The Director of the LSN, Retha Steinmann, was elected on the Executive Committee of the International Institute of Law Association Chief Executives in 2008.

She served as an Officer at Large, then as Secretary/Treasurer and was elected as the Vice-Chairperson at the 2016 conference in Wellington, New Zealand.

According to the IILACE constitution, the Vice-Chairman is the designated Chairman-elect, a position she would have assumed in October 2018.

This happened sooner as then President left his position early in 2018 and Retha Steinmann took over as President of IILACE from 1 February 2018.

The Executive Committee, as from September 2018 conference held in Ottawa, Canada, consists of:

FLTR: Jonathan Herman - Federation of Law Societies of Canada (who was elected at the Annual General Meeting in London on 4 November 2017) Heidi Chu -Secretary/Treasurer - Law society of Hong Kong Paula Littlewood -Vice-President - Washington State Bar Association Retha Steinmann - President – Law Society of Namibia Luke Rheinberger – Law Society of Tasmania – Officer at Large (elected at the Annual General Meeting in Ottawa on 1 September 2018) Paul Mollerup - Association of Danish Law firms – Officer at Large Click here to read the full IILACE press release.

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 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 further 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 also 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.

The Council of the LSN for the term November 2018 until November 2019 is Stacey Bock (Chairperson), Meyer van den Berg (Vice Chairperson), Vanessa Boesak, Eldorette Harmse, Etuna Josua, Gilroy Kasper, Eliaser Nekwaya and Appolos Shimakeleni.

FLTR: Vanessa Boesak, Gilroy Kasper, Stacey Bock (Chairperson), Meyer van den Berg (Vice Chairperson), Etuna Josua, Appolos Shimakeleni. Insert: Eldorette Harmse & Eliaser Nekwaya.

The 19th Anniversary of the Judge JP Karuaihe Trust and the 12th Annual JPK Trust Legal Excellence Awards took place on Friday, 23 November 2018 at the Safari Court Hotel and Conference Centre.

For the sixth time, the JPK Trust Legal Excellence Awards ceremony took place on the same day and prior to the LSN AGM.

Since the awards are centered 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.

The History

The Law Society’s involvement with the Judge JPK Trust started during 2006 when the trustees of the 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.

Legal Excellence Awards

Best Student Awards

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

Best JTC Student for 2017

Stefanie K Busch achieved an average of 72% respectively in all 11 subjects.

Ngamane Karuaihe-Upi (Judge JP Karuaihe Trust – Director, on behalf of the JPK Trust, presented Stefanie Busch with the trophy.

Meyer van den Berg, on behalf of the LSN, presented Stefanie Busch with a LSN voucher in the amount of N$3,500.00.




Best LLB Final Year Student for 2017

Meyer van den Berg accepted the award, on behalf of Vilho Kadumo Mbangu who achieved an average of 71% in the LLB programme, from Ngamane Karuaihe-Upi.




Legal Excellence Award for Social Responsibility

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.

Florian Beukes, on behalf of Metcalfe Attorneys accepted the award for Social Responsibility from Ngamane Karuaihe-Upi and Meyer van den Berg.




Legal Excellence Award for Human Rights

No award was handed out this year for Human Rights.

Conclusion

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

The LSN congratulates the JPK Trust with its 19th Anniversary and wishes the JPK Trust much success with their 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 and that the LSN and the JPK Trust will have a long and fruitful relationship.



Meyer van den Berg (Chairperson), Saima Nambinga (Vice Chairperson), Umbi Karuaihe-Upi, Ramon Maasdorp, Ngamane Karuaihe-Upi, Florian Beukes (Legal Excellence Award for Social Responsibility).
Absent: Vilho Kadumo Mbangu and Stefanie Busch.

The Free Legal Advice Day forms part of the Law Society's objectives to make legal services more accessible to those members of the public who cannot afford legal services. The Office of the Ombudsman has been instrumental in the success of the FLAD since the project was launched in August 2014 by supporting this project and assisting the LSN with the venues and advertising in the region.

In 2014, two Free Legal Advice Days took place in Oshakati / Ongwediva and Keetmanshoop.

In 2015, four Free Legal Advice Days took place in Tsumeb, Windhoek, Swakopmund and Gobabis.

