The 17th Anniversary of the Judge JPK Trust and the 10th Annual Judge JPK Trust Legal Excellence Awards took place on Friday, 25 November 2016 at Hotel Thule, prior to the AGM of the LSN.

Since the awards are centred around legal practitioners and law students the LSN created an opportunity for its members to be present when future legal practitioners and their peers are awarded for their achievements. It was the fourth time that the Judge JPK Trust Legal Excellence Awards ceremony took place on the same day and prior to the LSN AGM.

The LSN congratulates the Judge JPK Trust with its 17th Anniversary and wishes it much success with future endeavours.

The LSN trusts that their commitment to providing bursaries to deserving candidates to study law and honouring achievements will go from strength to strength.

The History

The Law Society’s involvement with the Judge JPK Trust started during 2006 when the trustees of the Judge JPK Trust approached the LSN to assist them in identifying and selecting deserving winners for the ‘legal excellence awards’ thereby acknowledging the dedication, efforts and commitment of legal practitioners who are enhancing and protecting the Rule of Law in Namibia and honouring their social responsibilities.  



Retha Steinmann (LSN Director) – accepted the award on behalf of Dieter Maree, winner of the Legal Excellence Award for Social Responsibility.
Phillip Balhao (University of Namibia) – accepted all the awards on behalf the best JTC and LLB 2015 students.
Smart Elago – accepted the Legal Excellence Award for Human Rights on behalf of the law firm Tjombe-Elago Inc.
Vicky Erenstein ya Toivo – represented the Judge JPK Trust.
Wouter Rossouw – LSN Chairperson (until 25 November 2016).
Ngamane Karuaihe-Upi  - represented the Judge JPK Trust.

Legal Excellence Awards

The LSN received the names of the best students from the Justice Training Centre and the University of Namibia, respectively.

Many of the LSN members contribute to society but they do not always ‘advertise’ their good deeds. The LSN thanks them for their contributions to society and trust that the good deeds will continue in future.

The LSN invited nominations for the awards from its members.  The Access to Law and Social Responsibility Committee considered:

• Nominations received;
• LSN members who appeared pro bono;
• Members who presented training and who assisted the presenters with training; and
• Members who assisted the LSN with the free legal advice days.

The Committee made recommendations to the Council with regard to the Legal Excellence Awards for Social Responsibility and Human Rights.

We thank the JPK Trust for joining hands with the LSN to honour these achievements.

Vicky Erenstein ya Toivo, on behalf of the Judge JPK Trust, accepted the sponsor cheque, in the amount of N$40,000.00, from Poenie van den Berg (Director at Dr Weder, Kauta & Hoveka Inc).

Best Student Excellence Awards

Best JTC Student for 2015

Natasha de Beer achieved a 69% average respectively in all 11 subjects.

Phillip Balhao, on behalf of Natasha de Beer, accepted the award from Vicky Erenstein ya Toivo and a cheque, in the amount of N $3,500.00, from Wouter Rossouw.

Best LLB Final Year Student for 2015

Two awards were handed out in the category:  one for the old LLB Programme and one for the new LLB Programme.

Irene Shebo achieved 65% average in the old LLB programme (2015).

Johannes P. Uusiku achieved 69% average in the new LLB programme (2015).

Phillip Balhao, on behalf of Irene Shebo and Johannes Uusiku, accepted the awards from Vicky Erenstein ya Toivo and cheques, in the amount of N$2,000.00 each, from Wouter Rossouw.

Legal Excellence Award for Social Responsibility

Retha Steinmann (LSN Director), on behalf of the winner Dieter Maree, accepted the award from Vicky Erenstein ya Toivo.

Legal Excellence Award for Human Rights

Smart Elago, on behalf of Tjombe-Elago Inc, received the award from Vicky Erenstein ya Toivo.


Kind regards

M Steinmann
Director:  LSN

The International Institute of Law Association Chief Executives held its 2016 conference and AGM in Wellington, New Zealand from 26 to 29 October 2016.  

The theme of the conference was “Preparing for the Future – Demographics, Trends and New Realities.”

