Welcome back to another #womaninlaw interview!
This month we chat with Magistrate Charlotte Schultz who is an attorney and an acting Magistrate in the Civil and Family Law Court. Charlotte is also an author of various articles on cyberlaw in accredited and non-accredited journals both locally and internationally.
She holds an LLB and LLM (with ITC Law as a major) from the University of Pretoria, and has a demonstrated history of having practiced in Child Law and Civil Litigation.
Below is our interview with this phenomenal #womaninlaw.
FWIL:
What inspired you to study law?
CS:
I was encouraged by my sister to Study Law, apparently it was fitting for my personality. I haven’t looked back !
FWIL:
Please tell us about your experience as an acting magistrate and how it is different from your experience as an attorney?
CS:
It has been an incredibly fulfilling and learning experience for me. I have grown and learnt so much in the short space of time and I continue to do so.
FWIL:
As an acting magistrate, is there one case brought before you that has affected you the most?
What I have learnt in the profession and space I am in is not to take cases personally, with that being said nothing has affected me but there have been challenging cases and my most challenging case was one dealing with acquisitive prescription.
FWIL:
As a black woman in law, have you experienced race and gender-related bias? Please tell us about the challenges, if any, that you have faced.
CS:
I have always been fortunate enough to be in spaces where women and men are treated equally (State and para-statal entities).
FWIL:
Do you identify as a feminist? (Why/why not)
CS:
I believe in equality for all on the basis of their abilities. Do I believe that women and men are equal? No, I don’t, they are not the same at all and God has not created them the same. Do I believe that women should be treated as equal as men particularly in the professional space, absolutely. But I have come to realize and experience that women have far more challenges to even get to the basic halfway meet (raising children and having family responsibilities). Can we do the job better despite the challenges, one hundred percent!
FWIL:
What does women empowerment mean to you?
CS:
Encouraging women in any space, shape or environment that they find themselves in, to understand their worth, their capabilities and to help navigate through the everyday challenges they face to get to whatever the goal might be.
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?
CS:
Be true to yourself and uphold your morals and values. This has helped me a lot especially in workspaces where I found that it could be so easy to compromise this. Love what you do, this has made me perform at my utmost best, the passion I have for what I do always speaks through my work. Be kind- always.
FWIL:
What is the best advice you would give to a woman in law?
CS:
Love what you do and do it to the best of your ability. Always research and keep up to date with the latest case law/legislation in your field. Uplift, encourage and support other women who are in the same profession as you.
FWIL:
What attributes do you think every magistrate must have?
CS:
Integrity, passion, honesty, compassion, understanding, articulate, patience.
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)
CS:
The High Court has recently declared section 7(3)(a) of the Divorce Act 70 of 1979 unconstitutional. Parties married out of community or property will now be able to apply for financial compensation for their contribution to the marriage, if the court deems it just.
I am of the view that the Court has made that decision taking all facts into consideration.
FWIL:
Our world is constantly changing, in your opinion, what are some of the challenges that legal professionals will face in future?
CS:
I think the biggest hurdle is the keeping up with information technologies and just improving the way in which the profession operates in order to keep up to date in this regard.
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?
CS:
I have met most of my “professional peers” in court as opponents and others as colleagues in various parts of the litigation sphere. My most effective networking skill to date has been being able to meet others and explain the role and dynamics of the field I found myself in (Child law litigation) and the difference it makes. This has always been a conversation starter and has led to professional relationships i.e to help others who have similar cases.
FWIL:
What does the term “role model” mean to you? Is there a particular woman in your life that you consider a role model?
CS:
Role Model is someone or people who have qualities or have accomplished something in life that you can learn from and gain in a positive way. I have many amazing women around me and each of them inspire me in a different way in different areas of my life.
FWIL:
What books have you read that have greatly influenced your life?
CS:
- The Four Agreements – Don Miguel Ruiz
- The manuscript found in Accura – Paulo Coehlo
- Redeeming love – Francine Rivers
FWIL:
What’s a quote that you live by? Your mantra
CS:
Be your authentic self, don’t take anything personally and chose those who chose you, your instinct is never wrong.
FWIL:
How do you remain autonomous while working in the legal field?
CS:
Remember your role, your duty and your oath. Stick to that and the rest is personal and private. Keep it that way.
FWIL:
What is your take on mentorship and are you open to mentoring young lawyers or law students?
CS:
Mentorship has had a big influence in the developing of my career and I still have mentors and I am so grateful for them and how they empower me till this day. I am open to mentoring for sure. I believe I can help and make a difference especially in the litigation sphere.
FWIL:
How can people reach out to you? (social media handles)
CS:
Linked-in is the best professional platform to be able to reach out to me: Charlotte Schultz