Woman in Law Interview: Rethabile Seema

This month we chat to Advocate Rethabile Seema who is a PhD law candidate at the University of Witwatersrand.

Rethabile has been transitioning from Advocate to Attorney for the past two years ans she describes this as a “remarkable journey”. She is currently specialising in corporate commercial and commercial litigation space.

A couple of things stood put to me while editing this interview, one of them being the reminder that a dream delayed is not a dream denied. If you have the luxury to design the life of your dreams do not stop until you get there, regardless of how long it takes you.

Another takeaway, which I will be adding to my list of favourite quotes, is “you can have it all.”

Below is our interview with phenomenal woman in law, Advocate Rethabile Seema (RS)

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FWIL:

What inspired you to study law?

RS:

At a very elementary level, I first realized I was inspired by the legal discipline whilst reading The Star newspaper, when it suddenly occurred to me that every article was somehow related to the law. I remember thinking how amazing it was that such a diverse range of issues could be linked back to a single word and discipline.

FWIL:

You are currently an LLD candidate, why a specific interest in Mercantile law?

RS:

I am actually a PhD law candidate with the University of Witwatersrand.

I firmly believe that as far as academia is concerned, mercantile law chose me. During my final year I chose an elective module called Social Security law (which falls under Mercantile law). I later passed the same module being the student with highest marks thus I applied and registered to do my LLM specialising in Social Security law which I obtained a distinction for.

Fast forward to the current day and I realise that both my academic interests via my PhD and area of practice allow me to continuously explore both broader aspects of the law which I have keen passions in. My PhD allows me to research and academically advocate for the lay mans’ social, human and constitutional rights whilst practice allows me to represent and advocate for rights and interests of companies, corporations and business’ alike.

FWIL:

Why did you choose the Advocate route and not the Attorney route?

RS:

The dream had always been to become a Corporate Attorney but as previously explained, I pursued my Masters straight after my LLB and then soon after completing same, I commenced with my academic career. I opted to be an Advocate during my lecturing years as I believed the Advocate route would best allow me that flexibility to effectively work in both careers simultaneously as lecturing provided for that much needed flexibility and Advocates are their own bosses.

Two and half years ago when my tenure with the University was drawing to a completion and after months of feeling a sense of complacency, and after some soul-searching after, I made the much-needed but hard decision to pursue my initial dream of being an Corporate Attorney.

The decision wasn’t an easy one simply because I was already a mom of three, settled in my respective careers and had just commenced a new job as Head of (legal) Programme for an academic house. But I am beyond happy and proud of myself for being brave enough to stay true to myself and for being fearless.

Long story short, I applied to three outstanding firms, all three accepted me for my articles and I was blessed enough to choose the firm I best believed would catapult this new journey to where I have always envisioned it to be. So, for these past two years, I have been transitioning from Advocate to Attorney and it has been nothing but a remarkable journey! I can confirm that a dream delayed is not a dream denied.

FWIL:

As a black woman in law, have you experienced gender and race-related bias? Please tell us about the challenges, if any, that you have faced.

RS:

Unfortunately, I have experienced both gender and race-related bias. Even more unfortunate, was that my experiences were always at the hands of females and not males. I have systematically had to deal with females that opted to partake in harmful, under-handed activities. As a young black female lecturer, I would experience this bias during the initial lectures from a subset of the black female students (not all of them). In the corporate setting, I have experienced same from women of colour in senior positions sadly. My biggest take away from these experiences is that firstly – I get the sense that men no longer need to do the whole patriarchal-bias thing because a subset of females have successfully taken up that baton, and secondly – despite some unsavoury and at times hurtful experiences my resolve and love to advocate for women remains unshaken.

FWIL:

What does being an alpha female mean to you and would you describe yourself as one?

RS:

Never once have I heard a man utter the words that he can’t have it all – be it the top job, the family, the social life, the spiritual life, etc. Men are fearless and consistently go after their dreams and aspirations. Thus I believe an alpha female too, has the mind set and conviction that she can have it all (whatever that is to her).

Thus, I believe I am an alpha female because I don’t adhere to any societal boundaries that attempt to inhibit my holistic growth or potential as a female. Furthermore, I do believe I can have it all, more times than less I’ll have to be engaged in some sort of work-life balancing act but that reality hasn’t ever mutated my conviction to accomplish anything I have had my sights on.

FWIL:

Do you identify as a feminist?

RS:

I only identify with the feminist approach in as far as it upholds and speaks to the equality principle. As female myself and mother of three young males, I believe that females and men are both deserving of equal opportunities and that no sex has the right to unfairly discriminate, prejudice or abuse the other.

