Law Students Engage with Top Legal Firms at Law Professions’ Day

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Law students received career advice and networked with top law firms about employment opportunities and legal careers at UKZN’s virtual Law Professions’ Day. 

The two-day event saw legal professionals from 18 law firms sharing with students what they can expect in this exciting field, and how to prepare for a successful legal career.

Firms that delivered presentations included Norton Rose Fulbright; ENSafrica; Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr, Venns Attorneys; PPS Foundation; Webber Wentzel; Phatshoane Henney Attorneys; ProBono.Org; Bowmans; MacRobert Attorneys; Allen & Overy; the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE SA); Mooney Ford Attorneys; J Leslie Smith & Company Inc.; Stowell & Co.; Livingston Leandy Incorporated; Werksmans Attorneys and Legal Aid South Africa.

Dean and Head of the School of Law Professor Managay Reddi said that she was pleased that despite the ongoing COVID-19 challenges, students were not denied the opportunity to engage with leading law firms in preparation for their entry into the legal profession.

‘Although the Law Professions’ Day format has changed somewhat since last year, we are confident that our students will reap the same benefits that these firms have made available to our graduates in the past,’ said Reddi.

She reassured participants that the School’s migration to the online platform and adoption of blended learning has not adversely affected students’ skillset and knowledge, but enhanced them.

‘Our students have acquired additional skills such as the ability to conduct consultations and argue cases via Zoom which bodes very well for their future as this is the direction that the legal profession is headed. These are difficult economic times and unemployment is rife. Therefore, we are very grateful to all the firms and organisations present for providing our students with the possibility of employment.’ Reddi assured the law firms that should they employ a graduate of the Law School, the consequences are far-reaching as not only the individual’s life is transformed, but those of entire communities.

As a build-up to the event, the School in collaboration with Webber Wentzel, hosted a workshop on CV writing and interview skills for students.

Words: Thandiwe Jumo

Image: Supplied