In 2016, only one Free Legal Advice Day took place in Windhoek, due to the LSN Directorate being short staffed.

In 2017, five Free Legal Advice Days took place in Mariental, Ongwediva, Windhoek, Swakopmund and Gobabis.

2018

The Law Society of Namibia, in collaboration with the Office of the Ombudsman, hosted its 1st Free Legal Advice Days for 2018 at the Swanevelder Community Hall, Otjiwarongo. 63 Persons received free legal advice on this occasion.

The 2nd FLAD for 2018 was held at the Hermanus van Wyk Memorial Hall in Rehoboth. 121 Persons received free legal advice on this occasion.

The 3rd Free Legal Advice day took place in the Far North at the Office of the Ombudsman in Ongwediva on 15 June 2018.

Topics such as Labour, Domestic Violence, Wills & Estates and Divorce and Maintenance were addressed.

Free Legal Advice Days are also planned as follows:

• 13 July 2018 – East Circle – Gobabis.
• 3 August 2018 – Windhoek.
• 28 September 2018 – West Circle – Walvis Bay.

The Chairperson, Council and Directorate of the Law Society of Namibia sincerely thank all involved for their participation and support in making the Free Legal Advice Day project a success.

Opening Ceremony


FLTR:
Gilroy Kasper (LSN Councillor), Saima Nambinga (LSN Vice Chairperson), Olivia Mutjavikua (Office of the Master of the High Court), Phillip Mwandingi (Deputy Director of the Ministry of Labour), Andreas Uutoni (Councillor: Ongwediva Constituency).

BLTR:
Wilhelm Hipuhamba (Office of the Master of the High Court), Etegameno Indongo, Emma Shikonda (Office of the Master of the High Court), Saara Shipoh (Office of the Master of the High Court), Petrine Hango, Veronika Hanongo-Haikali, Jan Greyling (Jnr), Charmaine Tjihero, Utjitiraije Mberirua (Office of the Ombudsman), Ileni Indongo (Office of the Ombudsman).

The Far North circle meeting with members of the LSN took place on Thursday, 14 June 2018 at Oshakati Guest House.

Meetings with members, practising in the regions, take place once a year, when possible.

The benefit of the circle meetings is, inter alia, that members share information with Council and colleagues in the region about what they do and challenges they face. Solutions are discussed and, in the process, colleagues learn from the experiences of others. In certain circumstances matters are referred to Council for discussion with the relevant authorities on behalf of the members.

It also gives the LSN Council the opportunity to share information with the members relating to the profession and the work of the LSN.

Another benefit of these meetings is that members also connect on an informal basis with the Council of the LSN.

Almost all of the members who attended the Circle Meeting assisted with the FLAD.


Far North Circle Meeting Group


FLTR:
Retha Steinmann (LSN Director), Petrine Hango, Veronika Hanongo-Haikali, Gilroy Kasper (LSN Councillors), Saima Nambinga (LSN Vice Chairperson), Appolos Shimakeleni (LSN Councillor), Etegameno Indongo.

BLTR:
Jo-mari Koekemoer (LSN Manager: Professional Affairs), Theodor Thamaseb, Gottlieb Japhet, Grace Mugaviri, Wilmarie Horn, Charmaine Tjihero, Willem Greyling, Jan Greyling (jnr), Pieter Greyling, Paula Hairwa.

Purpose: The Law Society of Namibia wishes to update its list of preferred suppliers for the period ending 30 June 2020. Thus, we hereby invite sealed applications from interested, eligible, competent and reputable contractors/suppliers and service providers to be considered to supply goods, services and other works as listed below. SME’s are welcome to apply.

Number	Category A – Goods and Services
01	Supply of stationery
02	Provision of printing services
03	Supply and delivery of beverages/groceries/other
04	Catering of food for functions/meetings
05	Rental of photocopy machines and printers
	Category B – Telecommunications Services
06	Provision of a switchboard and related services
	Category C – IT equipment and Services
07	Supply and delivery of computer hardware and software
08	E-mail and internet services
09	IT Support
10	Web-site development support
	Category D - Consulting Services
11	Accounting services
12	Legal consultation services
13	Research services
14	Travel Agent Services
15	Interior design services including 3D design of envisaged renovations and project oversee services
	Category E – Provision of Works
16	Renovations to the 1st floor Namlex Chambers
17	Provision of furniture and other interior decorative objects/actions to the first floor Namlex Chambers

