Prestigious Programme for Experienced Women Lawyers Applications for this programme close 30 June 2015 - an intensive, highly-rewarding learning experience aimed at retaining women in the legal profession especially in senior positions Proudly sponsored by More about this prestigious programme for women lawyers These days more women graduate with LLB degrees than ever before and thereafter become admitted attorneys. Even so, the legal profession does not retain a sufficient number of these women in leadership positions nor in education or other initiatives of the profession. The Law Society of South Africa (LSSA) supports the growth in the number of women heading firm management and women in the judiciary and has launched the 2015 Significant Leadership Programme which follows the success of the pilot programme held in 2014 (see page 4 for feedback from the 2014 delegates). Applications based The programme is aimed at more experienced women lawyers (lawyers with at least five years postadmission experience) who are interested in growing their leadership skills. As only 25 women lawyers can participate in the programme, there is an application process. Successful applicants will be selected by the LSSA and will have demonstrated a potential for leadership, a commitment to participating in all facets of this programme, and a desire to stay working in the legal profession. Page 1 of 6
When and where The programme is presented in Johannesburg and runs over two sessions of three days each. The information sharing in both sessions is interlinked and, therefore, delegates must attend both sessions. Session 1: 3-5 August 2015 Time: 8:30-17:00 Break during which assignments are done to apply new skills Session 2: 5-7 October 2015 Venue: A reputable venue in Johannesburg to be confirmed on registration Programme topics will include understanding branding and how to develop your own brand; leadership styles and how to apply your own style; managing professional power, relationships and politics; understanding personal mastery; how to think and act strategically; powerful legal writing; leadership presence; and the challenges/obstacles for women leaders and how to overcome these. More about the programme content Assignments and further reading on leadership The delegates will be required to submit various assignments before the first session and further assignments between sessions. These assignments add value to the course and assist delegates to grow their leadership skills and potential. Belbin Self-Perception Inventory questionnaire (http://www.belbin.com/) The first assignment will be followed by a Belbin Self-Perception Inventory. This internationally acclaimed questionnaire is a means of measuring a candidate s preferred behaviour when working in a team and is designed to pinpoint the candidate s unique leadership style. Responses are analysed via the expert Belbin programme and the results will assist the candidate in understanding the different leadership styles and how to communicate, and work with different types of leaders. Emotional intelligence questionnaire The delegates will also required to complete an emotional intelligence questionnaire. The outcome is discussed during the first session and lessons learnt are carried over to the follow-up session. Between sessions, the delegates will be encouraged to apply what they have learnt and to reflect on: where they improved; where they feel there is further room for improvement; challenges they faced and how they handled them; and goals for continuing on this path in future. Networking Apart from learning valuable skills and building a support structure for themselves, the delegates will also have the opportunity to network and cement new business relationships. Page 2 of 6
Expert presenters Experienced, dynamic presenters who are specialists in their fields will facilitate the discussions. Prof Vivienne Lawack Vivienne was appointed as the Deputy Vice- Chancellor: Academic at the University of the Western Cape on 1 April 2015. In addition to her duties as Deputy Vice-Chancellor, she serves on various boards and committees. She also served as the President of South Africa Law Deans Association (SALDA) from 2010 until 2015. Truida Prekel Truida mainly works on collaborative innovation and change management, conflict resolution and team effectiveness. She has pioneered research to develop the management and career potential of South African women in the 1970 s, and has worked in the gender and diversity areas for 40 years. Jeanne-Mari Retief Jeanne-Mari is an admitted attorney specialising in international human rights, constitutional law, and the development thereof. She has completed legal projects for various key stakeholders in the legal arena and is known for her creative and passionate approach to the evolution of a modern legal profession. Margaret Scroope Margaret runs her own training company, M&M Associates, which specialises in the training of business communication. Margaret is renowned for bringing passion, humour and energy to presentations. She is clearly committed to making a difference to people s confidence in their communication skills and ability. Ralph Makola Ralph has 15 years experience in the management consulting and leadership development field. He has worked with diverse organisations ranging from mining, parastatals, government and financial services. Ralph is enthusiastic about helping individuals and organisations to reach high levels of performance and personal mastery In addition, a representative from Bowman Gilfillan Inc will present the topic on branding. Page 3 of 6