Topics included:

• Legal Education
• Shifting Generations and Shifting Times
• How Core is Our Core Values?
• Diversity in the Legal Profession is an Access to Justice Issue.
• Navigating Our Global Future
• Innovations in the Delivery of Legal Services to the Consumer
• Building a New Regulator – Renovate or Tear Down?
• Resilience Under Pressure – Thriving Over Surviving
• Governance for a Culture of Success

The Executive Committee, elected for a two-year term, is:

Front: Christine Grice (Law Society of New Zealand) – Officer at Large, Retha Steinmann (Law Society of Namibia) – Vice President Paula Littlewood (Washington State Bar Association) - Officer at Large Back: John Hoyles (Canadian Bar Association) – Honorary Executive Member Cord Bruegmann (German Bar Association) – President Paul Mollerup (Association of Danish Law Firms) – Officer at Large Timothy McGee (Law Society of British Columbia) – Immediate Past President Absent:  Heidi Chu (Law Society of Hong Kong) - Officer at Large

Editor’s Note: Iilace (pronounced “eye-lace”) is an association of Chief Executive Officers of the Law Societies and Bar Associations from around the world. IILACE provides a focused forum for exchange of views and information of common interest of local, national and international executive officers of law societies and bar associations. The purposes of IILACE are to: (a) Facilitate the exchange of views and information between members on key issues affecting law associations, being law societies and bar associations; and develop a network for communication among chief executive officers of law societies and bar associations. (b) Promote and defend the status and interests of the legal profession, law associations and the rule of law.   (c) Hold periodic forums for discussion of matters of mutual interest. One of the most valuable benefits of IILACE membership is the ability to network and interact with other Chief Executives of law societies and bar associations from around the world. This is accomplished both through face-to-face meetings at the IILACE Annual Conference and also using emerging technologies. IILACE held its inaugural meeting in Edinburgh in July 1999, followed by its annual meeting in Hong Kong in November 2000.   Thereafter the following conferences and meetings took place: 2001 – Chicago, USA 2002 – Durban, South Africa 2003 – Montreal, Canada 2004 – Auckland, New Zealand 2005 – Prague, Czech Republic 2006 - New York, USA 2007 – Singapore 2008 – Windhoek, Namibia - hosted by the LSN 2009 – Dublin, Ireland 2010 – Vancouver, Canada 2011 – Adelaide, Australia 2012 – Hong Kong 2013 – Berlin, Germany 2014 – Cape Town, South Africa 2015 – Washington, DC 2016 – Wellington, New Zealand

Law Society of Namibia (LSN) is a self-regulating body created in terms of the Legal Practitioners Act (1995), which serves the profession and the public by promoting justice, protecting the independence of the judiciary and upholding the Rule of Law.

The Law Society of Namibia, an equal opportunity employer, is still in search of suitably qualified individuals to fill the following vacancies:



Reporting to the Director, as well as the Council of the LSN, the position of Manager:  Finance and Human Resources is responsible, inter alia, to ensure and oversee the proper bookkeeping and financial management of the LSN; manage the LSN’s payroll and human resources functions; preparation of monthly financial statements; preparation and management of the annual budget; preparation and management of projected cash flow statements; ensuring best practice and good corporate governance; risk management; managing the operational financial objectives of the LSN; developing strategies and long-term goals; liaising with the auditors and  preparation of the yearly audit; developing external relationships with the banks, Receiver of Inland Revenue, the Legal Practitioners’ Fidelity Fund and other statutory organisations; responsible for the issuing of membership accounts and the collection of fees due to the LSN; and ensuring statutory and policy compliance.

Requirements for position:

• The Manager:  Finance and HR must have a B Comm Accounting degree (or equivalent recognised degree) with at least 5-years experience in administrative operational systems and financial procedures as well as payroll and 2 years’ experience at managerial level.
• Namibian citizen.

The Senior Finance Officer reports to the Manager: Finance and Human Resources and is responsible to assist the Manager: Finance and Human Resources in all aspects pertaining to the financial management (budgeting, audit preparation, procurement, revenue management, taxation, risk management, payroll, banking, reporting), human resources and the administration thereof.  The Senior Finance Officer will, inter alia, also be responsible for debtor and creditor control; reconciliations of business and trust accounts; processing journals and the fixed asset register.

Requirements for position:

• The Senior Finance Officer must have a B Comm Accounting degree (or equivalent recognised degree) with at least 3 years’ experience in administrative operational systems, payroll administration and financial procedures.
• Namibian citizen.

The applicant should clearly state on his/her application, the position that is applied for.

The application should be addressed to:

The Director
The Law Society of Namibia
1st Floor, Namlex Chambers
333 Independence Avenue
Windhoek

Only suitably qualified applicants will be considered for shortlisting.  No documents will be kept or returned.  

Closing Date:    Tuesday, 22 November 2016

SADC Lawyers' Association Concerned about the Situation in South Africa

Lusaka, Zambia, 24 October 2016

For the past few months, the SADC Lawyers’ Association (SADCLA) has been closely observing the developments in South Africa. The hope as the Association watched these developments was that the government and people of South Africa would quickly find a platform for dialogue and address the challenges bedeviling the country. The SADCLA is concerned that such a platform continues to be elusive and the state of politics, the economy and the attendant social instability in South Africa is worrying, not only for South Africa and South Africans, but the rest of SADC and its citizens.

