1. April 2016
Top Students - 2015 Final Year
Top Students 2016 - University of
KwaZulu-Natal
Howard College
Yasmine Allen graduated cum laude. Allen says that her decision to study law was a mix of factors. "My grandmother
was convinced, from the time that I was very young, that I would one day become a lawyer, and her conviction played a
role in my decision to study law.
Another factor was that I have always had a deep love for knowledge, and family friends who are lawyers always seemed
to be so well read and versed on every issue, that becoming a lawyer seemed appropriate. My reasons for studying law
(and for helping me to keep studying it) have changed over the years and are definitely more commercially influenced
now than they were."
She enjoyed Tax; Sale lease and Credit agreements; Commercial law; Insurance and agency; and Contract law. Allen
received the Dean's Commendation every year of her LLB. Allen first completed an undergraduate BSocSc at UKZN.
She says, "I most certainly would not have studied a different degree. Studying law has, by far, been the most fulfilling
and incredible thing."
Allen made sure life did not revolve around studies alone. "I had a job for the first three years of my studies. I used that
money to travel overseas quite a bit during that time. Although having a job meant that I had less time to study, and I
could have done a bit better here and there in the "marks" department, I don't regret it at all. Rather, I feel pleased that I
had a balanced, adventurous, and exciting life."
She was the President of the DA Student Organisation, and says she was quite significantly involved with the Student
Representative Council, "but my political convictions faded conveniently at a time when my studies became very
demanding. I formed and headed up the 2015 Law Ball committee, which organised the final year law ball." Allen says of
University life, "the best part was getting to see my friends every day. I made some really lovely friends who I know will
be friends for life, and that is an invaluable gift that University gave me. I also loved studying. Oh, and don't forget those
three month holidays!"
"I did quite a bit of volunteer work during my degree. I was part of a group that travelled to Greece to deliver amenities to
slum-dwelling communities in Thessaloniki; and last year I developed a programme aimed at educating 13 to18- year-
olds on the basics of the Constitution, Democracy and voting. I was also very privileged to work with Professor Stephen
Pete (UKZN) on a few articles."

2. Allen is reading for an LLM in International Trade Law at the University of Cape Town, and working for the University of
KwaZulu-Natal as a Ph.D. research assistant to Rowena Bernard. "In five years I hope to have found an area of law
which I want to specialise in and contributing positively in a firm I love. In 10-years, I would like to have completed a
Masters in the area of law which I will specialise in, be head of a department, and not be too far away from being a
director. I would also like to have a number of excellent adventures under my belt too."
"Between my family, friends, and Jesus, there is no way I would have been able to finish my degree strongly, if at all. I
owe it all to them and am so grateful that I have never had to walk through the very good or the very difficult times alone."
I play the violin, guitar and piano, and I sing. I am an avid out-doors'ist and love horse riding, hiking, swimming, and
running. I also love cooking and baking, furniture making, sewing, and gardening. I own a small gel nail business, called
Goodluck Nails, which I operate on a part-time basis. I relax by being creative. Doing nails is a wonderful, creative outlet
and I look forward to being with clients and painting pretty pictures on their nails!"
Angelique Barroso graduated summa cum laude.
She studied law because, "I was interested in Law from a young age. I recall a Life Orientation project we were required
to complete in Grade 8 regarding our future careers. I immediately knew that I would base my project on becoming an
attorney. I cannot pin point a reason for studying law, it has always been a career that I knew I would enjoy."
Barroso most enjoyed Maritime Law and is doing articles in the Shipping & Logistics Department at ENSafrica.
"International Law, Admin Law and Intellectual Property also sparked my interest. I did not realise until I started articles
how important Civil Procedure was, and I believe it is one of the most valuable LLB courses."
Barroso says, "I believe that I have chosen the correct career path. I come to work and leave smiling everyday as I am in
an area of law that I have always been passionate about."
She received the Dean's Commendation Dean's Commendation in all four years of the LLB. Barroso will only find out
whether she has received any awards for final year at the UKZN prize- giving. She was awarded the Vice- Chancellor's
Scholarship and has received several Certificates of Merit.
