Woman in Law Interview with Sinenhlanhla Mthembu

Not many people have the courage to leave their job to start a new venture. We
chat to Sinenhlanhla Mthembu who did exactly that. 25-year-old Sinenhlanhla is
an Attorney and the Founder & Director of Passcara and Partners
Incorporated. She specializes in Divorce, Deceased Estates and Drafting of
contracts.

In this interview she talks about the motivation behind starting her own firm and
how she overcame the challenges.

FWIL:

What inspired you to study law?

SM:

To be honest, I initially thought I would become a doctor. It was only in high school that I realised that I was not a huge fan of science, let alone good at it. So I decided to let that idea go. I shadowed a Magistrate for a Grade 11 project and that is when I fell in love with the profession. Law is practical, its people’s everyday issues and I like practicality. My aim thereafter was to become a Prosecutor but because the programme for Prosecutors was suspended at the time of completing my degree; I explored other avenues and realised that there a lot of things I could do with my degree.

FWIL:

You recently opened your own law firm, Congratulations!

Please tell us what inspired this decision, what are some of the challenges that you faced and how you overcame them.

SM:

It was something that was always in the books, but I never thought it would happen so early. The working environment of my previous job pushed the process to happen quicker that I had thought. It was not a conducive working environment, so I then decided to turn all the negative things that were happening into a positive, and I realised that I had gained enough experience to branch out on my own.

I was also inspired by the idea of creating jobs for my learned colleagues as well as people who would become my support staff. I wanted to inspire young people who have that entrepreneurial drive in them to ‘Go for it’ especially in this field that has been considered a man’s world for the longest time.

CHALLENGES – Getting business as a ‘new and young’ practice without over marketing myself. I have had to overcome this challenge by being dependant on word of mouth. Financial challenge for start-up. With this I was assisted by my savings and help from my loved ones.

Age challenge – People tend to not take me seriously from first glance until I start speaking.

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FWIL:

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

SM:

Not necessarily

What I have experienced though is racial bias. On more than one occasion I’ve had an opponent that is a different race from mine. They would tend to indirectly make me feel inferior and imply that they know more than I do. I take pride in my work and I prepare thoroughly, so you find that when we start to argue the matter, they eventually feel differently.

FWIL:

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

SM:

For me, it’s being an ambitious woman who lets nothing, and no one stand in the way of what she wants to achieve. She is a woman who takes up leadership roles just by her presence in the room. I believe that I am an alpha female because the only thing that can hinder me from getting what I want is myself. I am also a very confident woman.

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FWIL:

Do you identify as a feminist? (Why/why not)

SM:

Yes and No.

I say yes because I am all for women empowerment and allowing women to occupy any space regardless of the fact that the space is considered for ‘men’. That is where me feminism ends. Being someone who’s is old school and biblical, I also believe that there are certain roles that were inherently made for men & inherently made for women. Take being the provider of a family for instance; that role was inherently made for a man and if a man is around to do it then let him do it. With that being said it does not mean that a woman can’t or shouldn’t if she wanted to.

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?

SM:

I have learnt to be patient and persistent. Law in general tests you a lot; from the time you start the degree, to completing your articles, to board exams, the list is endless. The moment you learn to be patient with yourself and persistent in what you want, it tends to become easier.

FWIL:

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

SM:

‘Go for it’. I get numerous emails and DMs on a daily from women either studying law, thinking of studying law or have studied it but feel stuck. My advice to them is to go for the job, go for that promotion, go for that company you have always wanted to start. With all of that, lets unite and be one and assist each other and those that are around us. You will be surprised at how much the little you do can mean to someone else.

FWIL:

What attributes do you think every young lawyer must have?

SM:

Confidence. Confidence. Confidence.

This will give you the courage to stand against anything and anyone. It’s a tough world out here. You need to be able to stand up for yourself.

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FWIL:

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

SM:

I must say that it is the NHI (National Health Insurance Bill). My view is that no one should get preferential healthcare on the basis that they can afford to and those that cannot afford to do not. In some way or the other, the current healthcare system is a form of inequality. What is in your account should not determine the standard of medical care you receive.

FWL:

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

SM:

I think one of the biggest challenges in this changing world is linked to risk management. Technology is constantly evolving which makes it more and more difficult to manage our risks. We are exposed to cybercrimes, cyber threats, malware, viruses etc because of the fast pace of technology.

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?

SM:

I have been fortunate to be able to keep in contact with most of the learned colleagues I’ve met in the past. I engage in many legal platforms and groups, whether in social media or with associations. I also do not shy away from attending legal conferences I get invited to.

FWIL:

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

SM:

A role model to me means someone who carries the attributes that I admire and which I hope to obtain. In general, my mother is my role model, but in the professional world it is Alvia Nair. She is an Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa, an ad hoc lecturer for the school of law and also runs her own practice. She lectured me for my Practical Legal Training as well as Practice Management Training. Sometimes you do not only look at one’s academic attributes in someone but the little things like how they speak, how they carry themselves etc.

FWIL:

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

SM:

Becoming by Michelle Obama. Her book is refreshing, very honest and authentic. Unbecoming to Become by Ayanda Borotho. This book teaches me about the strengths of a woman and also instils finding and knowing yourself as woman.

FWIL:

What is a quote that you live by? Your mantra

SM:

Life does not require us to be the best, but to at least try our best,

FWIL:

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

SM:

I’ve grown up being an autonomous person generally. Even as a child, I used to be independent. Yes; at times we are all influenced one way or the other and we sometimes voluntarily surrender our autonomy but I always remind myself to be assertive to remain autonomous.

FWIL:

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

SM:

I believe that mentorship is a very big role and one needs to take it on with the certainty that they will be able to fulfil it. One of my greatest fears with taking on that role is having someone fully under my wing and when I’m ‘hit by life’, it will feel like I’m failing the person I’m mentoring during the time that I will be ‘down’. But I am open to guiding students and I do have a few that I’ve currently made myself available to.

FWIL:

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

SM:

Instagram     : sne_mthembu

Twitter          : Sne_Mthembu_

Youtube        : Sne Mthembu