For the past few years ProBono. Org has had an arrangement with Varsity College to providea week-long practical work experience for their final year LLB students. Kopano Ledwaba, a student at the IIEVarsity College Sandton Campus, has sent us his thoughtful remarks on the experience:
Reimagining Advocacy: The Human Element of Legal WorkWhile my ambitions had always inclined toward human rights litigation, the intimate nature of my interactions at ProBono.Org added a more human dimension to this vision. I found myself reflecting on the dual role that lawyers play, both as advocates of the law and stewards of the people they serve. The clients we dealt with were not merely cases—they were individuals grappling with complex legal issues that intertwined with deeply personal circumstances. Whether assisting a refugee or providing advice on housing disputes, it became clear that the emotional weight of these cases could not be separated from their legal complexities. This intersection of human vulnerability and legal process is, I believe, where the heart of legal practice truly resides.
My legal education had thus far trained me to see the law as a system of rules and precedents; my time at ProBono.Org, however, expanded this view by teaching me the importance of empathy, patience, and active listening. These are qualities not often emphasised in traditional legal training, yet they proved indispensable when dealing with clients for whom the stakes were high and the consequences of inaction could be life altering. Here, the law becomes not just a tool for resolving disputes but a means of restoring dignity and hope to those who feel powerless.
Practical Legal Training: Lessons in Precision, Patience and Persuasion
Beyond the philosophical and emotional insights, my time at ProBono.Org was an invaluable training ground for honing practical legal skills. The rigorous process of assisting in case preparation, particularly in refugee and housing law, demanded meticulous attention to detail. From correctly drafting legal documents to managing sensitive consultations, every step required precision. As I learned quickly, even a seemingly minor error—such as the misplacement of a date or omission of a fact—could have significant implications for a client’s case. What was particularly enlightening was the realisation that legal strategy often requires navigating imperfect systems.
In one instance, a client’s refugee status was complicated by discrepancies in their permit history, a situation exacerbated by bureaucratic inefficiencies. As we worked to resolve the issue, I saw first hand the importance of understanding not just the letter of the law but also the procedural nuances and institutional roadblocks that could hinder a straightforward legal solution. In such moments, the lawyer’s role is part tactician, part mediator, and part educator— ensuring that clients are informed, empowered, and equipped to navigate the legal maze. Moreover, this experience highlighted the subtle art of persuasion—both in written and oral forms.
I was tasked with drafting correspondence and legal documents where clarity, accuracy and persuasive argument were paramount. Crafting these documents required not only a sound grasp of legal principles but also the ability to present complex issues in a manner accessible to both legal professionals and lay clients. This balance between technical precision and effective communication is a skill I will carry forward into my legal career.
Reflections on Constitutional Law and Social Justice Engaging with ProBono.Org has deepened my understanding of the symbiotic relationship between law and society. South Africa’s Constitution, often lauded for its progressive stance on rights and freedoms, sets a high bar for justice. Yet, the lived realities of those I encountered during my time at the organisation reveal the tensions that arise when constitutional promises fail to materialise in practice.
For individuals from refugee communities or those facing housing insecurity, the law often seems distant—an abstract system that fails to address their immediate needs. Pro bono legal services thus serve as a critical bridge, translating lofty constitutional ideals into actionable remedies for everyday injustices.
This experience has prompted me to think more critically about the role that law plays in creating not just equality before the law but substantive equality in society. It has also reinforced my belief that the law is only as transformative as its ability to reach and uplift the marginalised. In this regard, pro bono services stand as a testament to the law’s potential to serve as an instrument of social justice, especially in a country like South Africa, where the legacies of inequality and exclusion remain deeply entrenched.
Conclusion: Charting a Path Forward
As I reflect on my time at ProBono.Org, I am filled with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper understanding of the multifaceted role that law plays in society. This experience has sharpened my legal skills, broadened my perspective on advocacy and, most importantly, reinforced my commitment to using the law as a force for social good. While my academic interests remain firmly rooted in constitutional law and human rights, I now appreciate the diverse forms that legal practice can take—whether in the courtroom, the consulting room, or the community centre.
Ultimately, the lessons I learned during my community engagement at ProBono. Org will serve as a guiding compass as I continue to navigate my legal career. I leave this experience not only more knowledgeable but also more attuned to the ethical imperatives of practising law in a way that is compassionate, just, and committed to the greater good.