What was she involved in while at university? "I was involved in the Justice Wallis Clerkship Programme for the year
2014. It was an invaluable experience for me. It involved reading up on matters that were before the SCA, researching
the topic and discussing the matter in a group setting with Justice Wallis. I accumulated a wealth of knowledge. Justice
Wallis is one of the leaders in the maritime industry, which made the experience extremely rewarding."
Barroso also took part in the Clinical Law internship Programme in 2015. This programme involved providing legal
education to the indigent members of the community. It required visits to Legal Aid South Africa and the Family
Advocates offices in order to get to grips with the work that they do. The internship programme gave participants the
opportunity to work on files that the Law clinic was running and to research and assist the Candidate Attorneys at the
Clinic.
Barroso says the aspects of university life she most enjoyed were, "the lecturers, forming friendships and being in an
environment where everyone is driven to succeed and accomplish their goals." She adds, "There are the downsides,
such as studying through the night and the pressure of numerous deadlines. Although at the time I felt that this was a
downside, I believe that it prepared me for articles as you learn how to manage your time more efficiently."

3. "My family and friends have been extremely supportive throughout my LLB. My parents would at times be awake in the
early hours of the morning to bring me tea and ensure that I was doing okay. They gave me strength at times when I felt
overwhelmed and have always ensured that I balanced my life."
In five years Barroso hopes to become an associate. "I aspire to complete my Masters in Maritime Law and complete as
many ICS courses as possible. In 10-years I wish to be an active member of my community, and to give back as I have
been extremely blessed to have had the opportunity to study and complete my LLB."
For relaxation, Barosso says, "I enjoy hiking on the weekends. My friends and I are always looking for new places to
hike. Hiking is my break away from reality and a way to clear my mind and enjoy nature."
Diann Bishunath graduated summa cum laude.
Bishunath says, "I chose to study law on the basis that my strengths and qualities matched the qualities required of a
lawyer- being responsible, honest, a person of integrity, analytical, objective, and having a passion for reading, writing,
research and general love for learning. Although my skills are not as sharp as they need to be right now, I know that over
the next two years of articles, I can develop them, under the mentorship and training of Webber Wentzel where I am
serving articles."
"My favourite subjects were Intellectual Property, Bioethics, and Jurisprudence. Intellectual property; it was enjoyable to
learn about things (trade marks, copyright, patents) that we are surrounded by every day, to learn about their value and
impact. Intellectual property law also included a creative element in the law, which appealed to me. I found both Bioethics
and Jurisprudence interesting because they comprised philosophical issues around the law; and it was great to consider
issues like moral views on laws, which lie at the heart of every decision we make - is it morally right?"
There are a couple of things Bishunath might have changed, "I would not have studied another degree instead of law, I
enjoyed almost all the subjects I did. It was a challenging but nonetheless enjoyable, and it made my push myself to
achieve bigger goals more than anything else has. I would, however, have studied more, perhaps done an undergrad."
She was a member of the Black Lawyers Association and is a member of the Golden Key International Honours Society.
Bishunath clerked for Justice Wallis of the Supreme Court of Appeals from December 2013 to December 2014.
What she enjoyed at university is not everyone's "cup of tea", "I enjoyed the studying and writing of exams because that
was when you actually got to test your knowledge, when you were confronted with a problem and had to solve it yourself
with no assistance from anyone!" Did she dislike any aspect of university? "The strikes."
As to an area of speciality, Bishunath says, "I can narrow it down to three areas that I would like to practise in, Intellectual
Property, Litigation or Labour Law." But she admits that after being exposed to different areas over the next two years
she could well change her mind.
In five years she sees herself as an associate at a law firm but further forward than that, "This is too far ahead to plan, I
may still be practising law, or maybe not, wherever my heart shall lead me I shall go. I would like to pursue all my
interests, life is too short for just one career."
Family and friends are her source of support, "I think you need support from both of them to manage. Family know you
better and spoil you more, and friends understand your circumstances better – like your work environment, and work
demands."

4. Bishunath was first awarded the Vice Chancellor Scholarship in 2013; it was renewed in 2014 and 2015. She was
awarded 37 distinctions throughout her degree (75% and over) and 20 certificates of merit; she has been on the Dean's
Merit list throughout her LLB. In her penultimate year she received the South African Society for Labour Lawyers Prize -
Best Labour law student (third year).
