“progress may sometimes feel slow, but there is value in what you’re learning at your workplace”- Salome Chapeyama Mdala
Salome Chapeyama Mdala is a Malawian lawyer, academic, and corporate leader with extensive experience in regulatory compliance, insurance law, and institutional governance. She serves as Chief Operating Officer at Reunion Insurance Company Limited in Malawi, where she leads operational, risk, and compliance functions to strengthen governance and drive sustainable institutional growth.
A Fulbright Scholar, Salome holds multiple advanced degrees, including a Master’s in Insurance Law from the University of Connecticut, a Master’s in International Trade, Investment and Business Law (Cum Laude) from the University of the Western Cape, and a Master’s in Anti-Corruption Compliance and Collective Action (Cum Laude) from the International Anti-Corruption Academy. She also earned her LLB (Hons) from the University of Malawi. Salome is currently pursuing doctoral research on financial inclusion and consumer protection in cross-border mobile money.
Salome’s academic and professional work demonstrates a deep commitment to shaping legal and regulatory frameworks that enhance market integrity, promote regional trade, and expand inclusive access to financial services across the African continent.
1. The Driving Force for Choosing the Legal Profession
Salome’s journey into the legal profession began more as an academic pursuit than a childhood calling. In her early years of career consideration, “lawyer” was often mentioned fashionably, but she did not fully understand what the profession entailed. At university, law was a highly competitive and prestigious programme that required exceptional performance, interviews, and rigorous selection. Her decision to apply was driven by intellectual curiosity and the challenge of earning a place in one of the most demanding disciplines.
The early years in law school were not easy. There were moments when she questioned whether she had made the right decision. The true spark did not ignite at admission, nor even during her studies. It emerged when she began applying her legal knowledge in practice.
Working in financial services law, particularly in insurance, and pursuing postgraduate studies exposed her to regulatory compliance, regional trade, and digital financial services. Seeing how legal expertise can guide institutions, shape policy, and protect people made the profession deeply meaningful to her. What continues to make the practice of law fulfilling is its practical impact — the ability to translate knowledge into solutions that strengthen systems and empower others.
2. Qualities of an Exceptional Lawyer and How Young Professionals Can Cultivate Such Attributes.
In Salome’s view, continuous learning is the defining quality of a truly exceptional lawyer in today’s evolving legal landscape. The law does not stand still, and neither should legal professionals. While it may be impossible to master every emerging developments, it is essential to remain intellectually curious and committed to staying abreast of advancements within one’s chosen field.
Salome’s journey reflects this principle. As an undergraduate, she aspired to pursue a master’s degree if the opportunity arose, and she did, earning a Master’s in International Trade Law, a field she deeply enjoyed. After transitioning from law firm practice to an in-house role within an insurance company, she found herself immersed in complex insurance and compliance concepts while leading a legal and compliance department. Recognising gaps in her technical knowledge, she intentionally sought further growth opportunities. She went on to pursue advanced studies in insurance and compliance, qualifications that significantly strengthened her confidence and effectiveness in her role.
For her, continuous learning does not necessarily mean accumulating degrees — though when opportunity permits, it is worthwhile. It can take the form of short courses, professional certifications, reading, research, or self-directed study. The key is to remain proactive. An exceptional lawyer understands that growth is ongoing and prioritises acquiring the knowledge that will provide depth and relevance within their area of focus.
3. Significant Ongoing Project or Initiatives and Possible Impacts.
Salome is currently undertaking doctoral research focused on financial inclusion and consumer protection in cross-border mobile money usage. Her research was conceived at a pivotal time, when discussions surrounding the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) were gaining momentum, particularly its aspirations to improve cross-border payment systems across the continent.
Having personally observed the practical challenges of cross-border payments in her home country, Malawi, she recognised the gap between policy ambitions and on-the-ground realities. Transferring funds across neighbouring countries is often far from seamless, despite regional integration efforts. This lived experience inspired her to contribute meaningfully to the broader conversation on strengthening Africa’s digital payment infrastructure.
Her research focuses specifically on mobile money, a platform widely acknowledged for expanding access to financial services among previously unbanked populations. Rather than relying solely on policy narratives, her study engages directly with users on the ground. It examines whether cross-border mobile money systems genuinely promote financial inclusion and whether existing regulatory frameworks effectively protect users in cross-border transactions.
Through this work, she hopes to contribute to the development of more responsive, inclusive, and protective digital financial systems across Africa.
4. Role Models and Impactful Books
Salome traces the foundation of her legal journey to her earliest professional experiences. The first law firm where she worked after college, from which she later transitioned to her current role in the insurance sector, was instrumental in shaping her approach to the law. It instilled in her a strong attention to detail, a commitment to accuracy, and the discipline to ensure that every legal argument, document, and communication is meticulously checked for precision, grammar, and correctness.
Along the way, she has also benefited from the guidance of several mentors and colleagues who have challenged her thinking and reshaped her legal philosophy. These relationships have reinforced the importance of both intellectual rigour and practical wisdom in the practice of law.
In addition to professional influences, Salome is a keen reader of self-help and personal growth literature, reflecting her belief that beneath the law gown is a human being who must be nurtured. Currently, she is reading “The Diary of a CEO” by Steven Bartlett, and she has authored her own book, “A True Mirror: Reflections on Personal Growth”. These works reinforce her perspective that effective legal practice combines technical skill with emotional intelligence and self-awareness.
5. Advice or Guiding Principles for Young Legal Professionals and Advocates Trying to Find their Place and Purpose in the Legal Terrain.
Salome believes that the journey in law can initially feel overwhelming, although, as she has observed in her experience as a law lecturer, some students seem to find it a breeze. Perhaps everyone’s experience is just a little different! She recalls that her own experience as a law student was not much of a breeze, grappling with the challenge of reading and memorising numerous cases while ensuring that facts and parties did not get mixed up. She recognises this as a natural part of learning the profession. Her advice to students is simple: persist, ask questions, and seek guidance from lecturers and colleagues who can offer tips on navigating law school. She emphasises that with dedication, the challenges can and will be overcome.
For young legal professionals, progress may sometimes feel slow, but there is value in what you’re learning at your workplace. Salome encourages new lawyers to engage fully with assigned tasks, research independently, ask questions, and absorb knowledge wherever possible. Over time, this accumulated expertise becomes invaluable, whether one chooses to start a legal practice, pivot to another field, or pursue further education.
She also stresses the importance of mentorship and support networks. The legal journey can be daunting, but sharing experiences with peers, learning from those ahead, and supporting those who follow, fosters resilience and growth. For Salome, the path in law is not just about professional achievement but also about building connections, nurturing knowledge, and helping others along the way.
To young legal professionals, she says, “Stay curious, keep learning, and never underestimate the power of knowledge to make a difference.”
Click here to read our previous Millennial, Cheryl Sembie
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
