As 2024 draws to a close, South African legal practitioners stand at a pivotal juncture – a moment to reflect on the challenges, progress, and lessons of the past year, while setting sights for the future. The legal profession has long been the custodian of justice, navigating societal shifts, economic turbulence, and political complexities. In 2024, the legal profession was tested yet again, as it grappled with a rapidly evolving landscape. The year was marked by resilience, adaptation, and a renewed commitment to the rule of law. As the profession steps into 2025, the need for reflection and decisive action has never been more apparent.
Working at the Law Society of South Africa (LSSA) for the past 15 years has provided me with a unique position to be an outsider looking into the legal profession and its progression over the years. The legal profession in 2024 faced a unique blend of challenges and opportunities. These stemmed from socio-economic pressures, technological advancements, and the enduring struggle to make justice accessible to all. Among the most pressing issues were the following:
One of the most pressing issues confronting the legal profession in South Africa is the persistent challenge of access to justice. The socio-economic disparities in our society mean that many South Africans, particularly in rural and underprivileged communities, remain unable to afford legal representation. This perpetuates inequality and undermines confidence in the justice system.
Despite significant efforts, access to justice remained a critical challenge throughout 2024. Vulnerable communities across South Africa continued to face barriers to affordable and timely legal assistance. The widening gap between those who need legal services and those who can afford them brought the principle of equal justice under the law into question. Initiatives such as pro bono programs, legal aid, and community-based outreach efforts gained momentum, however, more work still needs to be done. Individual practitioners also have a responsibility to embed access to justice as a cornerstone of their practice.
The legal profession has faced public scrutiny, particularly in the wake of high-profile cases of corruption and misconduct that have implicated a few legal practitioners. This erodes trust in the profession and the broader justice system. Now, more than ever, there is a need for practitioners to reaffirm their commitment to ethical conduct.
Ethics training and adherence to professional codes of conduct must remain non-negotiable in the legal community. The Legal Practice Act 28 of 2014 requires practitioners to uphold the highest standards, but this must extend beyond compliance. It is about cultivating a culture of integrity where every legal professional views their work as a service to justice and the public good.
Technology’s impact on the legal profession became increasingly evident this year. From the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in legal research to the rise of more digital practice management solutions, which reshaped how legal services were delivered. While many firms and practitioners embraced these innovations to enhance efficiency, concerns about equitable access to technology, data security, and ethical considerations also emerged.
As we prepare to welcome 2025, the legal profession must seize this moment to address the shortcomings of the past year and build a more inclusive, dynamic, and resilient future. Here are key areas requiring focused attention:
Expanding access to justice must remain a top priority. Innovative solutions, such as the establishment of more community-based legal clinics and mobile justice units, can help bring legal services closer to underserved populations. Technology, too, can play a vital role. Virtual consultations, online legal resources, and AI-powered tools can reduce costs and improve accessibility. However, it is essential to address the digital divide to ensure these advancements benefit all South Africans, particularly those in rural and disadvantaged areas.
The future of the profession depends on how we educate and prepare the next generation of legal practitioners. In 2025, collaboration between educational institutions, regulatory bodies, and the private sector should intensify to reform the legal curriculum. Emphasis must be placed on practical training, interdisciplinary knowledge, and skills such as negotiation, advocacy, and technological proficiency. Moreover, sustainable funding models must be developed to ensure that financial hardship does not exclude talented individuals from pursuing a career in law.
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the digitisation of the legal profession. Virtual court hearings, online legal consultations, and digital case management systems have now become part of the legal landscape. While this shift has introduced efficiencies, it also presents challenges, particularly for smaller firms and practitioners who lack the resources to invest in advanced technology.
The integration of technology into legal practice is inevitable, but it must be guided by a robust ethical framework. The profession should develop clear guidelines for the use of AI, ensuring that its deployment is transparent, fair, and aligned with the principles of justice. Data privacy and cybersecurity must also be prioritised, with firms investing in safeguarding sensitive client information.
The mental health and well-being of legal practitioners often go overlooked in the drive for excellence. As workloads increase and the demands of the profession grow, legal practitioners face significant risks of burnout and stress. In 2025, the focus must shift towards creating sustainable work environments that prioritise mental health, offer professional support services, and encourage a healthy work-life balance.
The LSSA in collaboration with PPS have been giving free webinars on mental wellness through the Reality Wellness Group. To access recordings of the mental wellness free webinars, please visit: www.lssa.org.za
The legal profession in South Africa does not operate in isolation. Global trends, including cross-border trade, international human rights issues, and transnational crime, increasingly influence local practice. South African legal practitioners must remain attuned to these developments and position themselves as players on the global stage.
International collaboration, attending global conferences, and pursuing cross-border training opportunities can equip practitioners with the knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of globalisation (please see Zincedile Tiya ‘A summary of the SADC LA Annual Conference and General meeting’ 2024 (December) DR 8, Nkosana Francois Mvundlela ‘A report on BRICS Legal Forum’ 2024 (December) DR 9, Joanne Anthony-Gooden ‘Legal practice discussed at PALU Annual Conference’ 2024 (December) DR 10, and Thandeka Mpanza ‘PALU Annual Conference – an insightful examination of important law topics’ 2024 (December) DR 12). Furthermore, legal practitioners must consider the implications of international agreements and treaties on South African law and society.
2025 presents an opportunity to redefine the legal profession’s role in society. It is a chance to move beyond the status quo and embrace meaningful change – change that uplifts not only the profession but also the broader South African society. 2025 should be a year of transformation, where innovation meets tradition, and where the collective efforts of the legal community pave the way for a more just and equitable future.
Finally, the legal profession must foster unity among its members. The challenges outlined above cannot be tackled in silos. Collaboration across legal practitioner associations is essential to driving meaningful change. Events such as the annual meetings of the LSSA should be leveraged as platforms for collective decision-making and strategising. By presenting a unified front, the legal profession can better advocate for the resources and reforms needed to strengthen the justice system.
This article was first published in De Rebus in 2024 (December) DR 3.
