The Law Society of Namibia has recognised legal practitioner Appolos Shimakeleni by giving him the Impact Award, as this would go a long way in inspiring hard work, professionalism and commitment in the law profession.
Shimakeleni feels encouraged, and said it goes to show that the work done by young law practitioners is noticed by society, which motivates them to do better.
“It is a great honour. If anything, it is an encouragement to me and fellow young lawyers to make use of the unique opportunity we have, and make a difference in society through litigation,” he told Youth Corner.
The LSN said Shimakeleni successfully argued against the issuance of a restitution of conjugal rights order (RCR Order), where there is a protection order in place. Instead, the plaintiff must be granted a final order of divorce right away.
The society added that this is a huge milestone for survivors of domestic violence or gender-based violence.
Shimakeleni said: “The case went to the root of the purpose and essence of the issuing of RCR orders in circumstances where violence is alleged by a plaintiff in divorce proceedings.
The court found that no RCR orders shall be issued if there is a protection order in place – and in instances where violence is alleged. In that case, a final order must be issued right away.”
He focuses and serves clients in the areas of green energy law, mining law, TTM law (Technology, Media and Telecommunications), sports law, procurement law, as well as corporate and commercial law.
The composed, yet assertive, legal mind started his legal career in 2012 and has also served in the private sector, where he consulted in diverse areas of law.
With a staunch legal career, Shimakeleni initially served as a senior legal officer at the Office of the Government Attorney (Civil Litigation), where he was mainly tasked with appearing in the High Court on behalf of the various Namibian government ministries and institutions on a variety of legal matters.
The LSN’s compliance manager, Tjiundja Kazohua, said this award gathering symbolises the 24th anniversary of the Judge JP Karuaihe Foundation, the 17th Annual JPK Trust Legal Excellence Awards, and the 11th time the JPK Foundation Legal Excellence Awards ceremony is taking place during the Law Society’s annual general
meeting.
“The Legal Excellence Award for Social Responsibility was awarded to Fedden Mukwata of the FASZ Legal Consultancy for the work he has done towards the promotion of justice by bridging the gap between legal knowledge and access thereto in making judgements, as well as the impact and implications thereof, understandable for the layperson through publications in the New Era and Windhoek Observer newspapers, as well as the launch of the FASZ Legal Consultancy website,” said
Kazohua.
She added the Legal Excellence Award for Human Rights was awarded to the Legal Assistance Centre for their continuous work in the promotion and protection of human rights in Namibia.
- psiririka@nepc.com.na