1. Tell us a bit about yourself.
I come from a close-knit Christian family that holds highly the value of education, they instilled in me the idea that with knowledge comes power. This culminated in me achieving my master’s degree by the age of 22. Now, I’m a construction law and dispute resolution specialist and the Founder of WMN Attorneys Inc.
A few fun facts about me: Hailing from Durban, I have a deep love for the beach – coming from a coastal city, it’s only natural that the beach is one of my favourite places in the world. I love travel, fashion, food and music. I’m also the proud winner of the 2023 Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award.
2. What work do you do?
First and foremost, I practice as an attorney. I manage a specialist commercial law firm that provides legal counsel on the strategic implementation and delivery of infrastructure, natural resources, and technology projects across Africa and beyond. I am also an international speaker, board member, published author, and mentor.
3. How long have you been in the industry?
I’ve been in the legal industry for 12 years now. I started my career at Africa’s largest law firm and have specialised exclusively in construction law from the beginning of my career. In 2021, I founded my legal firm called WMN Attorneys Inc. (an acronym for women), a uniquely positioned, boutique commercial law firm. My aim here is to cultivate a safe space for young, black female lawyers to flourish within South Africa.
4. Has your work always been your passion? Tell us why.
My career has always ignited my passion, I can’t remember a time when being an attorney wasn’t appealing to me. It’s a powerful and empowering qualification and vocation, and I’ve long recognised its potential for effecting positive change in the world. This sentiment is evidenced by the number of top world leaders who come from legal backgrounds. My work is my passion.
I’m glad I fell into construction law because the work we do is for the greater good, to aid societal advancement. We’re developing nations and growing economies in the process, it’s a purpose I find immensely fulfilling.
5. Being a woman in the industry – what does it take?
It takes a lot of reminding yourself not to take things personally, and to not internalise external criticisms. It also takes the ability, and necessity, to walk away from environments that don’t embrace and celebrate you. Being a woman in the legal industry demands discernment in navigating challenges that we inevitably face.
Above all, it takes the courage to fight for your place in the world and to assert your presence in the professional sphere.
6. What has been the most difficult challenge of your career?
Finding a healthy and supportive environment to practice the law I love has been the biggest challenge. Manoeuvring issues of race and gender discrimination throughout my career has been discouraging and disheartening at times, but that’s why I founded WMN Attorneys Inc. — to create a safe space for young, black women to flourish in the legal sector, one that is free of social biases.
7. What advice do you have for other women in your industry?
Keep going. The opportunities are endless for talented women in the legal industry. Remain steadfast in your pursuit, refusing to settle until you’ve discovered where you truly belong — you just need to find the right place to call home.
8. Plans for the future?
More growth and expansion. Since winning the 2023 Veuve Clicquot Bold Future Award in July last year, we have already expanded our expertise to advise on mergers and acquisitions within sectors the firm currently services, advising tech start-ups, as well as through business opportunities across Africa, London, and China. We are excited about establishing ourselves outside of South Africa.
Biography
With a desire to create a safe space for young, black female lawyers to flourish, Zama founded WMN Attorneys Inc. (an acronym for women), a uniquely positioned, boutique commercial law firm.
Zama commenced her career at Africa’s largest law firm in 2012 and became one of the youngest appointments to senior associate in 2016. As an expert with over a decade of experience in construction and dispute resolution, Zama holds a Master’s Degree in Business Law. She is also an international speaker, board member, published author, and sought-after mentor.
What started as a courageous solo endeavour in Johannesburg in 2021, quickly grew to a team of 10 legal professionals with a second office in Durban in just two and a half years. Providing specialist advice in a male-dominated industry – across the mining, energy, oil, and gas sectors – Zama has created a thriving firm that prioritizes the progress of women at its core.
Since its inception, WMN Attorneys and their lawyers have been recognised by the Africa Legal Awards, the WOZA Africa Women in Law Awards, as well as the Justitia Awards in Europe. Zama has also been featured in the Mining Elites in Africa 2023 yearbook for her legal team’s work on a new multi-billion-rand mining development in South Africa. In 2023, Zama won the Veuve Clicquot Bold Future Award.
Zama is currently lecturing a short course in Construction Law at one of Africa’s leading universities. Promoting a grass-roots approach to the development of legal practitioners, her vision extends beyond the confines of her firm. She is passionate about upliftment, and she engages with the youth to provide access to meaningful opportunities and education, empowering the next generation to reach their full potential.
Social media links
Instagram:
- https://www.instagram.com/wmn_attorneys_inc/?hl=en
- https://www.instagram.com/madam_zam?igsh=MTd1aHZ2Mm5sYzB1MA==
https://za.linkedin.com/in/zama-ngcobo-01955573
