location, personal circumstances or a toxic environment, you’re free to resign and find another firm, as long as the proper registration process is followed,’ she said.
Legal counsel at Aspen Pharmacare, Ms Pamela Maluleke shared her journey into the intellectual property sector and the transition into in-house legal practice.
‘Your legal career isn’t stagnant. Choosing a particular path doesn’t mean you’re stuck with it forever. There’s always room for movement; you shape your own direction,’ said Maluleke.
She explained the difference between private practice and in-house legal work, noting that with the latter, the company itself is the only client. ‘As in-house counsel, you must understand the business. It’s essential to collaborate with stakeholders across departments because they rely on your legal guidance,’ she said.
‘While the role is challenging, it’s deeply rewarding. Most legal adviser roles require you to be an admitted attorney, but some companies accept candidates with just a Law degree, especially for roles such as legal advisers or company secretaries,’ Maluleka said.
A UKZN LLB graduate and current intern at Aspen Pharmacare, Mr Skhumbuzo Sibisi, spoke about how his time at the company since April has been transformative. ‘It has challenged me to think more critically, enhanced my commercial awareness and fostered a growing business mindset,’ said Sibisi.
Senior lecturer and Academic Leader for Community Engagement in the School of Law Dr Janine Hicks provided insight into a career in social justice, development and the state. She spoke about opportunities for LLB graduates to work within firms of attorneys and non-governmental organisations undertaking strategic litigation and policy advocacy work on social justice issues such as environmental rights violations, housing and eviction challenges and land restitution matters.
Hicks also referred to opportunities within Chapter 9 organisations, such as the South African Human Rights Commission, the Commission for Gender Equality, and the Public Protector South Africa, as legal officers, researchers and outreach officers, as well as undertaking research, legal and policy research within government departments.
‘For those wishing to embark upon a career in African Union or United Nations human rights institutions, the best way to start is to get involved in local human rights issues and campaigns, to develop your skills and networks, and demonstrate your passion for social justice,’ said Hicks.
Ms Lethiwe Ngubane of ProBono.Org offered a candid look into the field of public interest law.
Ngubane emphasised the role of legal professionals in serving marginalised communities, including the poor, disabled and people who lack access to justice. ‘Public interest law is about using legal skills to benefit the broader community. It’s often focused on access to justice, human rights and addressing systemic inequalities. While the work doesn’t always bring immediate rewards, such as court victories, it is profoundly impactful,’ she said.
The students present at the event asked engaging, practical questions such as the requirements for switching from an attorney to an advocate, whether outstanding student fees impact admission as an attorney and how individuals from previously disadvantaged backgrounds can have a meaningful space at the table.
The feedback from the students was positive with many feeling the future has more opportunities than obstacles.
Law students were encouraged to take up opportunities to participate in the internship and training programmes available with Aspen and ProBono.org.
Words: NdabaOnline
Photographs: Hesper Media
