Probono@Werks

WILLS WEEK – 2018

ProBono.Org hosted a Wills Week from 23 to 27 July 2018. Lawyers from various firms in Johannesburg and Pretoria were invited to draft wills for indigent clients on a pro bono basis.

Werksmans’ Pro Bono Department, and several of our lawyers, participated in this initiative and drafted wills for mainly underprivileged, elderly persons.

I wish to send a special thanks to our Candidate Attorney’s: Luyanda Mthimkhulu, Asanda Ngxongo, Maggie Kona, Cara Gow and Boitumelo Rammala for stepping out of their comfort zones and volunteering to assist those in need.

ProBono.Org has confirmed that 100 wills were drafted during Wills Week. I am certain that this would not have been possible without the generous contribution of time and expertise from all the volunteers.

WOMEN’S DAY EVENT – 2018

On Wednesday, 15 August 2018, ProBono.Org hosted its annual Women’s Day event at the Women’s Jail, on Constitutional Hill.

Werksmans’ Pro Bono Department and a number of our lawyers volunteered and provided free advice on various legal matters affecting women.

Our Candidate Attorney’s, Romy Wulfsohn, Sakhile Kumalo and Clarisa Laltha were amongst the lawyers who attended the event and assisted several women on the day.

The volunteers advised mainly on domestic violence, divorce and property related matters.

Romy Wulfsohn, a Candidate Attorney in the Commercial Department, expressed the following views on her experience:

“In a place that once stood for women’s incarceration, we proudly celebrated their emancipation. It was very moving to be part of the Probono.Org Women’s Day event on Wednesday in the old Women’s Jail on Constitutional Hill. It was clear though that despite the strides we have made from our dark past we still have so far to go to make real socio-economic change to women’s lives and to breathe life into the vision of our Constitution. Access to the law is still a serious hurdle that hopefully through days like this we can help women overcome.”

Sakhile Kumalo, a Candidate Attorney who is also in the Commercial Department had the following to say in relation to his experience:

“Participating in the event was such a great experience for me. It always feels good to give back even with the little knowledge and experience I have.”

Thanks to all the volunteers for their time and effort during the Women’s Day event.