Her hobbies and means of relaxing? "My favourite thing to do is read! I enjoy reading fiction because it allows you to
escape from your surroundings, to be someone different. Or I watch series."
Felicia Christian graduated cum laude,
She says she chose law because "I knew my strengths are in language and speaking and I enjoy reading."
Christian received scholarships from the University in first year based on her Matric results and in third and fourth year
based on academics. "My favourite modules were law of contract, law of evidence, civil procedure, specific offenses and
maritime. I received three certificate of merit during my degree and six Deans commendation certificates."
Christian says of her support group, "Throughout my degree my parents, boyfriend and friends have been my support
system." Outside of university "I spent some of my week nights and weekends playing in a band as a pianist and singer."
She says, "Looking back, I wouldn't change a thing. I enjoyed the coffee trips with friends between lectures and the long
holidays. However, I won't miss the exam stress."
"I am currently doing two-years of articles at Shepstone and Wylie Attorneys in Durban. I hope to be practicing as an
attorney in five years and perhaps on the road to Advocacy afterwards."
To relax Christian says, "I watch movies, series and read novels."
Bronwen Leigh Cox graduated summa cum laude.
She says, "I did not ever foresee myself studying law. I started studying a Bachelor of Business Science and, after doing
a Commercial Law module in first year, I decided to change degrees and study an LLB instead. But, in hindsight I would
like to have studied a BComm LLB. However, I could always complete the BComm at a later stage."

5. Her favourite subjects were Civil Procedure and Income Tax. Cox was on the Dean's Merit List every semester of her
LLB. Cox says, "I participated in the Black Lawyers Association and was on the committee in second year." Outside of
university she was, "a maths tutor for two years at Master Maths. I worked at many different promotions over the
weekends whilst I was a student. I am also a regular gym goer and challenge myself by running regular trail runs and
competing in fitness challenges."
Family and close friends form Cox's support structure. She says of university life "I enjoyed the independence and
flexibility of University and disliked going to the library in- between lectures."
Cox is a Durbanite who is now serving articles at Webber Wentzel in Johannesburg. At this stage she says, "I have no
idea which area of law I would like to practise in." "In five-years' time I would like to be working for a big corporate law
firm or, alternatively, for a big company, living and working in Cape Town. In 10 years time it is my ultimate goal to own a
franchise - preferably Mugg and Bean."
She says "My interests or hobbies include hand-rearing birds, interior design, shopping, scrapbooking, fitness, cooking,
ballet. To forget about work I go for a run or go to gym."
Edith Makavanga graduated cum laude.
She says, "The immediate prompting factor to study law was my high school Deputy Headmaster who always used to tell
me that I would make a good lawyer, although he never really explained why he thought so. Initially I wanted to be a
doctor and actually specialised in science subject during my early high school years but the more he kept telling me I
make a better lawyer the more I started believing it and eventually grew an interest in the legal field. As time went on
there were obviously other motivating factors such as the desire to make my county's (Zimbabwe) legal system more
competent, effective and embracing, as well as to add to its jurisprudence. The support I received from family members
and friends further enriched my aspiration to be a lawyer."
She says LLB was her first degree and, "I would not exchange it for anything else neither would I change anything I did
during my four years of study. I have no regrets and cherish every memory I had. Being a foreign student, I achieved
what I had gone to University for with flying colours, I maintained my integrity and never compromised my principles, I
made new friends but most importantly, I gave back through community service to the poor and by offering my services
to the University community and the student body. I can contentedly say I left a mark."
The subjects Makavanga most enjoyed include Constitutional Law, Property Law and Accounting for Legal Practice, for
all of which she obtained prizes as the highest student among other awards.
She received the Dean's Commendations every year and was also awarded a merit certificate for her Research Project
module, for Professional Training (2) module. She participated in moot competitions and after the semi- finals, she was
selected as a substitute for the All Africa moot competitions.
She was involved in a number of societies such as Golden Key IHS, Students for Law and Social Justice, Black Lawyers
Association. In final year she was Vice President of Golden Key for the UKZN (Howard) Chapter; served as Ex Officio for
Students for Law and Social Justice; was a tutor for the UKZN School of Law and was elected Class Representative for a
number of modules.
