"On Friday, 30 August 2024, I was admitted as an attorney in the High Court of South Africa at the age of 41.
My best friend and mentor, Kirith Haria, moved my application, which made this day more special.
Judge Windell could not speak truer words – 'the journey for some to get to admission was strange, longer, and delayed'.
Life took me on a different path than planned. I wanted to be an attorney when I was younger, but I listened to the opinions of others who convinced me that I was too soft to practice law."
"I learned, you can be soft but strong. You can be kind but also set boundaries. You can be quiet but make an impact with a few words. You can inspire others by just being you. Never give up on your dreams."
More about Natasha
"I joined the legal fraternity in 2009 as a legal secretary at Kruger Attorneys. I always wanted to study law, but was told I am too soft to be taken seriously in the legal profession. Mr Kruger convinced me to change my BCom Management degree to BCom Law, and as they say – the rest is history.
In 2014, I joined the team at BKM Attorneys, where I worked as a legal secretary for Vanessa Jacklin-Levin. I obtained my BCom Law degree at the age of 33.
I commenced my LLB on a part-time basis at the age of 34 and thought I would never finish. I completed my LLB at the age of 39. Vanessa agreed to be my principal, but she received a great opportunity at Bowmans, and on 1 December 2023, I joined the team at VanZyl Johnson Attorneys as an associate designate."
Motivation for enrolling at the Gawie le Roux Institute of Law
"Gawie le Roux is a name that goes hand in hand with 'board exams'. So many of my attorney friends motivated me to enrol for the classes at GLR, as it helped them to pass the competency-based exams. I am glad I listened to their advice! It really alleviated the stress as the notes were comprehensive, organised, and helped me to study and successfully pass my competency-based exams."
"Challenges made me stronger and more resilient"
"I did face a few challenges during my articles. Just after commencing my articles, I faced a personal tragedy. Furthermore, during my articles, I heard that my principal and mentor of many years was joining another firm. I had to cede my articles during this time.
I handled these challenges by reminding myself every day to take it one day at a time, and if that is too difficult, to take it one hour at a time. This way, many difficult days passed. If I look back, these challenges made me stronger and more resilient to chase my dreams and work hard to achieve them. My mother’s prayers also carried me through many a difficult day."
"It doesn't matter if you start later in life, just start!"
Natasha's tips on securing articles
- "You need to make yourself visible through social media platforms such as LinkedIn.
- Join a recruitment agency that focuses on the legal fraternity.
- Put yourself out there – apply for vacation work whilst you are studying.
- Most importantly – believe in yourself and never give up!"
What's next?
"I am currently still settling into my role as an Associate at VanZyl Johnson Attorneys, and I am working on building my practice. I am also considering writing the notarial exams in 2025."
Last updated on 27/09/2024