Judge Dire Tladi, the first South African to serve on the bench of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and a Distinguished Visiting Professor at UJ’s Faculty of Law, recently graced the University of Johannesburg (UJ) to engage in a highly anticipated dialogue with students from the LLM in International Law programme.
Hosted by UJ’s South African Research Chair in International Law (SARChI), the visit provided a timely opportunity for students to gain perspective on building a career in the demanding field of global law. The session included robust discussions and debate on current issues shaping international jurisprudence.
Judge Tladi was joined by SARChI team members, including Professor Jenny Hall, Professor Martha Bradley, and Jessie Phyffer, all of whom shared their expert advice and professional pathways.
Excellence in Every Task
A key message Judge Tladi shared with the diverse group of attendees which included LLM candidates, LLD students, and interested members of the wider UJ community, was the importance of dedication in all undertakings.
“Focus on the task at hand and do it well. Give your best effort, no matter how small the task. Whatever you do, strive to excel,” Judge Tladi advised. He stressed that these sustained, high-quality efforts are the foundation that eventually leads to bigger achievements on the global stage.
The conversation proved incredibly valuable for those seeking to position themselves for opportunities in both academia and legal practice. Judge Tladi offered a rare look into the workings of the ICJ, explaining the types of judgments the court issues and the process by which decisions are reached, deepening the students’ appreciation for the court’s rulings.
Research and Reflection
Following the main dialogue, Judge Tladi participated in an informal lunchtime discussion with LLD students and research associates, alongside Chair Professor Hennie Strydom.
This intimate setting allowed the doctoral candidates to present and reflect on their research activities. Judge Tladi, Professor Strydom, and Professor Bradley provided valuable feedback and mentorship, fostering open debate and strengthening the sense of camaraderie within the research community.
Mercy Awino, a UJ LLM student in International Law, captured the sentiment of the day: “Speaking with Judge Tladi was enlightening and opened my eyes to career possibilities in international law that I hadn’t previously considered. The discussion also evolved into a lively debate on various topics, which is always encouraging to witness among students.”
Professor Martha Bradley, Professor of Public International Law, emphasized the strategic goal of the visit. “The South African Research Chair in International Law seeks to be a hub for aspiring international lawyers at UJ. One way we achieve this is by facilitating discussions with esteemed guests, such as Judge Tladi. It was truly a pleasure to witness our students engaging with the distinguished judge.”
