Compiled by Barbara Whittle

The Southern African Development Community Lawyers’ Association (SADC LA) annual conference and general meeting (ACGM) is the premier event for lawyers in the 15-member Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. This year, the Law Society of South Africa (LSSA) is proud to co-host the conference with the SADC LA at the Cape Town International Convention Centre in Cape Town from 17 to 19 August. The last time this conference was held in South Africa was in the year 2000.

Over the years the event has grown in profile and relevance to the legal community, the governments of SADC, civil society partners, citizens of SADC and the business community. From attendance by a handful of lawyers at inception, the SADC LA ACGM now attracts an average of 500 participants annually. Participants are drawn from practising lawyers and advocates, Ministers of Justice, attorneys general, members of the judiciary, human rights advocates and civil society actors. In addition, over the years, the ACGM has also attracted the presence of senior government officials from the various SADC countries.

This year’s conference will feature a special half-day networking side event to provide a forum for practitioners from the region to meet specifically to network with potential associates.  There are also two social events that will provide further networking opportunities:  A welcome cocktail sponsored by First National Bank, and a closing conference gala dinner.

A range of sponsorship and expo packages provide a unique forum to showcase products, firms and services to the SADC legal community.

Accommodation has been negotiated with specific hotels close to the conference venue.

For more information see www.LSSA.org.za or e-mail LSSA@LSSA.org.za

Compiled by Barbara Whittle, communication manager, Law Society of South Africa, barbara@lssa.org.za

This article was first published in De Rebus in 2016 (March) DR 11.