The SADCLA urges the Government and people of South Africa to address the crisis in the country, which is manifest at so many levels because this crisis has a major impact on the rest of the SADC region now and in the future. The Association restates the view that African Countries and especially those in the SADC region are stakeholders in the post-Apartheid dispensation in South Africa, hence this call, which is made with the hope that South Africans will listen to the voices of other Africans.

In addition, the Association calls for peace and stability, respect for the rule of law and calls on South Africans to have a National Dialogue to re-assess the gains and pitfalls of its Constitutional Democracy and to chat a way forward. This would be in the interest not only of South Africa, but also of the rest of the African Continent. It is the Association’s view that by holding onto rigid views, and refusing to sit down and dialogue, all the protagonists in the current standoff risk taking South Africa and its democratic ideals that have been built over so many years, and through the sacrifices of many of its citizens on a negative trajectory. Many of the citizens of Southern Africa view South Africa as the torch bearer in democracy, respect for the rule of law and good governance and hold the hope that South Africa will help in taking the rest of the region on a positive developmental path. However if the current crisis is not resolved quickly and effectively this hope in South Africa will die, and with it, the hopes of many of the citizens of South Africa and Southern Africa.

The SADC Lawyers’ Association is of the view that the situation is not hopeless and that with good and selfless leadership, both at government level and within the actors and structures that are calling for government action and accountability, the situation can be salvaged. We therefore reiterate the need for dialogue and for the South African Government and South African citizens to find each other and resolve the crisis.

Issued for and on behalf of the SADC Lawyers’ Association
By Mr. James Banda
President (+260977153113)

As part of its policy to promote the education of candidates to gain entry to the legal profession, the Law Society of Namibia, with the assistance of the Legal Practitioners Fidelity Fund and the Namibian Legal Practitioners’ Trust, annually provides bursaries to law students or prospective law students.

During 2017, bursaries will be available to students to pursue their studies at a suitable institution for a law degree recognised in Namibia.  The minimum requirements are:

• Certified copy of mid year examination results
• Certified copy of birth certificate / ID / Passport
• Certified copy of grade 12 certificate
• Proof of Namibian citizenship
• Proof of University admission

Application forms are obtainable from the Law Society of Namibia, Namlex Chambers, First Floor, 333 Independence Avenue, or on e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Bursary applicants can also visit the website: http://www.lawsocietynamibia.org.

Closing date for applications:  21 November 2016

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.  No documents will be returned.

 

The Law Society of Namibia (LSN) is a self-regulating body created in terms of the Legal Practitioners Act (1995), which serves the profession and the public by promoting justice, protecting the independence of the judiciary and upholding the Rule of Law.


To catch up with the rapid pace of change in the Namibian and global legal landscape and to enhance the legal profession’s ability to meet the needs of those it already serves / underserves / does not serve at all, the LSN has recently started a project that aims to make recommendations to the Namibian Government and the LSN members, for changes to the profession’s governing instruments, i.e. the Act, the Rules and the Policies. Similarly, changes are proposed for the LSN's operational arm.

This project strives to put the legal profession in a better position to protect, promote and grow the fundamentals of a free, just and progressive Namibian society.  The LSN looks forward to engage all stakeholders in the legal profession to ensure the successful outcome of this project.

The project requires the assistance of the following professional consultants:

• Research Expert     - Click here for the applicable terms of reference.
• Communications Expert    - Click here for the applicable terms of reference.
• Survey Team    - Click here for the applicable terms of reference.

The position applied for must be clearly stated and the Expression of Interest can be submitted via email to:

Mr. Eben de Klerk
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Only suitably qualified applicants will be considered for shortlisting.  No documents will be kept or returned.

Closing Date: Friday, 21 October 2016 at 12:00.

 

The Law Society of Namibia (LSN) is a statutory body tasked with maintaining and enhancing the standards of conduct and integrity of all members of the legal profession. The LSN also represents the interests of legal practitioners who all took an oath, when admitted as legal practitioners, to uphold the Namibian Constitution and to protect the Administration of Justice and the Rule of Law.

The Law Society of Namibia encourages and promotes efficiency and responsibility in the legal profession. The LSN defines and enforces correct and uniform practice and maintains discipline among its members. Working closely with the Legal Practitioners’ Fidelity Fund, the LSN plays a pivotal role in protecting monies entrusted by members of the public to legal practitioners in private practice, by monitoring and enforcing compliance to carefully constructed rules.