Potential suppliers have to submit the following mandatory documents:

• Company Profile
• Valid Company Registration Certificate clearly indicating the shareholder and principles business
• An original valid ‘good standing tax certificate’
• On original valid ‘good standing social security certificate’
• A certificate from the ‘Employment Equity Commission’
• Certified copy of valid certificate of registration as SME
• Clear physical address and contact details

The LSN shall have the right to:

• Ask for clarifications at the time of evaluating company profile
• Conduct a site inspection at the company’s premises
• Reject all company profiles of the supplier that does not adhere to the submission of the requested mandatory documents
• Reject all faxed or e-mailed documents

All interested parties are invited to apply for pre-qualification, by submitting the requested documentation. Suppliers should clearly indicate the code number and the sub-category of goods and services they wish to supply. The request for qualification will close on 11 May 2018. All documentation should be delivered in hard copy at the Office of the Law Society of Namibia, First Floor, Namlex Chambers, 333 Independence Avenue, Windhoek at 12h00.

Delivery: Courier or by hand or registered mail. (The Financial Manager, PO Box 714, Windhoek).

Enquiries: Should be forwarded in writing to the Financial Manager at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Free Legal Advice Day forms part of the Law Society's objectives to make legal services more accessible to those members of the public who cannot afford legal services. The Office of the Ombudsman has been instrumental in the success of the FLAD since the project was launched in August 2014 by supporting this project and assisting the LSN with the venues and advertising in the region.

In 2014, two Free Legal Advice Days took place in Oshakati / Ongwediva and Keetmanshoop.

In 2015, four Free Legal Advice Days took place in Tsumeb, Windhoek, Swakopmund and Gobabis.

In 2016, only one Free Legal Advice Day took place in Windhoek, due to the LSN Directorate being short staffed.

In 2017, five Free Legal Advice Days took place in Mariental, Ongwediva, Windhoek, Swakopmund and Gobabis.

2018

The Law Society of Namibia, in collaboration with the Office of the Ombudsman, hosted its 1st Free Legal Advice Days for 2018 at the Swanevelder Community Hall, Otjiwarongo. 63 Persons received free legal advice on this occasion.

The 2nd FLAD for 2018 was held at the Hermanus van Wyk Memorial Hall in Rehoboth. Topics such as Labour, Domestic Violence, Wills & Estates and Divorce and Maintenance were addressed. 121 Persons received free legal advice on this occasion.

Free Legal Advice Days are also planned as follows:

• 15 June 2018 – Far-North Circle – Oshakati.
• 13 July 2018 – East Circle – Gobabis.
• 3 August 2018 – Windhoek.
• 28 September 2018 – West Circle – Walvis Bay.

The Chairperson, Council and Directorate of the Law Society of Namibia sincerely thank all involved for their participation and support in making this the Free Legal Advice Day project a success.


Opening Ceremony



Appolos Shimakeleni (LSN Councillor)
Lorraine Christ (Hon Councillor, Rehoboth Urban West Constituency)
Hendrik Mauyoma (Office of the Ombudsman)


CIRCLE MEETING WITH MEMBERS OF THE LSN IN THE SOUTH REGION

Meetings with members, practising in the regions, take place once a year, when possible.

The benefit of the circle meetings is, inter alia, that members share information with Council and colleagues in the region about what they do and challenges they face. Solutions are discussed and in the process, colleagues learn from the experiences of others. In certain circumstances matters are referred to Council for discussion with the relevant authorities on behalf of the members.

It also gives the LSN Council the opportunity to share information with the members relating to the profession and the work of the LSN.

Another benefit of these meetings is that members also connect on an informal basis with the Council of the LSN.

The South circle meeting with members of the LSN took place on Thursday, 12 April 2018 at Oanob Resort, Rehoboth.


South Circle Meeting Group Photograph at Oanob Resort



FLTR:
Jozanne Klazen, Ivy Pretorius (Office Administrator: LSN Professional Affairs), Appolos Shimakeleni (LSN Councillor), Josefina Nekongo.

