“For those just beginning their journey in the legal field, the path can indeed feel overwhelming, but it is also full of opportunities”– Lerato Caroline Khutlang
Advocate Lerato Caroline Khutlang is a highly accomplished Human Rights Lawyer and Advisor (Amicus Curiae) to the Constitutional Court of Lesotho, with an LLB Honours from the National University of Lesotho, recognised as one of the Top 30 trailblazing Female Lawyers in Africa. With over six years of experience in championing the rights of women and girls, she has been appreciated by the World Bank Group for her insightful legal contributions to the World Bank Group Women, Business and the Law.
What sets her apart is her commitment to raising awareness about technologically facilitated gender-based violence, violence against children, Family law, and criminal justice. With a track record of delivering survivor-centered care, legal advocacy, and capacity building, she has led multidisciplinary teams to provide effective and timely services for survivors, coordinated complex cases, and mentored non-governmental organisations to drive programme quality and strengthen community-level interventions. She successfully served as the first GBV Committee Vice Chairperson at one of South Africa’s leading human rights organisations, Sonke Gender Justice, and founded an organisation called International Human Rights Lab.
In her advisory role with the Constitutional Court of Lesotho, she provides high-level legal analysis and guidance on constitutional and human rights matters, supporting the development of jurisprudence that upholds national and international legal standards. Beyond her strong legal acumen, she is an aspiring entrepreneur with a specific passion for adventure, tourism, sports, renewable energy, Artificial Intelligence, and legal regalia. Her work is grounded in a deep understanding of legal frameworks and a strong belief in the transformative power of justice and dignity for all.
1. The Driving Force for Choosing the Legal Profession.
Advocate Lerato Khutlang’s passion for the legal profession was ignited at a remarkably young age, around six years old, when she instinctively took on the role of spokesperson for her peers who faced various injustices. Even then, she demonstrated a strong sense of justice and a compelling voice for others, often getting into trouble for her relentless advocacy. Her mother, half mocking and half amused, would scold her by saying, “Are you now Advocate Kananelo Mosito?”A reference to the respected Lesotho Court of Appeal Judge who was then a King’s Counsel. It became a running joke in the household, but it also marked the beginning of Lerato’s enduring commitment to standing up for others. As she grew older, this innate drive was further nurtured in her teenage years by her late Literature teacher. She saw in her a sharp mind and encouraged her to refine her argumentative skills by defending controversial literature characters- most memorably, Cassius from Shakespeare, a villain who assassinated the Roman Emperor, Julius Caesar. Those classroom debates taught her to appreciate complexity, empathy, and the power of persuasive reasoning. What continues to make the practice of law deeply fulfilling for Lerato is precisely: the ability to give voice to the voiceless, to enable clarity and coherence, and to help others navigate some of life’s most challenging moments. Her Passion is no longer just a childhood instinct- it has become a life’s calling.
2. Qualities of an Exceptional Lawyer and How Young Professionals Can Cultivate Such Attributes.
In Lerato’s view, a truly exceptional lawyer in today’s ever-evolving legal landscape is defined by three core qualities: authenticity, courage, and a commitment to continuous growth. Authenticity allows a lawyer to build trust, not just within the broader legal community, remaining true to one’s values and ethical grounding in a profession that often tests both. Courage is equally vital; it empowers a lawyer to take a principled stance, challenge injustice, and speak the truth, even when it is uncomfortable or unpopular.
3. Next Groundbreaking Project or Initiatives and Possible Impacts.
As the founder of the International Human Rights Lab, Lerato is currently leading a ground-breaking mentorship initiative that reflects her unwavering commitment to empowering the next generation of legal professionals. Alongside the IHRL’s brilliant team of experts and law professionals from all over the world, she is conducting a cross-border mentorship programme for law students and law graduates from Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and Botswana.
4. Role Models and Impactful Books
Several minds have profoundly influenced Lerato’s legal journey. Judge Mabatsoeneng Hlaela, who was her Criminal Law Lecturer, played a significant role in sharpening her analytical thinking and understanding of the justice system. Kuenaesela Thamae, who supervised her LLB dissertation, was instrumental in guiding her research skills and academic development. Dr. Letzadzo Kometsi, the Dean of the National University of Lesotho, Faculty of Law, and one of her former lecturers, sparked Lerato’s passion for mentorship and leadership, encouraging her to see law not just as a profession but as a platform for positive influence. Beyond academia, her first mentor, Adv. Khosi N. Lesuthu offered practical wisdom and support that shaped her litigation skills.
In terms of literature, two books have notably influenced her outlook. “Who moved my cheese?” by Dr. Spencer Johnson helped Lerato embrace change with resilience and adaptability, a mindset crucial in the ever-evolving legal landscape. Meanwhile, the “48 Laws of Power” by Robert Greene deepened her understanding of strategy, influence, and human behaviour, all of which are essential in navigating complex legal and professional environments.
5. Advice or Guiding Principles for Young Legal Professionals and Advocates Trying to Find their Place and Purpose in the Legal Terrain.
“For those just beginning their journey in the legal field, the path can indeed feel overwhelming, but it is also full of opportunities”, according to Lerato. She advised approaching it with courage and authenticity, and to be bold enough to explore less saturated specialities within the legal fraternity. She believes that law is a broad and dynamic profession, and there is space for everyone, especially those who bring fresh perspectives. “Take the time to truly know yourself. Understand your strengths and weaknesses and let that self-awareness guides your choice, whether it is in selecting a speciality in law, building relationships, or pursuing further studies. Choose paths that align with who you are, not just what seems popular”, Lerato admonished. She also advised, “value experience over money in the early stages of your career. The right experience will pay off in the long run, but at the same time, know your worth and do not allow yourself to be exploited. Build and protect your personal brand with integrity, professionalism, and consistency. Above all, serve. Greatness is achieved through service. Martin Luther King and Oprah Winfrey have both expressed this in different ways. When you serve others: your clients, your community, and the profession itself, with excellence and humility, you naturally position yourself for success and lasting impact”. Those were Lerato’s final words.
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Editorial Team
Silver Obioha
Clinton Nyamongo
Kazeem Afolabi
Dikeledi Matlhagare
Tolulope Olasunkanmi
Sulaimon Badmus
Aya Hamdy
Princess Maake
Jemilat Akerele
Vera Enubianozor
Brandon Otieno
Oluwabusayo Awodele
Kyenpiya Wonang
Gift Nwoke
Jessica Odoh
Tracy Karumba
Mary-Jones Ossi
Halimah Oladunni
Mary Linus
Peter Momoh
Jessica Omoruyi