To catch up with the rapid pace of change in the Namibian and global legal landscape and to enhance the legal profession’s ability to meet the needs of those it already serves / underserves / does not serve at all, the LSN has recently started a project that aims to make recommendations to the Namibian Government and the LSN members, for changes to the profession’s governing instruments, i.e. the Act, the Rules and the Policies. Similarly, changes are proposed for the LSN’s operational arm.

This project strives to put the legal profession in a better position to protect, promote and grow the fundamentals of a free, just and progressive Namibian society.

Consultancy title:	Project Manager
Contract duration:	Starting Date – 1 September 2016 or earlier, estimated ending date - 1 June 2017.
Objective:	In close co-operation with the Strategic Committee of the Council of the Law Society of Namibia, to produce credible recommendations to the stakeholders within the legal profession for changes to the governing instruments of the legal profession.
Principal tasks:	Review, update and revise existing project documents; Identify and prepare further project documents; Co-ordinate appointment of project consultants and volunteer participants;  Co-ordinate and ensure that consultants and volunteers conduct their tasks effectively and produce deliverables on time, at high standard and within budget; Prepare and present periodical reports.
Requirements:	Minimum postgraduate degree. Successful Project Management experience. Demonstrable dedication to creativity. Excellent oral and written communications skills, facilitation skills and stakeholder management skills. Appropriate flexibility and capacity to start by 1 September 2016 and meet deadlines (Estimated ½ day commitment from 1 September 2016 to 1 June 2017, with intermittent intensive periods). Strong organizational and financial management skills. Sound understanding of the Namibian regulatory environment will be an advantage. Experience in legislative drafting will be an advantage. Experience in leading of successful research projects in Namibia or SADC will be an advantage. Should have the office infrastructure and capacity to produce the required documents.

The position applied for must be clearly stated and the application should be addressed to:

The Director
The Law Society of Namibia
1st Floor, Namlex Chambers
333 Independence Avenue
Windhoek

Only suitably qualified applicants will be considered for shortlisting.  No documents will be kept or returned.  

Closing Date: Friday, 12 August 2016

 

The Law Society of Namibia (LSN) is a self-regulating body created in terms of the Legal Practitioners Act (1995), which serves the profession and the public by promoting justice, protecting the independence of the judiciary and upholding the Rule of Law.

The LSN is tasked with maintaining and enhancing the standards of conduct and integrity of all members of the legal profession, encouraging and promoting efficiency in and responsibility in relation to the legal profession, defining and enforcing correct and uniform practice and discipline among members of the legal profession and assisting members with regard to their conditions of practice.

The protection of trust monies held by practitioners in private practice forms an integral part of the protection of the integrity of the legal profession. The Law Society plays a pivotal role in protecting such public funds by assisting firms in complying with the rules and regulations regarding the keeping of trust monies, and by having regular inspections to ensure that firms do comply.

The Law Society of Namibia is in search of a suitably qualified individual to fill the following:

Reporting to the Director, as well as the Council of the LSN, the Financial Manager is responsible, inter alia, for the bookkeeping and financial management of the LSN; payroll; preparation of monthly financial statements; preparation and management of the annual budget; preparation and management of projected cash flow statements; ensuring good corporate governance; managing the operational financial objectives of the LSN; developing strategies and long-term goals; liaising with the auditors regarding the yearly audit; developing external relationships with the banks, Receiver of Inland Revenue and other statutory organisations; responsible for the issuing of membership accounts and the collection of fees owed to the LSN; and ensuring statutory and policy compliance.

Financial Accounting, inter alia, includes:

• Creditors and Taxes.
• Debtors.
• Payroll management.
• Monthly reconciliations of business and two trust accounts.
• Journals.
• Net interest collections.
• All financial functions relating to the LSN Rule of Law Trust.

Financial Management, inter alia, includes:

• Developing and reviewing financial controls within the LSN as well as in law firms.
• Reporting to Council and the Director.
• Proposals and provides advice to the Director, Council and the law firms re investments, repayment of loans, improving income and cost saving mechanisms.
• Budgeting.
• Cash flow projections.
• Improving financial decision-making by compiling statistics and reports on past trends and new methods.
• Negotiating agreements with the banks.
• Compiling claims for submission to the Legal Practitioners Fidelity Fund.
• Policy development and implementation.
• Preparations for annual audit.

Compliance, inter alia, includes:

• Ensures good corporate governance.
• Ensures statutory and ethical compliance by legal practitioners.
• Motivating changes to existing regulations to improve standards.

Human Resource Management:

• Assist the Director in HR functions, when necessary.

