Matshidiso Legalamitlwa

I am pursuing a full dissertation LLM (Masters of Laws). I realised upon 
completing my LTHE final year research project that academia and research, writing and analysis is where my heart lies and having 
obtained a distinction for it affirmed my abilities. That made me want to keep going with research, 
writing, critical and analytical thinking in what I do. It also confirmed that if I was to define myself 
using one word it would be “learner”. I love learning and engaging academic and legal content as 
well as others. My experience working at the Free State Centre for Human rights also speaks to my 
passion to be in a research space.
I completed my 1 year of articles in January the 4rth 2023. My 1 year of experience in litigation has 
given me a chance to sharpen my drafting and research skills. I am well acquainted with court 
proceedings. This has also taught me to function under pressure and multitasking. It also peaked my 
passion for law. That made me want to centre legal and related research, writing, critical and 
analytical thinking in what I do. It ultimately fuelled me to me joining the research world.
I was a tutor for the university for Introduction to legal science 1 ans 2 , legal practice 1 and 2 and 
law of contracts. I tutored tax law for a private company. This increased
my passion for learning and teaching and being part of nurturing the next 
generation of learners/students and audiences of the law across all sectors. It also showed my ability 
to share concepts and ideas in a simplified manner and in a way that is relatable and digestible to all. I can persuade and explain to provide advice and clarity on the law.
These require analytical and comprehensive skills. All of the above are skills I have and that are necessary for the job.

I have created a slogan in my life: “make excellence a habit”. It has lead me to put in100% of my 
effort into everything I do. I am a hard worker, resilient and solution-oriented with great time 
management skills. Having achieved 39 distinctions during my LLB and having been part of the 
Dean’s list, Golden Key and winning academic merit awards for specific modules speaks to the 
afformentioned work ethic, resilience and dedication.
I have a creative and innovative mind. I have always loved literature, research and writing. Having 
participated in Moot Court Competitions from High School successfully leading to being chosen to 
represent South Africa by UP helped me realise my potential in speaking, research and writing. I had 
been a debate captain and won many individual awards. I joined Legal Behemoth from my first year 
and participated in Moot Court Competition and have won and individual speaker award. I have also 
been a Moot Court Competition judge multiple times. All this experience speaks to my writing, 
speaking and research skills and persuasiveness. My comprehension, analytical and critical thinking 
skills were enhanced by this. Recently I have been involved in training students who participate in 
Moot Court on how to go about doing research and writing.

I work at the Free State Centre for Human Rights as a researcher 2023

I worked at Symington de Kok Attorneys as a Candidate Attorney 2022

I worked as Tutor at the University of Free State 2017-2019

i worked as a marker for modules such as Legal foundation and advanced human rights law at the University of Free State 2023

Moot Court judge and trainer in research and writing 

LLB degree from the University of Free State

Currently doing full dissertation LLM (Masters)