When Mark Culbert, our managing director with iLaw, approached me in late 2022 with the plans for the ICLA’s Global Lawyer Exchange Programme, I knew it was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. The prospect of gaining invaluable experience by working in a different jurisdiction was immensely appealing. I was already excited about the potential this exchange held when Philip Roberts from Barnard in South Africa visited us. His insights into his working life in Pretoria and the vibrant culture of South Africa only solidified my decision to participate.
The exchange programme offered numerous benefits, from developing my legal skills through understanding a new jurisdiction to expanding my professional network and exploring a new place. The chance to work for Barnard in Pretoria was particularly enticing, and with the support of Mark and Douw Breed, Barnard’s managing director, I quickly planned my move.
My arrival in Johannesburg was the start of an incredible journey. Douw warmly welcomed me and showed me around Pretoria, my home for the next month. I was struck by Barnard’s state-of-the-art facilities and the welcoming atmosphere created by my new colleagues. Their exceptional hospitality made me feel at home immediately, and I am especially grateful to Douw and his family for their kindness and generosity.
Professionally, my time at Barnard was incredibly enriching. I engaged in various corporate and commercial transactions, enhancing my local knowledge through tasks such as drafting memorandums of incorporation, handling asset-for-share transactions under Section 42 of the Income Tax Act, and advising on distribution services agreements. Sitting in on client consultations provided me with a deeper understanding of South African law in practice.
One of the significant challenges was adapting to the local legislative provisions, especially in areas like Financial Markets and Johannesburg Stock Exchange submission requirements. This required me to empathise with South African board members and business owners, understanding the risks they face with potential non-compliance. However, I found that many aspects of South African law were surprisingly similar to UK law, with instruments like the “memorandum of incorporation” paralleling the UK’s Articles of Association.
Cultural diversity was another highlight of my experience. South Africa’s commitment to inclusion, supported by the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) legislation, was particularly enlightening. This law encourages businesses to include more Black South Africans in the economy, promoting fair practices and creating opportunities.
The ICLA Young Lawyer Exchange Programme fosters a better understanding among different countries and cultures by pushing participants out of their comfort zones. It’s an excellent development tool for both personal and professional skills. Back in the UK, I plan to implement Barnard’s effective internal communication strategies, ensuring better alignment within our teams.
I highly recommend this exchange programme to other young lawyers. It’s a unique opportunity to develop legal skills, experience a new culture, and build a network of relationships that will benefit any legal career. The most valuable lesson I’ve learned is to immerse yourself fully in the experience, both professionally and personally. This holistic approach to participation ensures you gain the maximum benefit from the programme.
Looking ahead, I hope many others can share in the extraordinary experiences I had with the ICLA’s Young Lawyer Exchange Programme. It’s a journey that has profoundly shaped my legal career and personal growth, and I am confident it will continue to do so for future participants.
Joe Moulding | iLaw