BLTR: Henry van Zyl, Wilhelm Liebenberg, Winnie Christians, Laverne Christians, Stacey Bock (LSN Councillor), Vilinchia van Wyk, Bernadine Mynhardt and Jo-mari Koekemoer (Manager: Professional Affairs)

Almost all of the members who attended the Circle Meeting assisted with the FLAD.

The Law Society of Namibia (LSN) took note of publicly distributed statements, at the end of last year, issued by the Group Deputy CEO of Trustco, Mr. QZ van Rooyen, in which he made certain allegations implying that members of the legal profession were acting unethically, which according to him is the reason why Trustco do not reimburse certain legal practitioners.

The statement issued by him stated inter alia, “Insurance flushed out those lawyers trying to game their claim, and established stronger relationships with ethical lawyers, improving our service by a magnitude”. A further media report stated, “The company declared a dispute on the accounts of some lawyers after the fees they charged exceeded the structure agreed with Trustco Insurance; the company was invoiced for work not done by the lawyers; some attorneys claimed payments that were not due and payable, and the company was invoiced by lawyers before the finalisation of specific phases of cases in which they received instructions to represent Legal Shield clients, Trustco Insurance said in its statement”.

The LSN is tasked, amongst others, with upholding the standards of the legal profession and protecting the image of the legal profession in general. The LSN is also responsible to protect the public against unethical conduct by members of the legal profession.

As such, the LSN is obliged to act against any alleged unethical conduct by its members. On this premise, the Council of the Law Society, at its meeting held on 12 December 2017, considered the statements made by Mr. Van Rooyen and resolved that he be requested to provide evidence of such alleged misconduct to the LSN for further investigation. Council further resolved that if Trustco should fail to submit evidence of alleged unethical conduct, the LSN shall issue a press statement in response to the allegations made by Mr. Van Rooyen / Trustco and inform the public that no official complaints have been received from Trustco in this regard.

The LSN, on two occasions, requested such evidence in writing, via email and post. During February 2018, Trustco informed the LSN that these letters were never received, and same was again forwarded. Trustco has still not provided the LSN with a reply, or evidence against any legal practitioners for alleged misconduct.

The LSN has subsequently been informed that some matters have been postponed in the High Court for reason of Trustco’s failure to pay the legal practitioners involved. The LSN has further been informed that several firms are in the process of taking further legal action against Trustco, on behalf of their clients (i.e. Legal Shield policy holders) as well as in their own cause.

As the LSN received a complaint that Trustco’s actions are prejudicial to the clients of legal professionals (which complaint was also submitted to NAMFISA), the LSN will continue to monitor the situation.

Director handing over the Commemorative Book to the Minister of Justice, Hon Shanghala





Director handing over the Commermorative Book to the Deputy Chief Justice, Hon Damaseb





Editor Gys Reitz and Director Retha Steinmann



Welcoming Remarks: Dr. Meyer van den Berg

• Hon Minister of Justice
• Hon Deputy Chief Justice
• Hon Judges of the High Court
• Chairperson of the Law Reform and Development Commission
• Deputy Permanent Secretary of the MoJ
• Representatives of the Ministry of Justice and Office of the Judiciary
• Chairpersons of the voluntary associations
• Councillors of the Law Society of Namibia
• Esteemed members of the Law Society of Namibia
• LSN Directorate
• Media representatives
• All invited guests
• Ladies and Gentlemen

Today is probably the busiest day in the business calendar of the whole of Windhoek.

Many legal practitioners and invited guest indicated that they would have loved to be here today but could not attend due to other engagements.

We are, however, extremely pleased to welcome all of you to this long awaited launch of the commemorative book.

CEOs and Directors of law societies and bar associations have a unique perspective. Not only must they provide continuity and high quality advice on policy matters to the elected leaders of their professional bodies, they must also practically, effectively and efficiently manage their organizations in the best interests of our members and the public.

The Director has been at the LSN for 21 years. During this time and under her ‘leadership’ the LSN has published a 85th Anniversary Commemorative Book, two yearbooks and now the LSN Commemorative Book 2005 – 2016.

She has been instrumental, with the assistance of the Editor, Gys Reitz, to compile the Commemorative Book, capturing the history, challenges and achievements of the LSN.

