UP Law Faculty Festival 2025: A celebration of community and careers

The University of Pretoria’s (UP) Faculty of Law recently rolled out the red carpet for its much-anticipated Faculty Festival 2025, held on 29 and 30 April at the Law Building. With its glamorous Hollywood theme, the two-day celebration brought together students, staff, alumni, and legal professionals for a vibrant showcase of community spirit, creativity, and career exploration.

“The annual Faculty Festival reinforces the Faculty of Law’s core values of engagement and career readiness. The event embodies a celebration of both community and careers, and every activity reflected that dual purpose,” said Sanjana Kapoor, Chairperson of Law House in the Faculty.

The event, sponsored Werksmans Attorneys and Rand Merchant Bank (RMB), brought together inclusive social activities like games, live music, food trucks, and a fashion show, with a career panel featuring seasoned legal professionals. The festival created a unique space where fun met future-focused inspiration.

Day One: Lights, Law, Action!

The first day of the Festival brought cinematic energy to campus. Students and staff enjoyed a full day of interactive games, musical performances, food trucks, and the show-stopping Hollywood-themed fashion show. Both students and faculty members strutted their stuff on the runway, showcasing bold, creative interpretations of red carpet glamour.

“One of our goals this year was to promote inclusivity and collaboration across all levels of the faculty. The fashion show was a perfect example—it was fun, yes, but it also allowed staff and students to step into a shared space of expression and celebration,” said Kapoor.

The courtyard atmosphere was filled with excitement as performers entertained, and conversations flowed among colleagues and students. This informal setting offered a rare opportunity for reflection and reconnection of progress made in the academic year.

Click on the image to view the gallery.UP Law students at the FAC Fest 2025.

Day Two: Careers in law

The second day of the festival shifted focus to career development with a compelling panel discussion featuring diverse voices from the legal profession. The aim of the day was to broaden students’ understanding of the many doors a law degree can unlock.

Panellists included corporate attorneys, legal researchers, compliance officers, and directors from leading firms and financial institutions, who offered personal insights, practical advice, and career guidance.

“The career panel was a key moment for us. We wanted students to see the versatility of a law degree and to hear directly from professionals who have carved out very different but equally impactful career journeys,” said Kapoor.

Law House was intentional in its selection of sponsors—Werksmans Attorneys and Rand Merchant Bank (RMB)—to reflect the broad scope of legal careers available to students.

“This allowed us to expose law students to the intersection between law and commerce, between private practice and corporate governance,” Kapoor explained. “It laid a solid foundation for a rich and relevant career panel.”

Career panel consisting of corporate attorneys, legal researchers, compliance officers, and directors from leading firms and financial institutions.

She added that the panel encouraged students to think deeply about their own professional identity:

“We hoped to remind students to characterise their journey in a way that aligns with their strengths and goals. Adaptability, self-awareness, and resilience are critical, especially in a profession as dynamic as law. The panel sparked important conversations, and I believe it will motivate students to continue researching and defining their career paths.”

More than just a festive occasion, Faculty Festival 2025 underscored the Faculty of Law’s commitment to community, collaboration, and connection. It brought together academic and support staff, students, and alumni in a relaxed, joyful environment that honoured both the hard work and the human spirit behind the pursuit of justice.

Law House and the organising committee extend their heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to the event’s success, from sponsors and guest speakers to the performers, volunteers, and participants who made the two-day celebration unforgettable.

“It’s moments like these that remind us why we chose law, not just for the careers we hope to build, but for the community we’re lucky to be a part of,” Kapoor concluded.