1) Tell us a bit about yourself
My name is Bridgett Majola, a lawyer, Director, Head of Projects & Infrastructure and Banking & Finance Practice at CMS South Africa, in Johannesburg. I love CrossFit and going to the gym, or just generally being outside, at the beach or hiking.
2) What work do you do?
I specialise in project finance, specifically relating to drafting and implementing agreements necessary for the financing, construction, operation and maintenance of renewable energy generation facilities in South Africa. This is in terms of the government’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme. I also work on general banking and finance matters, whether structured trade finance matters, leveraged, syndicated or structured trade finance transactions.
I have 14 years of post-qualification experience in the broader legal field. And I still very much enjoy the everyday lessons that come with the pressures and challenges of the industry.
3) Achievements
Leadership potential
In 2014 I was named one of Mail & Guardian’s 200 Young South Africans to watch. I was also identified as one of the Global Shapers by the World Economic Forum. In the same year I was selected by the South African Law Society to represent the South African Development Community region at the first China-Africa Young Legal Professionals Exchange Program, hosted in Beijing, China.
I was also National President of the South African arm of Junior Chamber International (JCI) in 2017. JCI is a global non-profit organisation of young active citizens who are engaged and committed to creating impact in their communities. I was also chairperson of the Future Leaders Network, under the auspices of the International Project Finance Association.
And in 2018, I was seconded to work in the Sydney office of Baker McKenzie, which provided a valuable opportunity to gain international legal experience. I was named a Next Generation Lawyer by the Legal 500 Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) Guide in 2017, 2018 and 2019.
Legal Skills and initiative
I studied law at the University of KwaZulu Natal (UKZN) where I served on the Law Students’ Council, and on the Executive Committee for the Law Faculty as a student representative.
I was also the head of the debating society for a year and I was on the university’s Students’ Representative Council. While studying at UKZN I won the moot court competition, one of a few black African students to have won the award at the time.
I completed my LLB at UKZN and I have a certificate in Competition Law from the University of the Witwatersrand.
The wider community – the importance of education
I was the Youth Mayor of the Pinetown and Westville School’s Youth Council in 2000. Thanks to my work in the community I was noticed by Shepstone and Wylie Attorneys in Durban who offered to pay for my studies. If my adoptive parents had not paid for my primary education and if I had not been supported to get scholarships, I would not have broken my own poverty cycle.
I work with a number of youth-focused organisations that concentrate on the education, mentorship, entrepreneurship and leadership of South Africa’s youth and in particular spend most of my spare time serving the JCI South Africa.
I know that I have a role to play as a lawyer and a corporate citizen. Access to education for all Africans, everywhere, is an essential starting point in breaking the poverty cycle.
I have been involved in the following pro bono projects:
- Assisting Global Rights for Women – Cargill regarding the regulatory framework in South Africa and Uganda.
- Assisting the Department of Family and Community Services of New South Wales in relation to a Public Private Partnership for New South Wales Disability Services Transaction, supported accommodation.
- Volunteering for Senior Rights Service, a specialist community legal centre for older people in New South Wales.
- Volunteering for United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees – Project updating the refworld database of cases.
- Board of directors of Rise Up Against Gender Based Violence – riseupagainstgbv.org
4) Has your work always been your passion?
Like many other people in leadership positions, it may not have always been my passion from the beginning, but passion can evolve and change over time as individuals gain new experiences, develop new skills, and discover their strengths and interests. I think I have always had a strong inclination towards my current line of work, driven by a genuine passion for the industry or the desire to make a positive impact. I have pursued my passion and have been working diligently to reach my goals.
Now, my work is my passion. I believe it’s meaningful, and has a positive impact. We are playing our part as advisers in developing infrastructure for our continent and addressing the energy crisis that has the potential to paralyse our economy. I like the clients that I work for, I like the people that I work with and I enjoy the robust engagements with opposing counsel too. My work is fulfilling and gives me an opportunity to continue growing in my career, in my field, in our industry, within my organisation and to mentor young women with similar aspirations.