She is a member of the International Institute of Law Association Chief Executives (pronounced “eye-lace”) since 2002. Until recently she served as its Vice Chairperson, who is the Chairperson-elect, a position she would have assumed only in October 2018.
 This happened sooner as the current President left his position at the German Bar Association and she took over as President of IILACE from 1 February 2018.

Both the Commemorative Book and her Presidency is something to be proud of.

It is my pleasure to invite Retha Steinmann to the podium.



All Protocol Observed.

Thank you Dr. Van den Berg

My history with the LSN started when I commenced employment at the Law Society, on 1 February 1997.

I did not have a job description and I was not admitted as a legal practitioner yet.

My previous work experience as a Prosecutor, Magistrate and Legal Advisor could not prepare me fully for the work at the society. With time came knowledge, a job description, insight and hopefully wisdom.

My relationship with the Society was further cemented when I was admitted as a legal practitioner on 11 September 2006.


During the past 21 years, I have mostly enjoyed my work, despite legal confrontations with members and non-members alike.

And I have realized that regulators are mostly unpopular.

Legal professional bodies are complex organizations and we face complex challenges and need all the help we can get.

IILACE was established in 1998 as a network to bring CEOs and Directors of law societies worldwide together to provide a focused forum to share common interests and ideas, exchange views and information, to discuss challenges and learn more from each other’s insights and experiences on a local, national and international level.

The support of my Councils and staff over the years, my membership of the International Institute of Law Association Chief Executives (IILACE), but mostly the fact that I had job satisfaction, kept me grounded and content over the years.

As the Director of the Law Society of Namibia, but also as a member of this august organisation, I have a vested interest to see it prosper, grow and transform.

From the Law Society’s side, and in my capacity as Director, I am the person responsible for this book due to my institutional knowledge and the fact that I am the custodian of the information and photographs.

Some of you will know that I am seldom, at a function, without a camera trying to capture the moment and the people.


This eventually created a comprehensive visual archive of all the activities conducted under the banner of the Law Society of Namibia.

Something had to be done with all the information and photographs acquired over the years, otherwise it would have been like my cellular phone in my handbag – I know it is somewhere but cannot find it - and what better way than to capture it in a formal publication.

A 85th Anniversary Commemorative Book was launched in 2006, capturing the history of the LSN since 1921, with specific emphasis on the period 1995, when the Legal Practitioners Act came into operation, until 2006.

As a follow-up, we published yearbooks for November 2012 – October 2013 and November 2013 – November 2014. This was however not sustainable due to the amount of work and effort that had to go into the compilation and lack of funding and human resources.

When we compiled the first Commemorative Book I remember that we still used a lot of printed photograph, which had to be scanned and we struggled with quality for publication.

With this project photographs were in abundance and if you page thought the book you will see what I mean.

When the project started, neither the compilers nor the Editor realised to what extent the final publication would grow from 224 pages to 300 pages – to comprehensively record all the activities of the past 11 years, photograph events and obtain recent photographs of our legal practitioners admitted up to November 2016. Together with the 85th Anniversary Commemorative Book we have a compendium of information relating to the legal profession and the LSN.

The book is divided into chapters derived from the various Chairpersons’ Reports. These provide summaries of the highlights, achievements and challenges of each year. The book also contains photographs of our members who were elevated to the bench during this period, our members who passed away and information on bursary recipients and individual membership photographs.

Where available we have tried to include as many photographs as possible. These images depict the legal fraternity as a real society, the camaraderie between members and the pleasant exchanges during engagements.


Bringing all the material together took up a lot of hours, for me especially after hours and over weekends.

And we experienced difficulty to obtain photographs of our members who are no longer in the country.

Many of our members made a huge effort to submit good quality professional photographs, featured from page 271. These are complemented by the photographs taken by the Editor and I.

The names of those legal practitioners, of whom no pictures were received or whose pictures were of an insufficient quality, could only be listed.

The information in the book is based on events up to the AGM in November 2016. Therefore, the cut-off date for admission as legal practitioners, and included in this book, also had to be the same date.

We have tried to keep it informal and therefore used first names for our members and those we work with us on a regular basis. Where required, we used their official titles.

More pages increased the project budget. New quotations had to be obtained for the printing of at least 1100 books for distribution to all legal practitioners (799 and growing) as well as to stakeholders, advertisers and sponsors.

