LSGL kicks off at UP with insightful exchange on legal education and global collaboration.

The University of Pretoria was abuzz with intellectual energy and global camaraderie on Monday, 7 July 2025, as it officially hosted the first full day of the Law Schools Global League (LSGL) General Assembly and Academic Conference. With delegates from over 30 leading law schools in attendance Day 2 offered a dynamic start to a week of collaboration, innovation, and critical reflection on the future of legal education.

Following a lively welcome dinner the evening before at The Capital Hotel in Menlyn Maine, delegates gathered early at the University of Pretoria. The day began with a warm welcome at the Plant Sciences Auditorium from Professor Charles Maimela, Acting Dean of the UP Faculty of Law, and Professor Loretta Feris, Vice-Principal: Academic at the University of Pretoria. Their remarks set a tone of intellectual curiosity and global solidarity, highlighting UP’s role as both host and key participant in legal discourse shaping the 21st century. Professor Soledad Atienza Becerril and Professor Jim Speta, Co-Presidents of the LSGL, also welcomed attendees, reaffirming the League’s commitment to fostering legal innovation and cross-border collaboration.

The first panel session titled, Legal System and Profession in South Africa, was moderated by Dr Faranaaz Veriava of the University of Pretoria. The discussion provided both historical context and contemporary insights into the legal profession in the country. Panelists included: Justice Johann van der Westhuizen, Retired Constitutional Court Judge, Advocate Morgan Courtenay, Centre for Child Law, Ms. Zanele Sithole, Legal Counsel at Walt Disney Africa, Ms. Ayanda Khumalo, and Partner at Webber Wentzel. The conversation touched on transformation within the judiciary, the role of corporate counsel in transnational law, and the ethical imperatives guiding South Africa’s legal future.

After a brief coffee break, the LSGL executive leadership provided a comprehensive update on key initiatives. Among the highlights were: Progress on the LSGL’s webinar series and Legal Tech Competition, Insights into the ELFA Special Research Issue as well as the announcement of the LSGL Research Award winners: Dr. Melissa Omino (Strathmore University) and Prof. Chijioke Okorie (University of Pretoria)

Further discussions focused on expanding global reach through the International Recruitment Working Group, the Researcher Candidate Exchange Proposal, and previewing LSGL Winter 2026 Events, led by Professor Dipika Jain. The segment concluded with the introduction of the League’s newest institutional member, Singapore Management University, and the announcement of the incoming LSGL presidency under Professor Martin Hogg.

After a group photo and lunch, the Dean’s Panel on Legal Education’s Newest Challenges examined global shifts in legal pedagogy and the need for adaptive, interdisciplinary training. This was followed by the highly anticipated LLM Fair at the Javett Art Centre, where prospective students engaged with leading institutions to explore postgraduate opportunities in law.

The day culminated in a vibrant cocktail reception, bringing together LSGL Summer School students and academic delegates and prospective Master of Law students in a relaxed, art-filled setting that embodied both the cultural richness and intellectual vibrancy of the host institution.

As the day ended, participants returned to their hotel energised and inspired—ready for the next day in this landmark global legal gathering.

The second day of the Law Schools Global League (LSGL) Academic Conference at the University of Pretoria was marked by rich academic dialogue, dynamic presentations, and a deepening of global legal perspectives with a strong African grounding.

The day began with opening remarks from LSGL Co-Presidents Soledad Atienza and Jim Speta, Professor Charles Maimela, Acting Dean of the UP Faculty of Law, and Verónica Ruiz Abou-Nigm, LSGL Director of Research. Together, they set the tone for a day focused on collaboration, innovation, and the pursuit of justice through research and education.

The first panel titled Human Rights, Gender Equality & Social Justice in Sustainable Development of the second day, Moderated by Professor Ntombizozuko Dyani-Mhango, this opening panel tackled some of the most pressing legal and societal issues of our time. Contributions from Justice Mokgwatši Kgaphola, Lydia Chibwe and Eva Desana & Francesca Bichiri offered comparative insights into human rights and gender equality frameworks. Irene Nyakagere Thomas added a critical lens on intersectionality and justice in African legal contexts. The panel highlighted the role of legal academia in advancing social transformation and equality.

After a brief coffee break, Professor Philip Stevens chaired the second session, titled Legal Innovations & Policy Tools for Climate, Technology, and Economic Resilience which highlighted emerging tools and innovations shaping legal practice and governance. Highlights compelling insights from Ndumiso Innocent Nzaca and Ms Ivy Gikonyo. Discussions explored how policy instruments and legal tech are reshaping legal education and public accountability, particularly within African jurisdictions.

In the afternoon, the focus turned to Private International Law under the Private International Law and Sustainable Development in Africa with two back-to-back panels that brought vital perspectives on legal harmonisation, regional cooperation, and transnational justice. Chaired respectively by Professor Ralf Michaels and Professor Verónica Ruiz Abou-Nigm, speakers included Solomin Okorley, Grihobou Roland Nombré, Michael K. Quartey & Theophilus E. Coleman and Panji Winston Chirwa These sessions provided a rare platform for emerging and established scholars to engage on how African legal systems interact with global legal norms in matters such as jurisdiction, conflict of laws, and international family law.

The day concluded with closing remarks and an evening of continued networking at Pure Café Restaurant, where participants gathered for dinner, exchanging ideas in a more informal and cheerful setting. The diversity of voices and legal cultures represented throughout the day affirmed LSGL’s commitment to fostering inclusive, globally engaged legal scholarship.

The final day of the conference concluded with an excursion day during which delegates participated in a game drive at the Dinokeng Game Reserve and visited the Union Buildings.

As the conference concluded, UP remains proud to host this vibrant exchange of knowledge and to position Africa as a vital contributor to global legal discourse.