“The early stages of the profession may feel quite intimidating. However, willingness to learn and to take challenges as steppingstones will distinguish you from those who would rather play it safe. “ – Lozindaba Mbvundula
Lozindaba Mbvundula is a legal practitioner and notary public in the Republic of Malawi. She is a Partner at Ritz Attorneys at Law, where she specialises in competition law. She is also a lecturer in law at the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS). Previously, Lozindaba worked in the Intellectual Property, Government Procurement and Competition Division of the World Trade Organisation, under the Young Professionals Programme. She also served as a lecturer in law at the Catholic University of Malawi. Lozindaba obtained her Bachelor of Laws (Hons) degree from the University of Malawi in 2018, and was admitted to the Malawi bar in the same year. She earned a Master of Laws degree in International Trade Law from the University of Cape Town in 2022 and another Master of Laws degree in Law and Development from the University of London in 2023. Lozindaba also holds a Postgraduate Certificate in International Environmental and Natural Resources Law and a Postgraduate Diploma in Public International Law, both from the University of London in 2022 and 2023 respectively. Lozindaba is an alumnus of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, under which she completed training in organisational and public management. She has also served as president of the Blantyre Chapter of the Women Lawyers Association. In 2024, Lozindaba was awarded Women Lawyers Association Trailblazer of the year and was recognised by Courtroom Mail 100 as one of Africa’s leading women lawyers.
1. The Driving Force for Choosing the Legal Profession.
Lozindaba first became interested in studying law when she was in secondary school. She had a faint idea about the profession, partly because her father is also a lawyer. However, her interest was ignited at her final year farewell function, where the guest of honour was a young lady lawyer. While she may not remember her name, she however recalls her speech about how she found the legal profession immensely fulfilling and intellectually challenging. This resonated with her desire to pursue a career that is intellectually stimulating and socially impactful.
Lozindaba was correct about the fact that the practice of law is socially impactful, which is what makes it fulfilling for her. “There is no single sector of life where the law is not relevant”, she said. Lozindaba expressed joy in impacting people’s lives in so many ways- such as guiding them through complex business transactions, assisting them in the purchase of properties, representing firms in compliance related matters, providing guidance in employment related issues- the list is endless. Additionally, Lozindaba finds practicing law immensely intellectually stimulating. As an attorney, Lozindaba needs to constantly appraise herself of the never-ending developments in the law, critically analyse the cases before her and devise strategies unique to each case. This requires setting aside time for constant professional development because the industry is competitive and never static. She finds these aspects of the practice of law deeply fulfilling.
2. Qualities of an Exceptional Lawyer and How Young Professionals Can Cultivate Such Attributes.
Lozindaba believes an exceptional lawyer must be intellectually curious and committed to constant learning and improvement. She also believes a lawyer must possess adaptability and dynamism, as law is constantly changing. A lawyer can hardly be exceptional if they cling to knowledge and approaches of the past, or if they think an approach will work on one case simply because it worked on another. To be exceptional, a lawyer must also be disciplined and organised, because the demands of the profession are high and there are always competing priorities that need to be balanced. Further, an exceptional lawyer is one who is truly client’s centred and result oriented. Young professionals can cultivate these attributes by first holding themselves to a high standard and demanding excellence of themselves. This will drive them to develop a work ethic and habits that align with the standard of personal excellence. Further, they should learn from others with more experience and knowledge. This can be done by growing their network of legal professionals, targeting areas of practice that align with theirs.
3. Significant Ongoing Project or Initiatives and Possible Impacts.
Apart from private practice, Lozindaba also works as a university lecturer. Recognising the significance of practical advocacy skills on legal education, in the next year, she intends to work on developing the law school’s mooting programme. She wants to explore an internal or inter-university moot competition and help coach the students to enable them to competitively participate in international moot court competitions. Looking back, mooting was central to her legal development, and she would like to create the same, if not a better, platform for her current students to enhance their learning. She believes this will contribute to the next generation of excellent lawyers.
4. Role Models and Impactful Books
Lozindaba has benefited from several legal minds, and it would be impossible to name them all. She has been greatly influenced by her university lecturers, including Professor Garton Kamchedzera, Professor Edge Kanyongolo and Professor Ngeyi Kanyongolo (late). Professor Ngeyi was particularly inspiring as a lawyer who embodied assertiveness, professionalism, and excellence. She truly took up space and made her presence known. She taught Lozindaba the importance of loving one’s work and making sure it gets done well. Lozindaba has also learnt a great deal from her senior partners at Ritz Attorneys at law. Their mentorships have refined her skills as a lawyer and fueled her to deliver excellent work to her clients’ satisfaction.
Lonzindaba’s thoughts and perspectives have been shaped by various books. A worthy mention is “No Excuses” by Brian Tracy. This is a book about cultivating and nurturing positive habits and maintaining discipline in the pursuit of one’s goals.
5. Advice or Guiding Principles for Young Legal Professionals and Advocates Trying to Find their Place and Purpose in the Legal Terrain.
“The early stages of the profession may feel quite intimidating. However, willingness to learn and to take challenges as steppingstones will distinguish you from those who would rather play it safe. “A ship in harbour is safe, but that’s not what ships are built for.” Put yourself out there – there is no other way to grow. There may be mistakes, but these must be taken as lessons. The key is to be willing to learn and to hold oneself to a high standard. It is also important to identify which areas of law you wish to focus on. While general knowledge is good and commendable, it is important to avoid becoming a jack of all trades and master of none. What do you wish to be known for? This will help you find your place in the profession. All in all, it is important to remember that every master was once a beginner. With the right attitude and work ethic, success in the profession is attainable.”
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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
