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06 October 2020 | Story Nonsindiso Qwabe | Photo Supplied
Leah Molatseli is the founder of Lenoma Legal, a legal technology company which specialise in commercial and labour matters for small and medium businesses.

Legal technology and innovation specialist and member of the University of the Free State Council, Leah Molatseli, tackled the intersection of law and technology in her new book, titled #LegalTech Startups and Innovation

As technology continues to revolutionise how traditional industries function, legal tech is no longer a foreign concept in the country’s current legal market. The technological boom that has occurred over the past few decades has reshaped many industries. Molatseli said her book is a bridge in the knowledge gap; it is a comprehensive guide for using new technologies in order to provide legal services that are not restricted by physical barriers. 

Molatseli said in her career as a lawyer, she has witnessed first-hand the need for ordinary citizens to gain greater access to justice.  This has led her to adopt new technology that works for the client by cutting costs, improving efficiency, and reaching people more effectively. In 2017, she co-founded Lenoma Legal, a legal tech start-up that provides legal services virtually. 

“While a digital divide still exists, mobile penetration has increased drastically in the past few years, making it much easier to provide legal help from anywhere. My hope is that this book will open up different avenues for law firms, entrepreneurial people who want to innovate within the legal space, and Law students to start thinking differently about how they can shape their careers.”

Technology pivotal to legal industry

Molatseli said she decided at the beginning of 2020 to put the knowledge she gained into a book. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit South Africa, it quickly became apparent that the legal profession had to seek alternative ways to carry out its functions, and the pivotal role that technology has played made the book a timely release. 

“The pandemic has cemented the need for access from anywhere in the world. For me, it’s about access. I believe that access to legal services is a basic human right, and legal tech and innovation plays a huge role in making that happen,” she said. 

Molatseli said #Legaltech Startups and Innovation is a guide that will equip other forward-thinking practitioners to do exactly the same. She said as technology continued to advance, it is becoming easier for anyone within the legal world to create and build solutions.

Book shines light on new avenues in law

“For many years we’ve been made to think that legal careers are linear; get your degree and go work in a law firm, but it’s no longer like that. There are so many avenues open to people within the law industry, and the moment you become aware of this, you can take charge of your career. If we can integrate this type of thinking, the opportunities are endless. This book can drastically change how we do things and how we approach law.”

The book is available for ordering from: https://juta.co.za/catalogue/legaltech-startups-and-innovation_28319/. If you would like to get more information on the book, follow Leah Molatseli on Twitter at @leahmolatseli. 

News Archive

Meet our Council: Christo Dippenaar, 'n oud-Kovsie vir oud-Kovsies
2016-12-26

Description: Christo Dippenaar, council member Tags: Christo Dippenaar, council member 

Christo Dippenaar, former Kovsie
and current UFS councillor.
Photo: Johann Roux


Christo Dippenaar knows the University of the Free State (UFS) very well. He started his studies at the UFS in 1992 and later obtained a BProc degree. During his years at university, he was Prime of Hendrik Verwoerd Residence (1994), served on the Student Representative Council in the portfolio Men Intern (1995), and in the following year he was Deputy President of the Student Representative Council. He was also residence head of the former Reitz Apartments.

A thorough knowledge of the university

Thanks to this broad background, he has a thorough knowledge of the university, its history, procedures, principles and its people. It is therefore no surprise that Dippenaar was elected to the Council by UFS alumni. Dippenaar, or “Dippies” as he is also known, has served on the Council since 2014. In addition, he has a child who is currently studying at the UFS and therefore he has more than just a theoretical interest in what is happening at the UFS.

He is of the opinion that, in his capacity as UFS councillor, he could be a true mouthpiece for former Kovsies.

"As councillor, I can ask the necessary questions to ensure fair and just treatment of all stakeholders."

A man with diverse interests
His legal knowledge also comes in handy in his role as councillor. Dippenaar was formerly employed at Honey Attorneys and at Horn and Van Rensburg, but in 2008 he started his own practice which is also operating in Lesotho.

He describes his wife, Hanlie, as his best friend and soul mate. His eldest son, Johann, is studying BSc Quantity Surveying at the UFS, while another son, Pieter, is in Grade 10 in Grey College. His daughter, Anneke, is in Grade 6 in Universitas Primary.

Asked about his passions, he says rugby and fine Brahman cross-breed cattle are equally attractive to him. Thus, a man with diverse interests and a highly demanding career, but also a former Kovsie with a passion for other former Kovsies and for his alma mater.

 

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