Makavanga is working as a legal intern at Antonio and Dzvetero Legal Practitioners, Harare, Zimbabwe; the equivalent of
serving articles in South Africa. "I aim to have completed my conversion and board exams and to be a fully registered

6. attorney by the end of this year (2016). In the next ten years I hope to be one of Zimbabwe's top advocates," she says.
"My support system is both friends and family and to relax I normally sing or listen to music."
Beatrice Moyo graduated cum laude.
For as long as she can remember Moyo was fascinated with the Law and the manner in which it has the ability bring
about effective change in society and justice, if properly utilised. She adds, "My favourite uncle as a child was a lawyer
and I remember visiting his house, which looked more like a library, and he would tell me stories of his court
appearances and interesting cases he was working on. The seeds of interest in the Law were planted in me then. Later it
was my father, a politician, who reignited my curiosity for the Law. During my final year of high school, my father
introduced me to a number of his acquaintances in different professions, to assist me in making the crucial decision of
career choice. When we visited the Zimbabwean High Court I was introduced to a number of judges and lawyers and I
knew that this was what I wanted to do."
"I am happy with the choice I made," she says. "Although the Law is not the effective vehicle of change that I initially
believed it be when I began my degree; it does have the ability to bring about transformation. In addition this qualification
is a valuable as it opens numerous doors of opportunity."
"My favourite modules included Property Law, Human Rights, Jurisprudence, Labour Law and Corporate Law." Moyo
received Certificates of Merit for Professional Training 1 in first semester of third year and for Jurisprudence in second. In
fourth year she received a Certificate of Merit for Insurance and Agency. She received the Dean's Commendation every
year of her degree and, in 2013, was invited to be a member of the Golden Key International Honours Society.
Moyo says, "Although time was a precious commodity during my studies; I managed to join a number of extra murals
including Students for Law and Social Justice. I headed a Gender Violence sub-committee, took an active role in
planning the Jogs for Justice and I was an active member of the Black Lawyers Association." Moyo was also student
editor of the Student Law Review in KwaZulu Natal.
What did she most like about university life? "I enjoyed the fact that I had access to the best professors. I was educated
in a Roman Catholic School in Zimbabwe where the teaching style was that children should be seen and not heard, and
initiating debate with teachers was considered rude. It took a while to get used to an environment where debate is
encouraged but it became truly enjoyable and effectively trained me to think independently." She says of exams, "I utterly
disliked exams and the stress associated with it."
Outside of university Moyo also worked part time.
"I am in the process of securing articles of clerkship. I am working as a researcher for a law firm in Zimbabwe, while
registering my own online travel agency. In the near future I wish to study for an LLM in Business Law." Asked where she
sees herself in five years, Moyo replied, "I see myself as a prominent attorney practising in my own commercial law firm. I
also look forward to attaining my Masters and Ph.D. in law."
"Both family, including my grandmother and aunts, and friends provided a support system for me," she says. "My
strongest supporter and role model was my eldest sister, Glenda, who is a financial analyst. I lost count of the number of
teary phone calls I made to her and, without her love, encouragement and support, I honestly believe I would not have
made it through university. I also had a strong support system in three of my best friends."

7. Moyo's hobbies include cooking and baking, writing poetry, reading and singing. "To relax I jog, read my Bible or play
board games."
Priyanka Naidoo graduated summa cum laude.
"Unlike most of my peers in my first year of study, I did not have any strong ambitions to study law. I was torn between
law and engineering; a feeling in my gut made me choose law. And I am so very grateful to that funny little feeling. The
person I am today fits so snugly into the suit of a lawyer - this degree has fuelled me with a passion that I can't wait to
release in the practical world of law."
Naidoo says of the subjects she studied, "Although I enjoyed all my modules, the ones I was attracted to were:
Constitutional Law, Administrative Law, Labour Law and Gender and the Law."
Although Naidoo was enjoying her studies she says, "After about a year and a half, I realised that the degree was very
limiting. In many ways, it confined me to think inside the box, when I wanted maximise my legal skills. I threw myself into
many legal activities that were both fun and stimulating so that I'd acquire skills that would speed up my development. I
was both an editor and contributing author for The UKZN Student Law Review; a research clerk for Judge Malcolm Wallis
and research assistant to various lecturers."
