WOMAN IN LAW INTERVIEW WITH KHANYI TSHABALALA

Welcome to another #womaninlaw interview! This month we chat with Khanyi Tshabalala who is a dual qualified South African and Australian lawyer with extensive experience in banking and finance, having practiced law in South Africa, New South Wales and London. Khanyi holds an LLB degree from the University of Witwatersrand and a Diploma in law from the University of Sydney.

She is also a wellness coach, mentor and the founder of “Seize the Light” – a wellness management platform providing services that include meditation, yoga and mentoring. Her experiences while working as a lawyer has been the inspiration in creating this platform.

Below is our interview with this phenomenal #womaninlaw.

FWIL:

What inspired you to study law?

KT:

I envisaged myself taking up space in a corporate environment, however, I was not entirely sure which career path to pursue until law chose me (I’ll explain). In high school, I focused on mathematics and physical science with the hope of becoming an industrial engineer with a corporate focus on streamlining processes. However, life happened, and unexplainably, I was selected to join the Law School at the University of the Witwatersrand even though this was not my first preference. After weeks of unanswered phone calls and emails to the Engineering School, I reconciled myself with the fact that I would be joining Law School and pursuing a career in law. It was at this point that I took active steps to research information regarding the profession and seek mentors for guidance. As challenging as Law School was, I really had some of the best days of my life there and I am happy that it chose me.

FWIL:

Please tell us about your journey in getting admitted as an attorney in South Africa and in Australia. What advice would you give to a South African attorney looking to follow the same route? What steps should one take and what are the requirements?

KT:

My advice would be to go for it! You are more than capable of achieving anything that you put your mind to.

The requalification process usually takes up to 2 years, depending on how diligent one is. My 18-month journey to qualify as an Australian lawyer was brutal as I was simultaneously working and studying. In summary, the process below (based on New South Wales).

• Secure employment with a law firm in Sydney, Australia (usually South African lawyers with 2+ PQE can be considered)
• South African academic qualifications assessed by the Legal Profession Admission Board
• Usually, South Africans will have to read four courses (Constitutional Law, Ethics, Equity and Property Law) for the duration of two semesters 
• Register as a part time student at the University of Sydney
• Attend weekly lectures, submit assignments and write exams (it is advised to take two courses per semester)
• Register for College of Law (South African equivalent of PLT) – South African lawyers usually have to read Property Law
• Once both academic semesters are complete and a PLT certificate is obtained, apply for admission as an Australian lawyer
• Attend admission ceremony and sign Supreme Court roll

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.

KT:

Being young, black and female in a predominately white male dominated industry is an extreme sport. The intersectionality of being triple disadvantaged inadvertently presents challenges as gender and race-related bias, conscious and unconscious, exist. I have experienced situations where people have tried to project their own self-limiting believes onto me. In my view, impossible is a perspective. The glass ceiling, barriers to entry and gate keeping exist. As challenging as it is, taking up and holding the space is what is required as we continue to chip away at the glass ceiling.

FWIL:

You are the founder of Seize the Light. Please tell us more about this organization and what inspired you to start such an organization.

KT:

Seize the Light is a business consulting service providing services which aim to assist individuals and businesses to propel career growth through the use of wellness management techniques and structured wellbeing programmes. At the infancy of my career in 2016, the physical, emotional and mental impact of working in a law firm soon made me realise that I would have to develop positive ways to self soothe and take care of myself. Simultaneously with the effort invested into developing our professional careers, we should equally invest in developing ourselves. Inspired by my own struggle in maintaining balance and showing up as the best version of myself, my niche is influenced by my professional experience, which places me in a unique position to truly understand my client’s experiences. I journey with and empower others to improve their physical health and mental wellness through the use of my app (Seize the Light) which has been designed to cater for individuals working in high pressure environments looking to improve their emotional and mental wellbeing.

FWIL:

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

KT:

I do not identify as a feminist as I do not agree with the feminist movement. The feminist movement encourages women to abandon feminist characteristics which are our superpower. There is so much elegance in a woman who carries herself gracefully vurses a woman who behaves like a man by pounding her fist on the table. The dichotomy of male and female is important and I do not think that these two should be conflated. Men and women have a different role to play in society but we are forced into opposition with one another instead of embracing each other’s unique characteristics which should by no means be replicated by the other. Every human possesses masculine and feminine energy. It’s important to balance these energies and unfortunately, the feminist movement forces women to operate from masculine energy which inadvertently places women in direct competition with men.  

FWIL:

What does women empowerment mean to you?