Training, inter alia, includes:

• Provide training to legal practitioners and support staff.

Strategy implementation, inter alia, includes:

• Ensures that LSN reaches its objective of protecting the integrity of the profession and unifying its members.
• Keeping the Director and Council up to date with issues threatening the integrity and image of the profession.

Innovation and Change, inter alia, includes:

• Identifying, evaluating and proposing areas of possible innovation and change in regulation, operations, financial sustainability and achieving strategic vision and mission.

Requirements for position:

 

• The Financial Manager must have a B Comm Accounting degree (or equivalent) with at least 5-years experience in administrative operational systems and financial procedures as well as payroll management.
• Namibian citizen.
• A valid driver’s license.

The following will be a distinct added advantage:

 

• Experience with law firms.
• Sound bookkeeping experience.
• Experience in compliance management.
• Excellent communication skills (oral and written).
• Fully computer literate.
• Office management skills.
• Organization and planning skills.
• Database management skills.

The position applied for must be clearly stated and the application should be addressed to:

The Director
The Law Society of Namibia
1st Floor, Namlex Chambers
333 Independence Avenue
Windhoek

Only suitably qualified applicants will be considered for shortlisting.  No documents will be kept or returned.  

Closing Date: Friday, 8 July 2016

The Law Society of Namibia (LSN) is a self-regulating body. It was created in terms of the Legal Practitioners Act (1995), which serves the profession and the public, by promoting justice, protecting the independence of the judiciary and upholding the Rule of Law.  The Legal Practitioners’ Fidelity Fund is regulated by the Legal Practitioners Act, Act 15 of 1995.

The protection of trust monies held by practitioners in private practice forms an integral part of the protection of the integrity of the legal profession.  The Law Society plays a pivotal role in protecting such public funds by assisting firms in complying with the rules and regulations regarding the keeping of trust monies, by providing services to address risk management and by conducting regular inspections to ensure that firms do comply.

The Risk & Compliance Unit reports to the Director, as well as the Council of the LSN and is, inter alia, responsible for ensuring the execution of trust account audits/reviews/inspections in terms of adopted standards and methodologies; assessing risk and compliance; ensuring submission of reports to the Law Society and the Legal Practitioners’ Fidelity Fund in respect of audits/reviews/inspections; reporting to the Director, Council and Board of Control of the Fidelity Fund on a continuing basis with regard to risk/non-compliance/other specific deliverables; ensuring that members of the legal fraternity in all the regions comply with the rules relating to the management of trust accounts; enforcing internal controls procedures at law firms; assisting firms in all areas of compliance with the Legal Practitioners Act (15 of 1995), the Rules of the Law Society and any other legislation that impacts on the legal profession, i.e. Financial Intelligence Act, Competition legislation and the Usury Act; providing in-house training to legal practitioners/law firms on trust accounts and compliance related matters, from time to time and assisting with the development of and adherence of control procedures at legal firms.

Key Performance Areas:

• Management of the staff and assets of the RCU.
• Preparation and management of the budget of the unit.
• Conduct reviews on the trust accounts inspections by the inspectors.
• Manage the Inspectors and all their visits to firms.  
• Planning the inspections and ensuring that all arrangements related thereto are in place.
• Compile monthly reports on the work and projects of the RCU, including the review/inspection reports, to the Council of the Law Society and the Fidelity Fund Board of Control.
• Ensure that legal practitioners/firms adhere to the “financial” rules of the LSN.
• Prepare regular circulars dealing with matters of interest to the firms and their bookkeepers.
• Development of and adherence to control procedures at legal firms.
• Ensure that firms are assisted in all areas of compliance with the Legal Practitioners Act (15 of 1995), the Rules of the Law Society and any other legislation that impacts on the legal profession, i.e. Financial Intelligence Act, Competition legislation and the Usury Act.
• Have a good understanding and working knowledge of the financial, administrative and operational functions of a typical law firm.
• Negotiate agreements with banks applicable to legal practitioner trust accounts.
• Ensure good corporate governance and compliance.
• Train, mentor and coach subordinates.  
• Risk Management/prioritisation of risk in instances of non-compliance detected.
• Prepare affidavits for complaints to be lodged with the Disciplinary Committee.  
• Manage stakeholder relationships.
• Advise firms on Professional Indemnity Insurance claims.
• In general advise on insurance requirements and/or claims against Fidelity Fund.
• Ensure that firms are assisted with business development and practice support and provide and/or co-ordinate training to the firms/legal practitioners/bookkeeping staff.
• Identify training needs for practising legal practitioners.
• Conduct special investigations as required and draft forensic inspection reports for use in court proceedings and/or disciplinary hearings.
• Manage the invoicing and levying of fees payable in respect of the reviews /inspections/penalties and audit refunds.
• Report on strategic information relating to trust account balances, interest earned and bank charges on an on-going basis.
• Ensure that inspectors verify information during the review/inspection.
• Develop and improve ‘service level agreements’/operational manuals/time sheets/reports/annual internal trust inspections at firms.
• Providing the Director with the necessary information regarding the firm’s trust accounts and audit reports to enable her to consider the issuing of fidelity fund certificates.