FWIL:

What does women empowerment mean to you?

RS:

The premise of women empowerment (“WE”) rests on the foundation and realization that the next woman is not your foe but rather a friend and a sister. For me, WE means lifting another while you climb. It is important to cheer on, help, elevate and bring women along with you on your career journey and to ask them to do the same.

FWIL:

The journey of most legal professionals is not always easy. What are some of the lessons you have learned along the way and how have they shaped your outlook on life?

RS:

1. Attaining success in this profession as in life is a journey and not a race – an important proviso being to stay in your own lane.
2. Like in life, you’ll come across a few monsters that will rear their ugly heads – all you need to remember to do is stay kind, ethical, professional and consistent.
3. Remain true to yourself at all times for your strength lies in your uniqueness; and
4. Remember that you can have it all!

FWIL:

What is the best advice you would give to a woman in law?

RS:

Always function as the CEO of your career. Your success in this industry is your personal responsibility.

FWIL:

What attributes do you think every young lawyer must have?

RS:

Self-discipline, ethics, passion, a teachable spirit and resilience.

FWIL:

What recent change/amendment in the law (in your country/state) has caught your attention? (Do you agree with the change? Why/why not)

RS:

Sincerely, as much as I have taken note of a few legal amendments, none have, per say, caught my attention.

The legislative enactment I’m most pioneering for is one that will (across the board) close the current national gender pay gap. Currently men still earn 23% to 35% more than their female counterparts. It is common knowledge that these numbers used to be higher pre the enactment of the Minimum Wages Act as the South African gender wage inequality was exacerbated by the fact that more women as opposed to men are employed in low-paying occupations. Thus, I believe that it is time for an all-encompassing piece of legislation that mandates for pay equity.

FWIL:

Our world is constantly changing, in your opinion, what are some of the challenges that legal professionals will face in future?

RS:

Honestly, I don’t see the legal profession succumbing to any future material challenges as we are a formidable adaptable bunch lol. My only concern is of a general nature – the fourth industrial revolution is here and I believe that if every participant within the labour landscape does not lean towards educating themselves and mastering the necessary tools then companies, employers, employees, students, alike, may have a hard time successfully navigating themselves around this ‘virtual’ present-future (i.e online gig economy).

FWIL:

As a legal professional, it is quite important to effectively use your network. How do you meet other professionals and what are some of your effective networking skills?

RS:

In my experience, the best way to meet other professionals is on the ground, the legal playground that is. During meetings with both fellow and counter-party legal representatives on matters, conferences, court runs, service runs, lecture rooms, etc. Alternatively, and just as effective is via social media.

In so far as effective networking skills, don’t assume that your good work speaks for itself. Sometimes you’ve got to point out your good contribution for it to get the attention and praise it deserves from as many people as possible – internally and externally. This is not boasting, it’s called communicating, it’s called networking effectively.

FWIL:

What does the term “role model” mean to you? Is there a particular woman in your life that you consider a role model?

RS:

There are a many incredible women and men who possess characteristics, habits, statures, amongst others, that I find myself in awe of or endeavour to emulate, my mom and grandparents being right up there. But truth be told, I don’t have a specific person or persons that I would deem to be my role model or role models.

FWIL:

What books have you read that have greatly influenced your life?

RS:

1. The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg;
2. Quiet by Susan Cain; and
3. Lean In For Graduates by Sheryl Sandberg, amongst others.

FWIL:

What’s a quote that you live by? Your mantra

RS:

All the quotes I live by and which provide me with daily sustenance of hope lie in biblical scriptural promises. One of those being, Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have in you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

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FWIL:

How do you remain autonomous while working in the legal field?

RS:

The only way for one’s autonomy to remain fluid in this industry is to remain open and transparent at all times. Thus, for me this means communicating and expressing myself, my personal views and legal opinions as authentically with fellow colleagues and clients as possible.

FWIL:

What is your take on mentorship and are you open to mentoring young lawyers or law students?

RS:

I love the idea of mentorship programmes because who better to learn from than those who have done what you want to do. It’s like training for a marathon with someone who has won a marathon.

I am always open to mentoring but I will only ever partake if the mentee(s) in question is clear on what it is that he/she wishes to specifically acquire and/or learn from me as a mentor, where in his/her current academic/professional journey has he/she identified an obstacle and are stuck. I believe an early diagnosis of the issues will bring about the effectiveness of the programme.

FWIL:

How can people reach out to you? (social media handles)

RS:

My IG handle is rethabileseema and alternatively, my email address is seemarethabile@gmail.com