To cover additional costs and to comply with our undertaking, we approached more advertisers, as well as individuals.


There will be a vote of thanks later but I wish to thank everybody who assisted me in this project, but I must especially thank my husband and my family for their patience and support.

I worked with Gys Reitz of Parrot Communications on the 2014-year book. I appreciated his work ethic, his patience and his professionalism. When the concept of a follow-up Commemorative Book was first mooted, he was the natural choice for Editor.

Gys Reitz had the yearly reports of the Chairperson as the basis to work from and thousands of photographs. He managed to capture the essence, relevance and significance of the event in an accurate and pleasant combination of photographs and text.

If we had made mistakes, please forgive us and do not sue use.

This relationship was tested from time to time, especially when we set targets and deadlines and I could not manage to meet it, even in my free time, due to the workload and pertinent matters that had to receive my attention at the LSN.

This added to the reasons why the book could not be published earlier.

Gys was understanding during these periods and he humoured me when the pages of the book increased to 300 pages.

The book was ready for printing in December 2017, but stood over due to the closing of the printers for the festive period. In January, after having issued fidelity fund certificates to the firms, I realized that some of the details of the firms, who advertised in the book, changed and we regarded it prudent to allow time for the changes to be made. Gys also helped where he could to finalise this process.

I have mixed feelings about the book – on the one hand I am delighted, not just that it is finished, but at how splendid it turned out.

On the other hand I am doubting my memory. I must admit that I have totally forgotten the hard work that went into the 85th Anniversary Book until we started compiling the Commemorative Book 2005 to 2016.

If my memory served me better (and if I was my mother’s smartest child, which apparently I am not), this publication may have remained merely and idea on the drawing board.

If I am ever sufficiently deranged to compile another book, I would want somebody like Gys on my team.

I thank Gys for what he has done and ask that he be given a round of applause.

It brought me immense joy to capture the history of the LSN.

Near the project’s conclusion I again realised the importance for the fraternity to know where we came from and where we are going as an organisation.

It is therefor my distinct honour to officially launch the Commemorative Book 2005 – 2016 by personally handing out copies to the:

• Hon. Minister of Justice
• Hon. Deputy Chief Justice,
• Hon. Judge of the High Court
• Deputy Permanent Secretary
• And the LSN Councillors:
• Dr. Meyer van den Berg
• Ms. Saima Nambinga
• Mr. Ramon Maasdorp
• Ms. Eldorette Harmse
• Ms. Stacey Bock
• Ms. Vanessa Boesak
• Mr. Gilroy Kasper
• Mr. Appolos Shimakeleni

I thank you for your attendance.

Related Notes

• Speech of the Ministry of Justice
• The Book launch programme

The Free Legal Advice Day forms part of the Law Society's objectives to make legal services more accessible to those members of the public who cannot afford legal services. The Office of the Ombudsman has been instrumental in the success of the FLAD since the project was launched in August 2014 by supporting this project and assisting the LSN with the venues and advertising in the region.

In 2014, two Free Legal Advice Days took place in Oshakati / Ongwediva and Keetmanshoop.

In 2015, four Free Legal Advice Days took place in Tsumeb, Windhoek, Swakopmund and Gobabis.

In 2016, only one Free Legal Advice Day took place in Windhoek, due to the LSN Directorate being short staffed.

In 2017, five Free Legal Advice Days took place in Mariental, Ongwediva, Windhoek, Swakopmund and Gobabis.

The Law Society of Namibia, in collaboration with the Office of the Ombudsman, hosted its 1st Free Legal Advice Days for 2018 at the Swanevelder Community Hall, Otjiwarongo.

Topics such as Labour, Domestic Violence, Wills & Estates and Divorce and Maintenance were addressed.

63 Persons received free legal advice on this occasion.

Free Legal Advice Days are also planned as follows:

13 April 2018 – South Circle – Rehoboth.
15 June 2018 – Far-North Circle – Oshakati.
13 July 2018 – East Circle – Gobabis.
3 August 2018 – Windhoek.
28 September 2018 – West Circle – Walvis Bay.

The Chairperson, Council and Directorate of the Law Society of Namibia sincerely thank all involved for their participation and support in making this the Free Legal Advice Day project a success.