She received the Dean's Commendation each semester since first year. She also received Certificates of Merits (top
three in the year) for several modules; won the 44th Ellie Newman Moot Competition. "This competition is quite
prestigious, and is an appellate advocacy experience that gives four final year LLB students the opportunity to exhibit
their practical legal skills acquired during their time at UKZN," she says.
What did she most enjoy about university? "The vibe. University life is exciting and chaotic and very precious - it goes by
so quickly. I have enjoyed the people, the friendships, the classes and the yummy food available from the various
vendors. But, "I absolutely loathed 7.45 classes."
Naidoo has deferred articles with Norton Rose Fulbright to 2017 so she can complete her Masters in International
Criminal Law. She says "I aim to draw attention to the African approach to international criminal law." As to where she
sees herself in the next 10-years she says, "Over the years I have developed so many aspirations , looking back, not
many of them came to fruition because of a change of heart or circumstances. Now I make a point of not setting out to
achieve specific goals because I know that the way life unfolds is beyond my control. That being said, it is a constant
goal of mine that wherever I am in one year, or five or 10, that it is the best place I could possibly be."
"I have been blessed with people who have always been proud of my accomplishments, who never pressurised me and
who have offered uplifting advice when times got tough. They had faith in me even when I lost faith in myself. My
parents, boyfriend, and best friends are people in my life for whom I will forever be thankful."
Nadioo says that because work can get so demanding she prefers life's more simple pleasures. "My best friends and I
make a point of doing something every week - whether it's a wine evening, an intense game of 30 Seconds, or going out
to enjoy a meal. I also love baking and experimenting with Oreos. Reading is quite important to me too."
Zahra Omar graduated cum laude.
"My sister, who is now an attorney suggested that I study law," says Omar. "Initially I wasn't too keen on it as I was toying
with the idea of being a chartered accountant. I eventually put down only those two career options on my form to the
Central Application Office and promised my sister that whichever faculty responded to me first would be the faculty I

8. would join. Luckily the law faculty responded first and I have not looked back" But she does add that with hindsight she
would first have studied a BComm Accounting.
The subjects she most enjoyed were Bioethics, Corporate Law, Civil Procedure and Intellectual Property Law. She
received the Dean's Commendation for both 2012 and final year, and a Certificate of Merit for her results in the
Intellectual Property Law module. Omar is also a member of the Golden Key International Honour Society.
Outside of university she "used to either work with my mum as an administrative assistant at her family's textile company
or join my dad at his office and work as his assistant."
About university, Omar says, "I really enjoyed meeting my friends at the campus coffee shop to unwind and, at times,
debate topical issues. There was nothing I disliked, I enjoyed having the complete university experience." She is serving
articles with Shamin Rampersad and Associates in Westville, Durban. She says that at this stage, "I am adopting a wait
and see approach. After articles I might return to my studies but until my articles are complete I cannot say with certainty
which area I would like to practise in."
"In five years, I see myself as an admitted attorney, hopefully with an LLM to my name and a qualification as either a
notary or conveyancer. In 10-years' time I see myself as either working for one of the biggest law firms in South Africa or
running my own successful legal practice."
Omar says that her support system is formed by "the brilliant people I am fortunate enough to call my family and closest
friends. My parents and sister have supported me at every step in my career and my friends have always encouraged me
to forge through any challenge and become the most successful version of myself."
I enjoy reading, and have become a part of a 'book-club' consisting of my sister and closest friends and I have also
recently taken up creative writing. To relax I usually spend most of my time reading books or bonding with my sister."
Lavanya Pillay graduated summa cum laude.
She says she studied law "because I have always wanted to pursue a career where I could have the opportunity to help
people and make some sort of difference. Studying law also opens doors to a wide variety of careers."
Pillay is serving articles with Webber Wentzel and says that at a later stage she would like to read for a Masters' degree.
She is not sure of the practice area in which she would like to specialise, "I want to keep my mind and options open and
learn as much as I can about various practice areas during my articles."

