Luyanda Majola

I am a 26 year old, young black female. On the 4th August 2023, I was admitted as an Advocate of the High Court after successfully completing my pupillage with the Johannesburg Society of Advocates in March 2023.I am a highly motivated post-graduate who is pursuing law and eager to apply the acquired skills and knowledge.

 I am hardworking, reliable and innovative with the ability to work in a multidisciplinary team. I intend on making a contribution to the betterment of the world we live in by addressing systemic inequality, poverty, and unemployment through the continuous enhancement of the legal profession and practice to address access to justice facing our country’s judiciary system and its beneficiary communities. The law is not stagnant in nature which implies that there is a necessity for the development of legal provisions and statues to be in alignment with the ever-changing circumstances. 

Last year I was accepted at the Johannesburg Society of Advocates to undergo pupillage. I was placed under the mentorship and training of Advocate Shaida Mohamed I grew academically and as a black young woman in the legal profession. I was challenged by my mentor to think bigger and out of the box. She equipped me with problem-solving skills, academic stimulation and encouraged me excel in all the tasks presented to me. Pupillage opened better and greater interpretations of the law, application and understanding of the legal statutes. It gave me the tools to analyse the law from different perspectives, apply the law sufficiently and persuasively and to be a good litigant in court by providing substantive arguments. This was achieved by daily lectures presented by Advocates of the Bar and Retired Judges, weekly submissions of assignments based on the materials studied, advanced advocacy training, daily interactions with our mentors and other Advocates on their briefs and court attendances with Advocates. 

This process has placed me in a position to confidently say that I am a good legal practitioner and candidate who is eager to practice and apply my skills. 

During 2021, I did Practical Legal Training at the LEADS Society at UKZN. The practical vocational training prepared me by providing a full spectrum of skills and knowledge which are essential for the practical day-to-day duties of an attorney. It also provided insight on running one’s practice and maintaining all ethical standards required. Part of the requirements of the practical legal training course was moot court in which trials and applications were conducted by us. This involved instituting the action until litigation. Working in teams was an integral part of our tasks and this gave me an opportunity to improve greatly on my interaction and leadership skills.