According to the Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Andries Nel, the legal profession is a public service and a calling rather than simply a career.
Addressing law students at a career expo held as part of the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mandela Day programme, he emphasised the importance of purpose and integrity when pursuing a career in law.
"You may think of this event as a career expo. It is also something more. It is an invitation to consider not only what job you want, but what purpose you will serve. A career is about what you do. A calling is about why you do it. South Africa needs lawyers who understand both,” the Deputy Minister said.
Held under the theme "The Constitution at 30: Preserving Nelson Mandela's legacy of equality and justice", the event on 17 July was a collaboration between the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DOJ&CD), the NWU’s Faculty of Law and legal stakeholders.
The aim was to expose students to career opportunities across South Africa's justice system while honouring the legacy of the late Nelson Mandela, who was himself a lawyer.
Career opportunities aplenty
Representatives from the Legal Practice Council, Legal Aid South Africa, the National Prosecuting Authority, the Office of the State Attorney, the Office of the Chief State Law Adviser, the South African Women Lawyers Association and private law firms engaged directly with students on internships, candidate attorney programmes and career pathways.
Addressing students, Deputy Minister Nel encouraged them to engage with the legal professionals present.
"Today, use the opportunity before you. Speak to the law firms represented here. Ask about candidate attorney programmes. Learn how internships in government work. Explore the Aspirant Prosecutors Programme. Speak to Legal Aid South Africa. Ask public servants what government legal work actually involves. Learn about careers that you may not previously have considered."
He said that while academic performance was important, integrity would ultimately define a lawyer's career.
"Academic excellence matters, but it is not enough. Above all, it [the practice of law] requires integrity. Your reputation will be one of your greatest professional assets."
Shared commitment
Dr Joe Molete, deputy vice-chancellor for student life, transformation, people and culture with the assigned function of the Mahikeng Campus, said the partnership between the university and the DOJ&CD reflected a shared commitment to preparing future legal professionals.
"This Career Day is an opportunity to inspire our students to see the legal profession as a calling to serve society, protect the vulnerable, uphold the rule of law and promote access to justice for all South Africans."
Dr Molete said the institutions represented at the expo demonstrated the wide range of opportunities available to law graduates in government and private practice. "The calibre of institutions represented here today reflects the many pathways available within the legal profession.”
Students took full advantage of the opportunity to connect with leaders from the legal profession and at the same time pay tribute to Nelson Mandela – a firm believer in education as a pathway to social progress.
Andries Nel, Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Dr Joe Molete, deputy vice-chancellor for student life, transformation, people and culture with the assigned function of the Mahikeng Campus, and Prof. Kathleen van der Linde, executive dean of the Faculty of Law.