Candidate Profile:

• A dedicated and hard worker;
• Impeccable integrity;
• Assertiveness;
• High self esteem;
• Exceptional inclination for customer service;
• Must have the drive to make a difference;
• A drive to teach and improve the skills of others;
• Be able to comply with strict deadlines;
• Knowledge of the Legal Practitioners Act and the Rules of the Law Society.

Postion Requirements:

• Fully computer literate.
• Valid driver's license.
• Namibian citizen.
• B.Comm (Accounting) / B.Comm (Law) degree or equivalent qualification with a minimum of 3-years bookkeeping, and compliance management experience.
• Auditing experience will be an advantage.

Interested individuals should address their application and CV to:

The Director
The Law Society of Namibia
1st Floor, Namlex Chambers
333 Independence Avenue
Windhoek
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Please Note:

• Only suitably qualified applicants will be considered for shortlisting.  
• No documents will be kept or returned.

 

The Law Society of Namibia (LSN) is a self-regulating body. It was created in terms of the Legal Practitioners Act (1995), which serves the profession and the public, by promoting justice, protecting the independence of the judiciary and upholding the Rule of Law.  The Legal Practitioners’ Fidelity Fund is regulated by the Legal Practitioners Act, Act 15 of 1995.

The protection of trust monies held by practitioners in private practice forms an integral part of the protection of the integrity of the legal profession.  The Law Society plays a pivotal role in protecting such public funds by assisting firms in complying with the rules and regulations regarding the keeping of trust monies, by providing services to address risk management and by conducting regular inspections to ensure that firms do comply.

The Risk & Compliance Unit reports to the Director, as well as the Council of the LSN and is, inter alia, responsible for ensuring the execution of trust account audits/reviews/inspections in terms of adopted standards and methodologies; assessing risk and compliance; ensuring submission of reports to the Law Society and the Legal Practitioners’ Fidelity Fund in respect of audits/reviews/inspections; reporting to the Director, Council and Board of Control of the Fidelity Fund on a continuing basis with regard to risk/non-compliance/other specific deliverables; ensuring that members of the legal fraternity in all the regions comply with the rules relating to the management of trust accounts; enforcing internal controls procedures at law firms; assisting firms in all areas of compliance with the Legal Practitioners Act (15 of 1995), the Rules of the Law Society and any other legislation that impacts on the legal profession, i.e. Financial Intelligence Act, Competition legislation and the Usury Act; providing in-house training to legal practitioners/law firms on trust accounts and compliance related matters, from time to time and assisting with the development of and adherence of control procedures at legal firms.

Key Performance Areas:

• Conduct the trust account inspections at firms as approved and directed by the Law Society/Fidelity Fund.
• Enforce internal control procedures at law firms with due consideration of the relevant legislation.
• Timeously compile trust account inspection reports, after inspections, for submission to Manager for the attention of the Council of the LSN and the Fidelity Fund on a monthly basis or as required.
• Identify non-compliance and risks to ensure that remedial or disciplinary action can be taken as a matter of urgency.
• Ensure that the trust account inspection report is communicated to the law firm’s partners/directors/sole practitioners and signed-off.
• Timeously follow-up on any outstanding/pending matters relating to the firm’s trust account(s) and on the implementation of suggested improvements/compliance.
• Keep proper records of trust account inspections performed and documentation submitted by firms.
• Assist firms in all areas of compliance with the Legal Practitioners Act (15 of 1995), the Rules of the Law Society and any other legislation that impacts on the legal profession, i.e. Financial Intelligence Act, Competition legislation and the Usury Act.
• Provide in-house training to legal practitioners/law firms on trust accounts and compliance related matters, from time to time.
• Assist with the development of and adherence of control procedures at legal firms.

Candidate Profile:

• A dedicated and hard worker;
• Impeccable integrity;
• Assertiveness;
• High self esteem;
• Exceptional inclination for customer service;
• Must have the drive to make a difference;
• A drive to teach and improve the skills of others;
• Be able to comply with strict deadlines;
• Knowledge of the Legal Practitioners Act and the Rules of the Law Society.

