WOMAN IN LAW INTERVIEW WITH YOLANDE TSHIMBOMBO

Welcome to another #womaninlaw interview! This month we chat with Yolande Tshimbombo. Yolande is an admitted attorney and associate at Bowmans whose areas of expertise include project finance as well as a background in general litigation. She holds a BA law degree, LLB degree and a Master’s degree in Advanced International Law, Trade and Foreign Investment (with distinction). Yolande is also a Golden Key member and has served as Secretary General of the Golden Key Chapter.

Below is our interview with the phenomenal #womaninlaw.

FWIL:

What inspired you to study law?

YT:

Like most lawyers, I chose to study law because I was running away from maths and numbers in general. Kidding…

I don’t really think it’s what inspired me, but rather who inspired me. I started considering what I wanted to be when I grew up at the age 9 or 10, but it was only at 16 that I began taking it seriously. At that time, I was selected by my high school to attend the Global Young Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C. This event sparked my interest in the work of politicians, diplomats, and international organizations such as the United Nations, the World Trade Organisation and the Red Cross.

Upon doing more research to understand how people penetrate these spaces, I found that a lot of the individuals who worked in this sphere began as lawyers. Major gamechangers like Navanethem Pillay, Barack and Michelle Obama, Ertharin Cousin, and Mary Robinson were taking the world by storm and were all attorneys by profession or had some sort of legal background.

From then on, I told myself I need to do a BA LLB at university, graduate and then apply to the UN or some other international organisation. I achieved the former and went on to pursue my LLM. Unfortunately, I never made it to the UN as my interest in the law and the world of practice altered my direction… It is still a dream though, who knows what the future holds. 🙂

FWIL:

You served your Articles at MacRobert Inc. and you are now an associate at Bowmans. How easy or difficult was the transition from a medium-sized law firm to one of the Big 5? (In terms of securing an interview and placement) What advice would you give to anyone looking to make the same transition?

YT:

To be honest with you, it wasn’t easy at all. I knew 3 months into my articles that I belonged in a different space. So, I took it upon myself there and then to start perfecting my CV, making my LinkedIn profile more attractive, networking, getting in touch with recruiters and attending as many workshops or seminars relevant to my field as possible. I think because I had an idea of what it is I wanted quite early on it made taking initiative slightly easier. I had tunnel vision. I started focusing on the bigger picture by getting my name out there and talking to as many people as possible which wasn’t always easy.

I completed many applications which can be quite a daunting process and discouraging because rejection is real. However, I kept sending my CV out to anyone and everyone – even to people who weren’t in law because I knew that all it took was for someone to mention me to the right person. I knew that all I needed was one “yes” despite all the “nos”. It was this rigorous process of sending my CV out to anyone I could, that eventually put me in touch with someone who felt I met the exact criteria for an opening at Bowmans. I had several interviews and then got the job. It was hard but getting my name out there and staying determined really put me in the right place at the right time.

In terms of the transition from a medium-sized firm to a big firm, this was not too much of a challenge. I’m incredibly lucky to have been part of a firm that had a good reputation and a great variety of work that candidates could do. So, going from that into a space that’s even more diverse and multi-faceted with an amazing culture to boot, made acclimatising to my new environment really smooth.

The advice I would give to someone looking to make this sort of transition is to be as vocal and forthright as possible about what it is you want and then to actively start going after it no matter what people think or how difficult or discouraging it may get. Talk to people, send out your CV and particulars regularly, seek out recruiters on LinkedIn. I would also advise people to maintain a good rapport with people at your previous firm because their references can also go a long way.

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.

YT:

Seeing as I completed articles during the height of covid I would say that the bias I experienced had more to do with my competence as a candidate as opposed to my race or my gender because you weren’t regularly at the forefront of any deal or even seen for that matter.

However, being at a pan-African firm now where women and people of colour are at the forefront and are doing some incredible work, all I feel is the utmost pride and motivation. Just knowing and seeing people who look like me doing such incredible work is incredibly inspiring.

That being said, I am not oblivious to the challenges that many women and people of colour in this profession face on the daily. I am only at the start of my career so I know that these hurdles and imposed limitations will still present themselves in future. It will be in those moments that I will always try to remind myself to take up space, that I too am deserving and have the right to be here and do this work.

FWIL:

Do you think that having an LLM places you at an advantage when applying for Articles?

YT:

I think that having an LLM sparks interest initially, but it’s not what will keep recruiters and interviewers captivated. What else is there to you? Who are you beyond your degrees and academic achievements? Having an extra degree does not necessarily make you more competent or more deserving of a role. I think it’s something that can help get you through the door in terms of landing an interview, but it will not always be what lands you the role or keeps you in that space. There must be more to you.

FWIL:

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

YT:

To me, an alpha female is a woman living life on her own terms. I would describe myself as one because I march to the beat of my own drum. I understand that my life and how it turns out is now entirely up to me which is why I actively try to go after the things I want. I don’t wait for people to give me permission to do things. I do my best to seek out opportunities.