KT:

In recognising that men and women should not be in competition with one another, to me, women empowerment means that women are valued and invited to the table, with all the feminine traits which they possess. Empowering women means allowing women the space to thrive in their feminine energy and recognising that women bring a unique perspective to every table. In tandem, women should empower other women. It is important to lift other women up as you climb. Jealousy and insecurity only perpetuate the misconception that there are limited seats at the table.

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?

KT:

The most important lesson which I have learnt is to focus on the journey and not the destination. I love that you have used the word journey because that is exactly what it is, a journey. And it is one where you will take the scenic route. This has shaped my outlook on life as I am no longer attached to a particular outcome or specific timelines. I have curated a daily mindfulness practice which keeps me focused on the present moment and helps me remain open to any possibility.

FWIL:

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

KT:

My best advice would be that you should stay true to who you are. I have seen so many women transform themselves into versions which they do not like or recognise while climbing the corporate ladder. To me, this is never worth it as law is your profession, but it is not who you are. If you were not practising law, would you know who you are? Would you like yourself?  

FWIL:

What attributes do you think every young lawyer must have?

KT:

Agility, perseverance 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)

KT:

The National Health Insurance Bill. With the rising cost of living, more individuals will not be able to afford private health care. Adequate healthcare is a basic constitutional right which anyone living in South Africa should have access to. Although, South Africans should not romanticize the NHI as there is evidence of the long-term challenges faced in other countries in respect of public health care for example the NHS in the UK and Medicare in Australia. However, there is a need for some sort of reform and redistribution.  

FWIL:

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

KT:

I think that some of the challenges that legal professionals will face in the future relate to career progression. There are already market trends where some firms have moved towards a consultancy model, meaning that core teams will be a lot leaner. This will impact the abundance of opportunities, quality of training and hands on experience which junior lawyers will have access to. Inadvertently, the route to partnership will be changed. In addition, with the advancements in technology and AI, administrative tasks usually attended to by executive assistants and junior lawyers will be automated and AI will be used to conduct research and perform any administrative tasks.

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?

KT:

I use LinkedIn to meet other professionals and find that this is the most effective networking platform. As face to face client and peer engagements are scarce, LinkedIn plays a pivotal role in connecting professionals. One networking skill that I use is to connect with targeted individuals by sending a personalised message as to why I wish to connect with them. I believe by adding a personal touch to the connection, you increase your chances of forming a personal relationship.

FWIL:

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

KT:

To me, a role model is someone who you hold in high regard and look up to. My mother and grandmother are my role models. I only realise now that my grandmother loves me very much because she was always so mean to me (and everyone she encountered) growing up. She understood that the world is not a kind place and you can never expect everyone to have the same heart as you or to support you. She definitely played an instrumental role in developing my resilience.

FWIL:

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

KT:

Quiet by Susan Cain. This book has helped me understand the value of my introverted nature. Susan was a practising lawyer and had to navigate the legal industry as an introvert. I myself have never been the loudest in the room or even had the most to say. In climbing the corporate ladder, I had to make certain adjustments out of the fear of being labelled as “quiet”, “slow” or “disengaged”. This book has greatly assisted me to embrace and value my introverted self.

FWIL:

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

KT:

“If you are irritated by every rub, how will your mirror be polished” – Rumi

“Do not try to fix whatever comes in your life. Fix yourself in such a way that whatever comes, you will be fine” – Sadhguru

“What is for me, will not miss me” – Unknown

FWIL:

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

KT:

Remaining autonomous within the legal field is difficult due to the traditional nature of the legal environment. This is something that one must accept when pursuing a career in law. Arguably, there is more autonomy as you gain seniority but unfortunately this autonomy is still somewhat constrained.

FWIL:

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

KT:

I am a firm believer in paying it forward and mentoring others. I believe that through mentorship, transformation within the legal industry can continue to be accelerated. Passing the baton as opposed to having to start from the start line makes all the difference. I have recently started mentoring young lawyers, although I am open to mentor young people in general as the challenges faced in law are akin to other industries. My mentorship style is unique as I journey with my mentees and assist them to become the best versions of themselves by incorporating daily wellness techniques and providing mindset coaching prior to approaching significant moments.

FWIL:

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

KT:

LinkedIn (personal): https://www.linkedin.com/in/khanyi-tshabalala-2b3861141

LinkedIn (business): https://www.linkedin.com/company/seize-the-light/

Website: www.seizethelightstudio.com

YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SeizetheLightStudio

Instagram: @coachkhanyi

TikTok: @coachkhanyi