Postion Requirements:

• Fully computer literate.
• Valid driver's license.
• Namibian citizen.
• B.Comm (Accounting) degree with a minimum of 1-year post qualification experience in compliance management and/or bookkeeping.

Interested individuals should address their application and CV to:

The Director
The Law Society of Namibia
1st Floor, Namlex Chambers
333 Independence Avenue
Windhoek
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Please Note:

• Only suitably qualified applicants will be considered for shortlisting.  
• No documents will be kept or returned.

 

The Law Society of Namibia (LSN) is a self-regulating body created in terms of the Legal Practitioners’ Act (1995), which serves the profession and the public by promoting justice, protecting the independence of the judiciary and upholding the Rule of Law.  

The Law Society of Namibia also represents the interest of its members who all took an oath to uphold the Namibian Constitution, which protects the Rule of Law and Human Rights.

It is tasked with maintaining and enhancing the standards of conduct and integrity of all members of the legal profession; encouraging and promoting efficiency and responsibility in the legal profession; defining and enforcing correct and uniform practice and maintaining discipline among members of the legal profession.

The Law Society of Namibia plays a pivotal role in protecting monies entrusted to legal practitioners in private practice by members of the public and it further ensures compliance with the rules and regulations regarding trust monies.

Purpose of the Position:

Reporting to the Director, as well as the Council of the LSN, the position of Manager Professional Affairs is responsible, inter alia, for:

• The primary management of internal and external relationships in various segments, corporate governance and supporting the strategic and operational objectives of the LSN.
• Ensuring the efficient delivery of administrative and secretarial support to the LSN Council, President and various Committees.
• Ensuring that well researched recommendations be made available to Council and/or committees and/or to stakeholders.
• Arranging, implementing and managing Continuing Professional Development (CPD), Free Legal Advice Days and other public legal education initiatives and programmes.
• Administering and facilitating complaints against legal practitioners.
• Responsible for the day-to-day administration of the Professional Affairs Unit.
• Assisting with ongoing statutory compliance and risk management.
• Ensuring that the Legal Practitioners Act, Act 15 of 1995, is adhered to.
• Ensuring that the Rules of the Law Society of Namibia are adhered to.
• Ensuring compliance with the strategic vision and mission of the LSN and with Corporate Governance principles.
• Ensuring the implementation of the policies.
• Adhering to the Objects and Powers of the LSN.
• Building relationships on national and regional level.

Postion Requirements:

• The Manager:  Professional Affairs applicant must be an admitted Legal Practitioner of the High Court of Namibia, with a minimum of 3-years post admission experience.
• Private practice experience for both these positions would be a strong advantage.
• Namibian citizenship.
• Excellent communication skills (oral and written).
• In-depth knowledge of the Legal Practitioners Act and the Rules of the Law Society.
• Fully computer literate.
• Excellent organisation and planning skills, with strong attention to detail.
• Knowledge of Protocols, Policies and Procedures including Parliament decisions and processes would be an advantage.  
• Knowledge of legislation, regulations, Acts, agreements, policies, associated schedules and procedures relating to the legal profession in Namibia, common sense and common knowledge of the law.
• Able to adhere and meet deadlines.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks independently.
• Proven ability of excellent communication, report-writing and minuting skills.
• Have a complete and comprehensive work knowledge of the Legal Practitioners Act, and its amendments the Rules of the LSN and applicable legislation.
• Excellent interactive and interpersonal relationship skills.
• Sound facilitation, planning and time management skills.

The position applied for must be clearly stated and the application should be addressed to:

The Director
The Law Society of Namibia
1st Floor
Namlex Chambers
333 Independence Avenue
Windhoek

Please Note:

• Only suitably qualified applicants will be considered for shortlisting.  
• No documents will be kept or returned.  
• All applications will be dealt with in confidence.  
• The LSN reserves the right to confirm and verify all information submitted.
• The LSN reserves the right not to make an appointment.

 

The Law Society of Namibia (LSN) is a self-regulating body created in terms of the Legal Practitioners’ Act (1995), which serves the profession and the public by promoting justice, protecting the independence of the judiciary and upholding the Rule of Law.  

The Law Society of Namibia also represents the interest of its members who all took an oath to uphold the Namibian Constitution, which protects the Rule of Law and Human Rights.

It is tasked with maintaining and enhancing the standards of conduct and integrity of all members of the legal profession; encouraging and promoting efficiency and responsibility in the legal profession; defining and enforcing correct and uniform practice and maintaining discipline among members of the legal profession.

The Law Society of Namibia plays a pivotal role in protecting monies entrusted to legal practitioners in private practice by members of the public and it further ensures compliance with the rules and regulations regarding trust monies.