FLAD Group Photograph at Swanevelder Community Hall - FLTR:

Chief Ananias Soroseb (Chief of the Hai/Omsan Royal Household, Otjiwarongo)
Mr. Appolos Shimakeleni (LSN Councillor)
Hon. Benns Haimbondi (Mayor of Otjiwarongo)
Hendrik Mauyoma (Office of the Ombudsman)


FLAD Group Photograph at Swanevelder Community Hall – from left:

Front:
Gaby Ferreira (LSN Office Administrator: Directorate), Gissellah Jacob (Office of the Ombudsman), Retha Steinmann (LSN Director)

Back:
From the Office of the Ombudsman: Hendrik Mauyoma, Fabiola Haradoes, Timothy Shangadi and Appolos Shimakeleni (LSN Councillor), Wihan Bezuidenhout (CLP)

Absent when photograph was taken: Cornelius de Koning.

CIRCLE MEETING WITH MEMBERS OF THE LSN IN THE MID-NORTH REGION

Meetings with members, practising in the regions, take place once a year, when possible.

The benefit of the circle meetings is, inter alia, that members share information with Council and colleagues in the region about what they do and challenges they face. Solutions are discussed and in the process colleagues learn from the experiences of others. In certain circumstances matters are referred to Council for discussion with the relevant authorities on behalf of the members.

It also gives the LSN Council the opportunity to share information with the members relating to the profession and the work of the LSN.

Another benefit of these meetings is that members also connect on an informal basis with the Council of the LSN.

The Mid-north circle meeting with members of the LSN took place on Thursday, 8 February 2018 at Village Boutique Hotel, Otjiwarongo.


Mid-north Circle Meeting Group Photograph at Village Boutique Hotel from left:

Retha Steinmann (LSN Director)
Wihann Bezuidenhout
Charles Bodenstein
Cornelius de Koning
Maronel du Plessis
Appolos Shimakeleni (LSN Councillor)

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.

LEGAL OFFICER

This position supports the Director and the 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 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 ad 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.

Position Requirements:

• The applicant must be an admitted Legal Practitioner of the High Court of Namibia.
• Private practice experience would be an advantage.
• Namibian citizenship.
• Excellent communication (oral and written), report-writing and minuting skills.
• 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.

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.

Closing Date: Monday, 19 March 2018

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, an equal-opportunity employer, is in search of suitably qualified individuals to fill the following 4 vacancies:



Reporting to the Director, as well as the Council of the LSN, the position of Manager:  Finance and Human Resources is, inter alia, responsible to:

Ensure and oversee the proper bookkeeping and financial management of the LSN; manage the LSN’s payroll and human resources functions; prepare monthly financial statements; prepare and manage the annual budget; prepare and manage projected cash flow statements; ensure best practice and good corporate governance; manage the operational financial objectives of the LSN; develop strategies and long-term goals; liaise with the auditors and  prepare for the yearly audit; develop external relationships with the banks, Receiver of Inland Revenue, the members of the Law Society, the Legal Practitioners’ Fidelity Fund (LPFF) and other statutory organisations; maintain membership accounts and collect fees due to the LSN; ensure statutory and policy compliance; contribute and execute LSN policies relating to IT, HR and procurement; attend Council, Audit & Risk Committee meetings and AGM as and when required; and provide risk management.

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 3 years experience at managerial level.
• 3 Years relevant management experience in an IT environment.
• 3 Years relevant human resources experience.
• Pastel and Microsoft experience is essential.
• Namibian citizen.
• Valid driver’s license.

The Debtors Controller / Clerk reports to the Manager: Finance and Human Resources and is, inter alia, responsible to assist the Manager: Finance and Human Resources in all aspects pertaining to Debtors Management (issue invoices; process of journals; weekly reconciliations; collection of outstanding debts; Petty Cash; prepare claims to the Legal Practitioners’ Fidelity Fund (LPFF); maintain fixed asset register; assist with annual audit; assist with the process of issuing fidelity fund certificates; processing of transactions on Pastel; and update filing).

Requirements for position:

• The Debtors Controller / Clerk must have a B Comm Accounting degree (or equivalent recognised degree) with at least 3 years experience in administrative operational systems.
• Alternatively, at least a Grade 12 Certificate with mathematics and accounting as subjects with 7 years relevant experiences as a Debtors Clerk in a organisation similar in size to the Law Society of Namibia.
• Pastel and Microsoft experience is essential. (A competency test will be conducted).
• Namibian citizen.
• Valid driver’s license.