Certificate of Attendance Delegates who successfully complete both sessions of the programme will receive a certificate of attendance. Delegates will continue to receive support from the Law Society of South Africa after the programme in terms of additional reading material. Programme fee R 4 500.00 (VAT inclusive). Any travel and accommodation costs will be for the delegate s own account. Ten (10) bursaries of R1 500 each The Law Society of South Africa (LSSA) will provide bursaries to deserving applicants. The bursaries will be awarded by the LSSA on recommendation by the LSSA Bursary Selection Committee. The committee s main aim is to assist financially needy and academically deserving applicants.the minimum requirement for qualification for such a bursary is that the applicant is a practising attorney who is a South African citizen with at least five years of experience. Strong consideration will be given to those applicants who are financially deserving and / or who show a strong motivation to become a leader within the legal profession and participate fully in all facets of the programme. Closing date for applications Applications for this programme close 30 June 2015. LEAD will confirm by 3 July 2015 whether an application has been successful. If an applicant has been awarded a bursary, you will also be advised at this time. Successful applicants will be required to pay the R 4 500 programme fee or bursary-inclusive fee of R 3 000 by 14 July 2015. Page 4 of 6
How to apply Only 25 women attorneys will be selected to participate in the leadership programme and applications close strictly on 30 June 2015. To apply, please complete the application form on page 6. If you would like to apply, please first consider the following carefully: You need to submit a 300-word motivation as to why you should be accepted on this course as well as a one-page summary of your Curriculum Vitae. You must be willing to be 100% committed to the programme and the outcomes. Between the two sessions in August and October 2015, the presenters will give you assignments in order to apply the exercises and strategies covered in the first session. You must attend both sessions. Feedback on the 2014 pilot project Women lawyers travelled from across South Africa to attend the programme and confirmed that the programme did not disappoint. Here are some comments from the delegates who attended: Krishni Naidu said Today I walked into my office as an inspired, empowered leader with a totally different approach and it felt good! I have learnt a lot and most importantly I feel not only empowered, but also inspired to work even harder towards my goals. I look forward to using the tools I gained during the past three days, said Daphne Mahosi. Khanyisa Mogale said I am convinced that we are destined for greater things in our profession. This is only the beginning. Contact persons for enquiries E-mail queries: jeanne-mari@lssa.org.za Telephonic and email queries: Phyllis Mphasha on phyllis@lssalead.org.za Tel +27 (0)12 441 4600 Page 5 of 6
APPLICATION FORM Significant Leadership Programme for Experienced Women Lawyers Document to be included: 1. 300-word motivation What sets you apart from other leaders? 2. Why should you be accepted to this Programme? If you would like to be considered to receive one of the 10 bursaries of R1 500, please include your motivation here. 3. One-page summary of your Curriculum Vitae. 4. Copy of your Identity Document Please complete the application form below and return it to LEAD (jeanne-mari@lssa.org.za) by 30 June 2015. LEAD will confirm by 3 July 2015 whether your application has been successful. If you have been awarded a bursary, you will also be advised at this time. Successful applicants will be required to pay the R 4 500 programme fee (Bursary fee R 3 000) by 14 July 2015. Unfortunately, if payment is not received by 14 July 2015, the applicant s space will be given to an alternative applicant. Surname Johannesburg: Session 1: 3-5 August 2015 and Session 2: 5-7 October 2015 Names Date of birth Female ID number Race (for reporting purposes only) Law society membership no: Law firm s name Firm s postal address or Firm s docex address Tel no (w) Cell no E-mail Dated admitted to the profession Law Society membership number Years of post-admission experience Application for a bursary Signature and declaration Yes No I hereby declare that should I be accepted for this programme, I will pay the programme fee by 14 July 2015 and will participate all facets of the programme. Signature: Date: Contact persons for enquiries E-mail jeanne-mari@lssa.org.za or phyllis@lssalead.org.za Legal Education and Development Tel: +27 (0)12 441 4600 (switchboard) Website: www.lssalead.org.za Page 6 of 6