Purpose of the Position:

This position supports the Director and Manager Professional Affairs in achieving, inter alia, the primary management of internal and external relationships in various segments, such as continuing professional development, management of committees and facilitation of complaints against legal practitioners; corporate governance; supporting the strategic and operational objectives of the LSN; and ensuring statutory and policy compliance.

Reporting to the Director and/or the Manager Professional Affairs, the position is responsible, inter alia, for supporting the Director and Manager Professional Affairs by assisting with:

• The primary management of internal and external relationships in various segments, corporate governance and supporting the strategic and operational objectives of the
• LSN.
• Ensuring the efficient delivery of administrative and secretarial support to the LSN Council, President, Director, Manager Professional Affairs and various Committees.
• Ensuring that well researched recommendations be made available to Council and/or committees and/or to stakeholders.  
• Using internal and external resources and research to provide legal and technical support to the LSN Director, Manager Professional Affairs, Council and Committees.  
• Compiling agendas and minutes on meetings.
• Co-ordinating all meetings of the LSN Council, Directorate, committees and stakeholders.
• Ensuring that the Legal Practitioners Act, Act 15 of 1995, is adhered to.
• Ensuring that the Rules of the Law Society of Namibia are adhered to.
• Ensuring compliance with the strategic vision and mission of the LSN and with Corporate Governance principles.

Assistance to the Director will, inter alia, also include the following:

• Providing technical and legal support to the Director.
• Assisting with compiling circulars, newsletter, press releases and advertisements.
• Updating the LSN website with newsletters, press releases, advertisements, training videos and information relevant to the members as well as the public and managing the website changes.
• Updating the LSN database with member information to ensure smooth communication via inter alia, e-mail, text message, website.
• Assisting with LSN Council and Directorate projects.
• Assisting with research and with funding proposals.
• Assisting with managing and facilitating complaints against non-legal practitioners.
• Assisting with the arrangements and organisation, securing sponsorships of the AGM and events linked to the AGM.
• Assisting with the implementation and management of the LSN Council Policies and proper record keeping of such policies and minutes.
• Assisting with basic human resources functions.
• Assisting to coordinate international, local and regional representation of Councillors, Director, LSN officials.

Assistance to the Manager Professional Affairs will, inter alia, include the following:

• Assisting with arranging, implementing and managing Continuing Professional Development, Free Legal Advice Days and other public legal education initiatives and programmes.  
• Assisting with the arrangements and organisation of circle meeting with legal practitioners in the regions.
• Assisting with administering and facilitating complaints against legal practitioners
• Assisting with arranging all meetings of the standing and a hoc committees of the LSN.
• Assisting with the day-to-day administration of the Professional Affairs Unit.
• Assisting with building relationships on national and regional level.
• Assisting with implementing decisions, policies and instructions as resolved by Council.
• Assisting with liaising with role players/members via regular e-mails and newsletters.
• Assisting with related administrative duties in support of the work of the LSN Directorate in general.
• Providing technical and legal support to the Manager Professional Affairs.
• Assisting, co-ordinating and organising functions, continuing professional development and public legal education and other events.

Postion Requirements:

• The Senior Legal Officer applicant must be an admitted Legal Practitioner of the High Court of Namibia, with a minimum of 1-year post admission experience.
• Private practice experience for both these positions would be a strong advantage.
• Namibian citizenship.
• Excellent communication skills (oral and written).
• In-depth knowledge of the Legal Practitioners Act and the Rules of the Law Society.
• Fully computer literate.
• Excellent organisation and planning skills, with strong attention to detail.
• Knowledge of Protocols, Policies and Procedures including Parliament decisions and processes would be an advantage.  
• Knowledge of legislation, regulations, Acts, agreements, policies, associated schedules and procedures relating to the legal profession in Namibia, common sense and common knowledge of the law.
• Able to adhere and meet deadlines.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks independently.
• Proven ability of excellent communication, report-writing and minuting skills.
• Have a complete and comprehensive work knowledge of the Legal Practitioners Act, and its amendments the Rules of the LSN and applicable legislation.
• Excellent interactive and interpersonal relationship skills.
• Sound facilitation, planning and time management skills.

The position applied for must be clearly stated and the application should be addressed to:

The Director
The Law Society of Namibia
1st Floor
Namlex Chambers
333 Independence Avenue
Windhoek

Please Note:

• Only suitably qualified applicants will be considered for shortlisting.  
• No documents will be kept or returned.  
• All applications will be dealt with in confidence.  
• The LSN reserves the right to confirm and verify all information submitted.
• The LSN reserves the right not to make an appointment.