A Call for Meaningful Transformation in the Legal Profession

Corporate South Africa and the judiciary continue to grapple with the pressing need for meaningful transformation. While we see an encouraging number of black women graduating from law schools and entering the profession, it remains deeply concerning that the higher levels of leadership within the legal sector do not reflect this diversity.

The challenges faced by women—whether in large corporate firms or smaller practices—remain consistent and deeply rooted. These include the patriarchal structure of the profession, instances of sexual harassment, and the immense pressures stemming from caregiving responsibilities. These roles—caring for children, parents, and extended families—are often unacknowledged by workplaces, yet they significantly impact women’s professional lives. Additionally, gender stereotyping in practice areas and the persistent lack of access to leadership and decision-making roles continue to hinder progress.

While we support value statements and policies promoting transformation, diversity, and equal opportunity, we believe these principles must be reflected in real, measurable practices within the work environment.

In the face of slow progress, we echo the call for legal workplaces to be monitored, evaluated, and held accountable for the implementation—or lack thereof—of their transformation commitments.

We firmly believe in the power of mentorship, sponsorship, and peer collaboration to drive change. We support the introduction of gender quotas in regulatory bodies, the enforcement of transparent and robust sexual harassment policies, and the development of gender-sensitive legislation around flexible working hours. We also champion the ongoing training and upskilling of women across all areas of legal practice.

At our firm, we are committed to doing our part in driving meaningful, lasting transformation within the profession.