9. Asked if she would have studied a different degree before doing an LLB Pillay says, "I would not have studied a different
degree, as I really enjoyed my LLB."
The subjects she most enjoyed were the public law subjects like Constitutional Law and Administrative Law. "I also
enjoyed the International Law subjects". She has received merit certificates for International Law, Legal Diversity,
Succession and Specific Offences. "In final year, I received merit certificates for Administrative Law, Professional
Training, International Criminal Law and Security and Insolvency." She also received the Dean's Commendation each
year of her LLB.
Pillay was editor of the University's law review for three years, she also participated in the Kovsies Moot Court
Competition in first year and in the African Human Rights Moot Court Competition in final year.
"I most enjoyed the memories I made with friends and meeting some amazing people during my four years at university."
Did she dislike any aspect of university? "I disliked the feeling of constant stress, which is often high in law faculties."
Both Pillay's family and friends were huge support systems, "both as a student and today as a candidate attorney. I
would not have been able to get through my degree without their love, support and constant encouragement." "The most
relaxing thing for me is to read a good book, watch a good movie or catch up with friends over coffee."
Karen Pillay graduated cum laude.
Pillay says of her decision to study law and her achievements while studying, "It was the only viable choice I could make
at the time and it was one of the best decisions I could have made. I graduated cum laude and was therefore awarded a
scholarship from UKZN for 2016 for a postgraduate degree, which I unfortunately, I had to decline. I received a certificate
of merit for Succession in my third year and for Maritime Law in my fourth year. I was on the Dean's merit list for the first
semesters of my first and fourth years. I enjoyed maritime law, the law of succession, the law of contract, civil procedure
and income tax law."
Pillay says she was not involved in any extra-mural activities, "I enjoyed being able to study at my own pace as well as
knowing that any support I required would be readily provided by the lecturers. Support from family and friends was also
readily available and was much appreciated."
She says, "I have been unable to obtain articles so far and am currently employed as a bookseller at Bargain Books. I
hope to obtain articles shortly. I would like to practise in the area of corporate and commercial law, but I acknowledge
that serving articles may bring to light other areas to which I may be better suited. In five-years I see myself as a
successful and prominent attorney and in 10- years further along in the management structure of my firm."
"I enjoy reading and watching movies when not studying or working, with reading being the preference."
Aideen Ross graduated cum laude.
She says, "I studied law by pure chance – I enjoyed English and history and loathed maths. I was advised that Law
would be a good idea, and I considered it a sensible path to take. Luckily, Law and I were a good fit."

10. Looking back, "I would have preferred to do the BA/LLB programme – I really enjoy studying English and history,
especially ancient history."
Ross most enjoyed Constitutional Law, Law of Property and Law of Contract. In final year, she represented UKZN at the
All Africa Moot Court competition.
Ross says, "I have been involved with the UKZN Student Law Review since first year. I was part of the group of students
who started the Law Review, and am currently serving my second year as the Editor-in-Chief." Ross was awarded a
Dean's Commendation certificate in every semester of the LLB.
She says, "I would not have obtained my degree without my friends. The degree gets quite tough at some points, and
you need to know that you're not alone." Of university life Ross says, "I most enjoyed meeting like-minded people. I met
many people with different opinions and ideas, but with a common attribute – an interest in the law. The debates and
discussions that I have had throughout my degree have been enriching."
Ross worked part-time while studying for her degree, initially as an administrative assistant, and more recently as a
waitress. "I am currently reading for a Masters in Constitutional Law, Theory and Litigation. "I hope that whatever path my
future takes, and wherever I am in five or 10 years, I am successful and that I enjoy my work."
Ross's hobbies fall into a practical category, "I really enjoy DIY and crafts. During holidays, I like to learn new techniques
– my next mission is to learn to mosaic." Escapism is sometimes needed when study gets too much, "My favourite form
of relaxation is reading Harry Potter. Years later, I am still entranced by the story and love to disappear into the world of
Hogwarts."
Pietermaritzburg
Simone Gray graduated summa cum laude.
Gray studied the four-year LLB but she says that, "In hindsight, I would have preferred to do a general undergraduate
degree such as a BA and then done a postgraduate LLB. The four-year LLB restricts one to law subjects from second-
year and I would have liked to have done more non-legal modules.
