Jef Phahlamohlaka, an attorney at Bowmans South Africa, received a Director’s Special Mention Award at the Pro Bono Awards held at Constitutional Hill in Johannesburg, South Africa this month. The annual Pro Bono Awards are held to acknowledge and celebrate the role played by legal practitioners and others in promoting the principles contained in South Africa's Constitution through undertaking pro bono legal work.

In the last financial year, Phahlamohlaka spent 572 hours doing pro bono work, the value of which is more than ZAR 1.2-million. The work involved a variety corporate matters regarding legal agreements and advice for a range of different clients.

Going back to the start of his career, Phahlamohlaka explained that, as a visually impaired student, he would not have coped with his legal studies without the right support system.

"I had dedicated staff members who helped me scan the books necessary for assignments which either had to be electronic or in braille form. They also helped me with the editing of my assignments. Sometimes, with many assignments due at once, it was difficult as I had to bombard them with multiple requests, but they always did their best to help me. With that support I was able to excel at my studies and qualify as a corporate lawyer.

"I believe once you have triumphed regardless of adversity,  it is important to motivate others to do the same. Those who are battling should realise that no matter how rough their path may be, they can still make it. It is not easy though and requires a lot of strength of character and resilience, but with these qualities, success is attainable," he said.

"Given South Africa's past history, there are a lot of people  who are facing adversity but do not have the support of the legal system to help them because they cannot afford legal fees.

"Therefore, it is important as lawyers that we assist our pro bono clients the same way as we do with paying clients. Our first role as lawyers is to provide access to justice for all, including those who are not able to afford it," he said.

"Our right to legal assistance is enshrined in the Constitution. If this help and support is given to those who would otherwise not afford it, they can rise above adversity and go on to achieve their dreams.

He explained that there were so many advantages to providing pro bono assistance, which could also have a positive ripple effect. For example, an aspiring entrepreneur might be unable to afford legal help in the setting up of his or her business. With the right legal guidance, the business can be set up and will flourish, resulting in the creation of employment, which in turn benefits the whole country.

“As lawyers, we need to act and think within the dictates of the Constitution, and help and support people in their quest for justice, both from a human rights  and a corporate law perspective,” he added.