LEGAL TRANSFORMATION PROJECT GIVES R 6m START-UP BOOST TO PDI ADVOCATES

Fifty newly qualified advocates, classified as previously disadvantaged individuals (PDIs), have been sponsored with technology and legal resources from content and technology solutions provider, LexisNexis® South Africa.

The LexisNexis South Africa Enterprise Development project is now entering its third year and has benefitted 124 PDI advocates in total since its inception in 2012, with an overall investment of R 6 million. The project aims to drive transformation of the legal profession by empowering PDI-owned and managed legal enterprises, including a number of women and advocates from the smaller Bars in South Africa. It is approved by the General Council of the Bar of South Africa.

The sponsorship, to the value of R52 000 each this year, takes the form of 12 months of free platinum access to the My LexisNexis online legal research tool, plus a laptop and a 3G data package. This enables legal professionals juggling busy schedules to conduct extensive legal research while on the go. It also significantly reduces their start-up costs.

During February LexisNexis handed over the sponsorship to 10 members of the Cape Bar and four members of the Eastern Cape Society of Advocates – Port Elizabeth. Handover ceremonies are also due to take place shortly for 10 recipients from the Pretoria Bar, 10 from Johannesburg, nine from Kwa-Zulu Natal, two from the Free State and five remaining from the Eastern Cape Bars of Grahamstown, Bhisho and Transkei. This year the recipients also include 23 woman advocates.

Anyone who would like more information about the LexisNexis Enterprise Development initiative can contact Neliswa Hlombe at LexisNexis on +27 (0) 31 268 3284 or neliswa.hlombe@lexisnexis.co.za

Consideration is given to candidates who: are previously disadvantaged individuals (PDI’s); are South African citizens; excel academically; are newly admitted members of the Bar and are attached to a chamber of advocates.