Gray says, "I studied law because I thought I might find it interesting. I actually had no idea what I was getting myself
into! I was just lucky that I chose something that I did actually find fascinating."

11. "The subjects I enjoyed most were labour law, human rights and contract. I particularly enjoyed these modules because
what I learnt could be practically applied in my life. Another of my favourite subjects was International law because I've
always been fascinated by how law operates across borders."
"I received quite a few awards for coming first in various modules and I also came first overall in third year. The module
prizes I received in third year were labour law, accounting for legal practice, international law and contract. I was also
awarded the Vice- Chancellor's scholarship at UKZN for being placed second academically in the College of Law and
Management Studies at UKZN and I was on the Dean's List every year of my degree."
Gray was involved in various university activities, "I am a member of SLSJ (Students for Law and Social Justice) and
took part in some of their events. I particularly enjoyed taking part in the debates that they organised. In my final year I
was also on the law ball committee which meant taking part in fundraising initiatives and general organisation of the final
year law ball."
What, for Gray, were the best aspects of university, "I enjoyed the opportunity for intellectual discussion with classmates
and lecturers. I have many fond memories of lively discussions outside the law block which got so rowdy that the admin
staff upstairs had to come outside and tell us to keep quiet! It was great to meet such a diverse group of people with so
many different ideas on life.
I won't miss the Saturday morning tests, however, and the Friday night preparations. My non-law friends knew never to
invite me out on Friday nights. If their birthday happened to fall on a Friday, I told them to reschedule it!"
Outside of university Gray worked part-time at Exclusive Books throughout her degree and also tutored high school
children.
"This year I am doing my LLM at UKZN and will be commencing articles at Norton Rose Fulbright next year. At this stage
I cannot say categorically in which area of law I would like to practise as there are so many different areas that interest
me. Hopefully articles will give me a better idea of which area interests me most."
Where does Gray see herself in five to 10 years? "I see myself as a successful, practising attorney in the years to come.
However, one never knows what life has in store for them and so I prefer not plan too far in advance but rather to just be
open to opportunities and see where life takes me."
"I definitely would not have been able to have done so well without the support of my family and friends. My mother
particularly, has been a driving force in my life. I am also so grateful to have met such wonderful people at university. A
law degree is by no means easy but having friends around who are also battling with the excessive workload and
sleepless nights and yet are still able to crack jokes makes everything better."
In her spare time she says, "I particularly enjoy running and took part in some races last year. I am an avid reader and
I'm of the firm philosophy that there's nothing a good book and cup of tea can't fix. I also enjoy running and
yoga. I love nature and for me, spending time outdoors is the best way to relax."
Revonia Somaya graduated cum laude.
Somaya says, "With hindsight, I am confident that I would never choose a different degree. Even though completing the
LLB degree takes a lot of sacrifice and dedication, it is worth all the hard work and the effort."

12. "The reason why I chose law as a career is simply because I believe that this is exactly what I was meant to do. A career
in law is suited to my personality, my goals and interests."
The subjects Somaya most enjoyed included property law, criminal law and international law. She was on the Dean's
merit list for all four years of her LLB degree.
What did she most enjoy about university life? "The freedom that comes with being a university student. Students are
free to work at their own pace and this creates a greater sense of responsibility and the opportunity to balance out other
aspects of their lives. The aspect that I disliked the most was the fact that studying at university is mostly a theoretical
experience. There is not a lot of information on the practical aspects of how exactly the legal profession functions. I
believe that understanding how things work in practice is essential for to be successful once they leave the university
environment and step into the workplace."
Somaya is completing a coursework Masters' degree in Business Law at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. She says that
whether it's in five-years or 10-years' time, she hopes to be a successful lawyer who has earned an esteemed reputation
within the legal profession. Somaya says, "My support system is mainly based on self-motivation. I would also say that
family plays a vital role on maintaining such a support system."
"My interests include public speaking, reading and socialising. As a student, it may be difficult at times to detach oneself
from the responsibilities and pressure of studying, however, spending time with family or friends is generally how I relax
or take a breather from studying."
Article by MYRLE VANDESTRAETEN