5) Being a woman in the industry, what does it take?
- Good communication skills – we are required to write clearly, persuasively and concisely and be able to analyse what clients tell you. It is also important to have good communication skills when advocating for yourself, whether it’s in a pitch for work or even in a boardroom or enforcing personal boundaries, so this for me is a critical skill.
- Good judgement – ‘amidst the turmoil of events, do not lose your presence of mind’ – 33 Strategies of War. This is one of my favourite lines to remember from this book. It reminds us that when you are busy and dealing with multiple tasks, multiple transactions, multiple issues, multiple matters, the mind tends to lose its balance. Especially when too many things confront you at the same time, including unexpected setbacks, doubts and criticisms from your own allies. There’s a danger of responding emotionally, with fear, depression, or frustration. It is vital to keep your presence of mind, maintaining your mental powers whatever the circumstances. You must actively resist the emotional pull of the moment – staying decisive, confident, and aggressive no matter what hits you.
- Learn to detach yourself from the chaos of the battlefield. Let others lose their heads; your presence of mind will steer you clear of their influence and keep you on course. The more senior you become the judgement calls you will need to make in dealing with your colleagues, dealing with conflicts of interest, managing different high performing personalities and dealing with clients. It is important to stay calm, be authentic and, most importantly, remain yourself and pick your battles carefully, not everything needs to be a crusade. You can afford to lose some battles but make sure you keep your eye on the prize and win the war.
- Perseverance – being successful requires a lot of time in the trenches, dedicating a lot of time to refining your skill, learning complex matters, arrangements or regimes, and not always feeling like you are in control. Earning good money also requires patience and a constant reminder of the reason why you do what you do.
6) What has been the most difficult challenge in your career?
Balance – trying to balance my ambition with the long hours, and passion for my clients and the work that I do with my desire to be a healthy and well rounded person. It is not always easy and while these are not necessarily mutually exclusive, goals I think for me in my career it has taken a long time for them to be true at the same time.
7) What advice do you have for other women in your industry?
Success is subjective and can be defined differently by each individual. I think what is important is to set your own goals and aspirations and work towards achieving them in a way that aligns with your values and aspirations. Some general and always-handy tips to remember, I would say are the below:
- Build a strong professional network: Networking is crucial in the legal field. Attend industry events, join professional organisations, and connect with colleagues and mentors who can provide guidance and support throughout your career.
- Seek out mentorship: Find experienced lawyers, both male and female, who can serve as mentors and provide valuable insights and advice. They can help you navigate the challenges of the legal profession and offer guidance on career advancement.
- Continuously develop your skills: The legal landscape is constantly evolving, so it’s important to stay updated on new laws, regulations, and legal precedents. Engage in ongoing professional development, attend relevant seminars or workshops, and consider pursuing specialised certifications or advanced degrees to enhance your expertise. As a transactional lawyer my mentors have always said try to not delegate your technical craft, you need to keep doing the grunt work and sharpen your skills in the process, the scalpel is to a surgeon what drafting is to a lawyer, or something along those lines.
- Advocate for yourself: Be confident in your abilities and advocate for your own career advancement. Seek out challenging assignments, take on leadership roles, and actively participate in firm or organisational initiatives. Don’t be afraid to negotiate for fair compensation and promotions.
- Find work-life balance: Balancing work and personal life can be challenging, especially in a demanding profession like law. Prioritise self-care, set boundaries, and find ways to manage stress effectively. Seek support from family, friends, and colleagues to help maintain a healthy work-life balance.
- Promote diversity and inclusion: As a woman lawyer, you have the opportunity to contribute to a more inclusive legal profession. Advocate for diversity and inclusion within your organisation, support and mentor other women in the field, and actively work towards creating a more equitable legal environment.
8) Plans for the future?
Enjoy my position as partner at CMS, keep growing my practice and keep building my legacy. And to be recognised as leading projects and infrastructure lawyer.
