“…diligence is a thumb rule in the legal profession because the care and effort put towards legal advice and strategy have the potency to bring about the best possible outcome.” – Nyasha Noreen Katsenga, LLD
Nyasha is a legal professional and Executive Director in the Office of the Attorney General of Seychelles. She is also the Designated Officer for Mutual Legal Assistance in the Office of the Attorney General, which is the Central Authority for that purpose.
Over the years, Nyasha has held different legal roles in Seychelles, including work in the executive arm of the State and the Judiciary as a Judicial Research Counsel in the Office of the Chief Justice. Apart from the public sector, Nyasha has worked in the private sectors of Cyprus and Zimbabwe, holding legal roles in law firms, at the early stages of her career. Her professional experiences also extend to work with NGOs, most notable being the Parliamentary Monitoring Group of South Africa. Further, she has held academic teaching roles at University of the Western Cape, and University of Seychelles. Her most notable achievement in the academia is spearheading the development of the first Bachelor of Laws degree based on Seychellois law. The programme is both an accredited qualification and a qualifying degree under the Legal Practitioner’s Act.
Nyasha holds a Doctor of Laws (LLD) in Mercantile Law and Master of Laws (LLM) in International Trade, Investment and Business Law from the University of the Western Cape, South Africa. She also holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from University of Nicosia, Cyprus.
1. The Driving Force for Choosing the Legal Profession.
Nyasha’s interest in the legal profession was ignited by a conversation with her father, who more or less nudged her in that direction when she was 18 years old and exploring her options for study. Without being pushy or dictating, her father gently suggested she consider law. Nyasha’s father was gentle in his suggestion because, as he confessed some years later, he was sure that had he been pushy, Nyasha would have been determined to resist and assert her independence in thought and action. Following that suggestion, Nyasha ruminated on the idea and decided she would do just that – study law. Since then, Nyasha has learned three things: she has passion for the legal profession; parents are often a good source to refer to when you seek knowledge of yourself; and gentle parenting works!
Nyasha’s continued interest in the law is rooted in the pursuit of justice and better society for all. She believes she has a long career ahead and that the practice of law will be a deeply fulfilling pursuit for justice.
2. Qualities of an Exceptional Lawyer and How Young Professionals Can Cultivate Such Attributes.
Diligence, hard work, respect, and objectivity.
To Nyasha, diligence is a thumb rule in the legal profession because the care and effort put towards legal advice and strategy have the potency to bring about the best possible outcome. Cultivate this by caring about what you do. There is also no going around hard work – an exceptional lawyer works hard. Cultivate this by putting in the work, even in the smallest tasks assigned to you. The third quality Nyasha considers to make one an exceptional lawyer is respect. It is always a class act to treat people with respect. Finally, an exceptional lawyer is objective. Having a mind clouded with biases and rigidity may appear expedient in the immediate, however, objectivity creates the best conditions for a well-rounded and exceptional lawyer who earns the trust and respect of colleagues and people.
3. Significant Ongoing Projects or Initiatives and Possible Impacts.
Nyasha’s next project is to author a book. She intends to convert her Doctor of Laws thesis into a textbook and hopes that it will be a text that has an impact on the study of constitutional rights and economic governance.
4. Role Models and Impactful Books
Nyasha considers every legal mind she has interacted with to have influenced her journey. Each one of them brought a special light that helped illuminate her journey. From classmates in university, to Judges in different jurisdictions that she has had the privilege to interact with – each of them has had an impact on how she views the law, the profession, and ultimately her career’s journey thus far. She remains excited about meeting and interacting with more legal minds, shaping and reshaping perspectives on her journey.
Although Nyasha is an avid reader of books, it was a poem by Max Ehrmann titled Desiderata that has shaped and continues to shape her thoughts and perspectives on life and her journey. To Nyasha, the poem reminds us of simple things we need in life to maintain peace within ourselves and to contribute to peace around us, being content, and the virtues necessary for a fulfilling journey. The words in the poem that resonate most with Nyasha are: Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. One’s journey may not always follow the conventional path, but it does not mean that there are no notable achievements to enjoy and a journey ahead to be enjoyed.
5. Advice or Guiding Principles for Young Legal Professionals and Advocates Trying to Find their Place and Purpose in the Legal Terrain.
Nyasha is an ardent believer in not necessarily following the conventional paths. Instead, she believes in 5 things:
- Allow yourself to be intrigued and inspired by things that bring the most joy and fulfillment.
- The necessity of courage – be courageous to charter in uncharted waters.
- Stay the course, even in the face of adversity or opposition.
- Make friends and strengthen relationships – good people are a source of sustenance. After all, we are social beings.
- Be yourself and work hard – and success will follow.
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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
