Surely Big Law South Africa needs to do better! I shared a post on a similar topic yesterday, looking only on the negative side of this. The post was a reflection from conversations I had in December 2023. The experience shared below by Rorisang Mzozoyana is from over 10 years ago. (I simply reference her post in so far as it speaks about lack of training and support in Big Law and the effect thereof) This means that if you were in a position to do better in 2023 and didn’t, about 10 years ago you potentially had a similar experience or at the very least saw others go through a similar experience (ie. lack of training and support). Perhaps it’s time to break the cycle? The success of a junior does not take anything away from their senior/leader. A successful, competent attorney is an asset to the firm/company and the profession at large. And no, training and support does not have to be unkind, rude, toxic or otherwise. It can definitely be humane, gracious and intentional. Most importantly, training black talent does not take away anything from anyone. It simply makes us part of a transforming, just society. #BuildingYoungLawyers
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I previously had to rebuild my self-esteem and confidence as 3 years in Big Law in South Africa had left them in tatters. I was not getting the training and support I needed and I thought "I couldn't cut it" and I was incompetent. Going to New York in 2010 was so affirming as once I worked in an environment that was supportive and conducive to my growth I thrived and became one of the best performing associates at Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP in my year. I also met "fancy" New York lawyers like Karen Kaplowitz who saw something in me I did not see in myself and who believed in me even though I did not think I was worthy. The whole New York experience and meeting lawyers like Karen was so affirming and life changing and it has given me a self-belief and confidence that I still carry with me today. That's the reason I do the work I do, because I know how much the right type of support and information can change a young lawyers' professional life. So thank you Karen Kaplowitz! 🙏🏽😪 #juniorlawyerschampion #lawyerlife #legalprofession
