Harrismith attorney, David Bekker, and Cape Town attorney, Walid Brown, were elected Co-chairpersons of the Law Society of South Africa at its annual general meeting in Port Elizabeth on 22 April.
By Nomfundo Manyathi-Jele
Cape Town attorney, Walid Brown, and Harrismith attorney, David Bekker, were elected Co-chairpersons of the Law Society of South Africa (LSSA) at its annual general meeting (AGM) in Port Elizabeth on 22 April (see also AGM news ‘The state of the profession discussed at LSSA AGM’ on p 6).
According to the LSSA press release, Mr Brown says his objective for the coming year would be to utilise the momentum of transforming the legal profession, through the Legal Practice Act 28 of 2014 (LPA), to implement structures that will lead to a change in the demographics of this profession, a change in the power dynamic within the profession and ultimately to a more equal wealth distribution among the lawyers of this country. ‘However, within this context it will always be necessary for us to ensure that we maintain a culture of excellence as a profession in whatever we do,’ he stressed.
Similarly, Mr Bekker noted that a smooth transfer to the Legal Practice Council (LPC) and the continued existence of a representative body for all legal practitioners are important. ‘I would also like to get young practitioners more involved in professional affairs, as well as enhance mediation and arbitration by attorneys,’ he said.
The LPA is expected to be fully implemented in 2018, bringing the LPC – the new, national regulatory body for attorneys and advocates – into effect (see also ‘National Forum races against time to submit recommendations to Minister’ on p 17).
About the co-chairpersons
Walid Brown is a director at the Cape Town office of Werksmans Attorneys where he focuses on litigation and dispute resolution, as well as insolvency, business rescue and restructuring.
He has the BA (UCT) and LLB (UWC) degrees as well as an Advanced Certificate in Insolvency Litigation (UP) and a Certificate in Advanced Business Rescue (Unisa).
He is an executive member of the Western Cape Branch of the Black Lawyers Association (BLA) and has represented the BLA on the LSSA Council since 2016.
David Bekker is serving his second term as co-chairperson, having been co-chairperson for the period 2013/2014.
Mr Bekker has been an attorney for 40 years this year. He was admitted as an attorney and conveyancer in 1977 after having competed the BIur degree at the University of the Free State. He practiced for his own account until he joined Cloete & Neveling in 1982.
Mr Bekker has been a Council member of the LSSA since 2009 and has been a member of its Management Committee since 2010. He is currently chairperson of the LSSA’s Financial Intelligence Centre Act Committee; serves on the Deceased Estates, Trusts and Planning Committee; and the Competition Committee. Mr Bekker has been a trustee of the Legal Provident Fund since April 2009.
At international level, Mr Bekker represents the LSSA on the Council of the Commonwealth Lawyers Association. At provincial level, Mr Bekker has been a Council member of the Law Society of the Free State since 1989 and was its President from 1994 to 1996.
Nomfundo Manyathi-Jele, Communications Officer, Law Society of South Africa, nomfundom@lssa.org.za
This article was first published in De Rebus in 2017 (June) DR 16.