The Creditors Controller / Clerk reports to the Manager: Finance and Human Resources and is, inter alia, responsible to assist the Manager: Finance and Human Resources in all aspects pertaining to Creditors Management (monthly creditor reconciliations and payments; process journals; process transactions on Pastel; interest reconciliations for the Legal Practitioners’ Fidelity Fund (LPFF); interaction with legal practitioners regarding Section 26(4) interest payment; assist with annual audit; execute the service level agreement between the LSN and LPFF; stock management and source office supplies).

Requirements for position:

• The Creditors Controller / Clerk must have a B Comm Accounting degree (or equivalent recognised degree) with at least 3 years experience as Creditor Clerk.
• Alternatively at least a Grade 12 Certificate with mathematics and accounting as subjects and 7 years relevant experience as a Creditors Clerk in an organisation similar in size to the Law Society of Namibia.
• Pastel and Microsoft experience is essential. (A competency test will be conducted).
• Namibian citizen.
• Valid driver’s license.

Reporting to the Director, the Personal Assistant is, inter alia, responsible to: provide a full range of secretarial and administrative support to the Director in a well organised and timely manner; prepare agendas and minutes as required, prepare electronic newsletters and circulars; manage and update the LSN website content with advertisement, newsletters, members and firms’ details, etc; devise and maintain hard copy and electronic filing of minutes, correspondence and other documentation; manage and record new members and update the electronic membership database; assist with arrangements relating to travelling, special events and functions; manage and devise the Director’s diary and schedule meetings and appointments; produce reports and presentations.

Requirements for position:

• The Personal Assistant must have completed a relevant diploma or certificate course with at least 4 years’ experience as Personal Assistant.
• Alternatively, a Grade 12 qualification with word processing as a subject and at least 7 years experience as Personal Assistant.
• Proven work experience as a Personal Assistant (ability to multitask; detail orientated; work flow coordination skills; good customer relations and telephone etiquette).
• Outstanding organisational and time management skills.
• Advanced English communication / proficiency (speaking / writing and reading).
• Proficient knowledge of office management systems and procedures.
• Proficient knowledge of Microsoft products, website development / management experience (A competency test will be conducted).
• Namibian citizen.
• Valid driver’s license

The applications should be hand-delivered. NO electronic copies will be accepted.

Applicants 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:    Friday, 19 January 2018

Cord Brügmann, President of the International Institute of Law Association Chief Executives (IILACE) is pleased to announce that effective February 1, 2018, Retha Steinmann, the Director of the Law Society of Namibia will become president of IILACE.

For the last year and a half, Ms. Steinmann has served as the vice president of IILACE.

Ms Steinmann has served on the executive beginning in 2008 when she hosted the IILACE conference in Windhoek, and is the only African serving on the executive committee.

Cord Brügmann said “Retha Steinmann has been a dedicated volunteer for over 15 years, her long experience as Director of the Law Society of Namibia will benefit the organization greatly.”

On February 1, 2018, the Executive Committee of IILACE will be made up of Ms. Steinmann as President, Paula Littlewood as Vice-President - Washington State Bar Association, Heidi Chu as Secretary/Treasurer - Law society of Hong Kong. Christine Grice - New Zealand Law Society, and Paul Mollerup - Association of Danish Law firms will serve as officers at large. They are joined by Jonathan Herman - Federation of Law Societies of Canada, who was elected at the Annual General Meeting in London, on November 4 , 2017.

IILACE (pronounced “eye-lace”) is an association of Chief Executive Officers of Law Societies and Bar Associations from around the world.

IILACE is a unique forum of Law Society and Bar Association CEOs to exchange views and information of common interest to the legal profession, locally, regionally, and internationally. It supports the role of Law Societies and Bar Associations and promotes the rule of law.

For further information, contact John Hoyles, Secretary General of IILACE, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

On the photograph: John Hoyles (IILACE Secretary General) Paul Mollerup, Christine Grice, Paula Littlewood, Retha Steinmann, Heidi Chu, Cord Brügmann and Jonathan Herman.