Igama lamakhosikazi malibongwe. Dive into our Woman's Month episode of Law and Life Matters.
Lindelwa Zulu and Ziyabukwa Ndlovu discussed the process of securing articles and the daily tasks of a candidate attorney. Ziyabukwa shared her journey through law school and the practical skills she acquired, emphasising the importance of networking and door-to-door visits for securing articles. She provided insights into the daily tasks of a candidate attorney, including managing diarized duties, following up with clients, serving and lodging matters, and attending consultations. The discussion also covered stress management techniques for legal professionals, the advantages of completing articles before pursuing a legal career, and the importance of staying updated on changes and developments in law. The conversation highlighted the significant role candidate attorneys play in contributing to the success of law firms and the legal profession, detailing their involvement in day-to-day office work and their contribution to the improvement of the legal profession. The meeting concluded with an acknowledgment of the celebration of Women’s Month and the importance of women giving their best efforts.
Chapters & Topics:
Introduction of Ziyabukwa Ndlovu and Her Experience in Law School and Articles
Lindelwa Zulu welcomes Ziyabukwa Ndlovu and inquires about her background and experience in law school. Ziyabukwa shares her journey through law school, highlighting the skills she gained and how it prepared her for her articles. She also details the challenging application process she went through to secure her articles position.
• Experience in law school and preparation for articles
• Securing articles position and application process
A Day in the Life of a Candidate Attorney
Ndlovu Ziyabukwa shares the daily responsibilities of a candidate attorney, emphasising the importance of managing unfinished tasks and avoiding work overload. Lindelwa Zulu inquires about challenges faced, leading to a discussion on the difficulties of drafting legal documents
without prior practical legal training. Ziyabukwa also highlights the importance of knowing where to find the law when drafting legal documents.
• Typical day as a candidate attorney
Personal Growth and Career Development
Lindelwa Zulu and Ziyabukwa Ndlovu delve into the strategies for managing stress in the legal
profession, emphasising the significance of meditation, exercise, and a strong support system.
They also discuss the advantages of completing articles before pursuing a legal career, highlighting the benefits of building a client base and gaining experience. Additionally, they reflect on the surprising personal growth and resilience developed throughout the journey as a candidate.
• Career goals and long-term plans
Staying Updated on Changes and Developments in Law
Ndlovu Ziyabukwa explains how her law firm stays updated on changes and developments in
law through subscriptions to legal resources like LexisNexis and the Law Society blog. She also highlights the significance of maintaining good relationships with colleagues and attorneys for learning and staying updated, and advises students to be prepared to volunteer in the legal profession due to its saturation.
Insights on Career Development and Personal Growth
Ndlovu Ziyabukwa discusses the challenges of starting a career and the need to invest time and effort in one’s CV to make a strong impression. She also reflects on the importance of learning from mistakes and the impact of hard work on building a successful career. Lindelwa Zulu concludes by encouraging Ziyabukwa to continue giving her best and wishing her success in her journey.
Key Questions:
• Can you walk us through a typical day as a candidate at training?
• What advice would you give to someone who’s about to start their articles or someone who’s still looking for articles as a student?
