#CareerFocus With Attorney Whitney Hailey Stevens -

1. Tell us a bit about yourself?

My name is Whitney Hailey Stevens. I am an attorney who was born on 7 September 1991 and raised in a local township known as Toekomsrus, in the Randfontein area. I attended primary school in Toekomsrus at a local school known as Hartzstreet Primary School and attended my secondary schooling at Randfontein High School.

I acquired my L.L.B and B.Com Law degree at the University of Johannesburg and I am currently pursuing a master’s degree in Corporate Law. Owing to my interest in human rights law, amongst other practice areas of the law, I completed my practical vocational training at the Legal Resources Centre (LRC).

Following my completion as a candidate legal practitioner at the LRC, I was appointed as a law clerk at the Constitutional Court of South Africa. Apart from my passion for human rights law, my interest in commerce stemming from my secondary and tertiary education recently inspired me to continue my education and career in corporate law. I believe that the law can be utilised as a tool to bring about change in the lives of others and the world as a whole.

2. What work do you do?

As a recently admitted attorney, I currently specialise in corporate law, compliance, investment products, and instruments, as well as estate administration. I, however, do note that as a young professional this is not a closed book, and aim to expose myself to additional practice areas of the law.

3. How long have you been in the industry?

I have been in the legal industry for over three years now.

4. Has your work always been your passion? Tell us why?

My passion for law developed at a very early age. My parents, who have always been very supportive, told me at the age of 8 that I would one day become a Judge. Being resistant to their statement as I was very opinionated since my early youth, I suddenly later found myself expressing an interest in law and wanting to help people in my selected career choice.

I recall my then (and still) petite self-standing in front of a mass classroom conveying an elaborate presentation of what a lawyer is and what they do. This interest, to this day, has not changed. Therefore, I can confidently say that my work in law has always been my passion.

5. Being a woman in the industry – what does it take?

Being a woman in the legal industry, in my opinion, requires grit, a keenness to learn, and a passion for law. It is imperative that you love the work that you do and legal practice areas in which you specialise, as well as your work environment, to succeed. This, at times, comes with self-honesty and having the courage to change course in pursuit of your passion within the industry.

6. What has been the most difficult challenge of your career?

As a woman in the legal industry, and according to my experience as a woman of colour in the legal industry, the strife to overcome the disparities of the past in advancing women’s rights from a South African context, comes with many facets and challenges. Additionally, the visibility of black female legal practitioners within the industry remains the lowest statistically, and as a young black female professional, this can be quite daunting with respect to opportunities and acquiring more exposure in the legal industry.

7. What advice do you have for other women in your industry?

My advice for women would be to take up space in the legal industry or any industry in which you see yourself and do so relentlessly. Do not be afraid to make your voice heard and arise to the challenge even at the fear of rejection, embarrassment, and self-doubt.

Our purpose in this world is embedded in our very identities, our DNA. It is embedded in our uniqueness, in that even in the face of adversity or rejection, it does not lessen our true selves, but evolves us into becoming a more empowered version of who we are. Apply for that job, go for that audition, the worst outcome may be a “No”!

My experiences have taught me that, that “No”, is not attached to my desires, my passion, or destination. So, keep pushing forward and empower other women to do the same, as per the saying by Edith Piaf: “when you reach the top, you should remember to send the elevator back down for the others”.

8. Plans for the future?

My plan for the future involves honing the skills and knowledge that I have acquired thus far. The latter includes expanding my knowledge and skills in other legal practice areas, both locally and globally, and utilising these skills to contribute to the world we live in through bringing about a positive change. And perhaps, becoming a Judge.

Short Bio

My name is Whitney Hailey Stevens, and I am an admitted attorney of the High Court of South Africa. I hold a B.Com. Law and LL.B. degree from the University of Johannesburg, and I am currently completing a master’s degree in Corporate Law.

I served a two-year period of practical vocational training at the Legal Resources Centre (“LRC”), specialising in various areas related to human rights, advocacy, and constitutional litigation.

Following my practical vocational training, I served as a Law Clerk at the Constitutional Court under the Office of the Chief Justice. Currently, I specialise in corporate law, compliance, investment products, and instruments, as well as estate administration.