FWIL:

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

YT:

I do identify as a feminist. I believe in the social, economic, and political equality of women in every sphere of our lives. I am an advocate for our rights and interests, but I still understand that feminism looks different to different people. It can be shaped by where you are in the world, your culture, your faith and even your ethnic background. Feminism to a woman in the Western world could mean something completely different to a woman on a different continent with different struggles. Not every cause is the same.

FWIL:

What does woman empowerment mean to you?

YT:

It means affording women the opportunity to reach their full potential. It means giving women the platform and devices to become the best versions of themselves no matter the domain. Regardless of whether it’s in their careers (if they choose to pursue one), their personal lives or whatever endeavours they wish to pursue.

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?

YT:

It’s not easy at all, but it is doable. No one started this journey knowing everything. In fact, many of us embarked on it completely clueless and misled by the glitz and glamour of lawyers on TV. But you learn and will keep learning. No one is perfect.

Furthermore, I’ve learnt that the work a legal professional can do today is so multifaceted. Being an attorney is not all that you can become. It’s incredibly vast. Anything can be learnt on the job if you give yourself a chance. Find what you like and don’t feel the pressure to do what everyone else is doing.

Despite the above, I’ve also learnt that life is what happens when you’re busy making plans. Things will not always happen or turn out according to the timeline you set for your life, but if you’re actively doing your part; things fall into place eventually. Delayed is not denied. Often, the longer it takes for you to achieve the things you want, the more resilient, appreciative, and present you will be once you’ve attained them.

FWIL:

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

YT:

From a law student perspective, seek out articles and internships (vacation work) as early as possible. The sooner you start applying, the better.

Thereafter, anything can be learnt on the job so just give yourself a chance. Stay humble, stay teachable and try to be as present possible. You’d be surprised how far humility and the right attitude can get you.

When you’re in the workplace, remember to take up space. Take risks and speak up. Even if you lack confidence do not let imposter syndrome distract you from all you’ve achieved and can still achieve. Be proud of yourself and all your accomplishments no matter how big or small.

FWIL:

What attributes do you think every young lawyer must have?

YT:

Resilience, character, a good work ethic, adaptability, integrity, compassion and a sense of humour. Things can get crazy, but you will always overcome :).

FWIL:

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

YT:

I think all the various avenues clients are now taking to get their legal work done has given some people in the profession a bit of a fright. That’s why the adaptability of a firm and its people is so important.

Hybrid working and moving towards more digital platforms is also imperative. Some legal spaces are already doing this so well and have managed to successfully incorporate it into their structures. One good thing that came out of the pandemic is how many people learnt just how are adaptable and productive they still are whilst working remotely. Many lawyers seem to be happier since they now have the flexibility to structure their own days.

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?

YT:

The best way to meet professionals is to put yourself out there. It’s cliché but it’s true.

I would encourage candidate attorneys for example, to attend court and the deeds office as much as possible and the prep classes offered for board exams in person if they can. This is the breeding ground to get to know your peers and what opportunities are out there. The more you go, the more people become familiar with you. It is also good to sit in on consults and meetings with counsel if you can. The more people see you, the better.

At associate level, I think increasing your capacity, volunteering yourself for work and speaking up are good things to do. Engage more with senior associates and partners. Become the reliable one.

Something else that helped me quite a bit on my journey is LinkedIn. Increasing the activity on my page, signing up for webinars and connecting with recruiters and people in departments that interest me has been quite helpful.

FWIL:

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

YT:

A role model is someone whose life and work I find inspirational. I’m inspired by so many powerful women in my life, but my mom and my sisters are at the very top of my list.

My sisters both left the comfort of steady jobs and relocated to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. One is the CEO of a successful events company in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) called “Allure Afrique” and the other is the CEO of her own public relations firm also in the DRC called “DEWA”. They are the prime example of living life on your own terms despite the difficulties and the naysayers. As for my mother, I’ve always admired her unconditional love, her strength and her ambition.

FWIL:

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

YT:

There are so many, but “Homegoing” by Yaa Gyasi and “The Tattooist of Auschwitz” by Heather Morris are at the top of my list. Both are stories of survival, hope and perseverance in the face of abysmal circumstances.

FWIL:

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

YT:

The biggest mistake is the fear of making any.

FWIL:

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

YT:

By not relying on external validation but reminding myself why I’m here and how I’m helping people. It’s so cathartic. I try to be involved in things beyond my department as well. I have a passion for pro bono work so it’s something I’m trying to pursue more. I do not want to limit myself.

FWIL:

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

YT:

Uplifting others is vital to me. I think it’s so important to help people rise as well when you yourself are rising. I would love to guide people and impart what little knowledge I have by advising other young lawyers and students on things I wish someone had told me. There is so much to learn and yet, so many of us are still so misinformed.

FWIL:

How can people reach out to you?

YT:

People are welcome to reach out to me on LinkedIn.