Law Clinic Staff

Zaida Essop - Director | UCT Law Clinic

Mrs. Zadia Essop was appointed as the Director of the UCT Law Clinic in September 2024. With a strong academic and practical foundation in law, she brings a wealth of experience in both legal practice and legal education.

Zaida holds an LLB and an LLM in International Child Law, both of which were obtained from North West University, Potchefstroom Campus. Her academic journey laid the groundwork for her diverse career in the legal field, focusing on family law, civil litigation, and child law.

Before her appointment as Director of the UCT Law Clinic, Zaida served as a Lecturer at North West University, where she taught courses in Civil Procedure and Legal Practice. In this role, she was responsible for imparting critical legal skills to students, preparing them for practical legal careers.

Prior to her lecturing role, Zaida worked as a Clinician at the North West University Law Clinic, where she provided free legal services to marginalized communities in the North West Province. She was actively involved in access to justice initiatives, advocating for vulnerable individuals and families, particularly in family disputes and children’s court matters.

As a Clinician, Zaida’s responsibilities included supervising and mentoring final-year LLB students in practical legal training, particularly in Legal Practice and Law Clinic settings. She also served as Principal Attorney and Supervising Attorney for several Candidate Legal Practitioners, providing guidance and professional development for those entering the legal profession.

Zaida's extensive experience in the field of family law and child protection is particularly notable. She represented clients in a variety of family-related legal disputes, including matters concerning child custody, guardianship, and children’s rights. She was appointed to represent children in Children’s Court proceedings across the North West Province, gaining invaluable experience and a deep understanding of South Africa’s child care and protection systems.

In addition to her practical legal expertise, Zaida is a qualified mediator in family law matters, further reinforcing her commitment to resolving family disputes through alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.

Her research interests lie in several key areas, including Family Law, Child Law, Education Rights of Children, Civil Procedure, Access to Justice, and Clinical Legal Education. Zaida is passionate about advancing legal education, particularly through the use of clinical legal education programs that empower students and provide essential services to communities in need.

Zaida’s diverse experience, commitment to access to justice, and dedication to teaching make her a valuable leader at the Law Clinic, where she continues to make a significant impact on both the academic and practical aspects of legal education and practice.

Lionel Soupen - Supervising Attorney | UCT Law Clinic

I am one of the supervising attorneys at the UCT Law Clinic and I have been in the position since March 2017. Prior to joining the UCT Law Clinic I held a similar post at the UKZN Law Clinic. I have a keen interest in public interest law which therefore fits in with the work done by Law Clinics.

I also have an educational background having taught as a school teacher for a number of years prior to joining the legal profession. The work done by the Law Clinic as far as mentoring, lecturing and supervising law students fits in with the teaching aspect of my training which I am passionate about.

Michelle Le Roux - Supervising Attorney | UCT Law Clinic

I am an admitted attorney, having graduated from the University of Cape Town with a Bachelor of Social Science degree, majoring in Politics and Gender Studies, and a postgraduate LLB. I am currently a Supervising Attorney at the UCT Law Clinic, a position I have filled since March 2017. Prior to joining the UCT Law Clinic I was employed at Legal Aid South Africa, where I practiced both criminal and civil law, as well as the Office of the State Attorney.

I am passionate about the law and ensuring that the indigent members of our society have access to justice. My role at the UCT Law Clinic thus affords me the opportunity to combine these passions through assisting with the training and supervision of our future lawyers, with the hope of instilling a sense of social consciousness in the process.

Lloyd Kriel - Attorney | UCT LAW CLINIC

Lloyd Kriel joined the UCT Law Clinic as a Candidate Attorney in March 2020, where he completed his practical vocational training contract and was subsequently admitted as an attorney. During his time at the clinic, Lloyd gained invaluable hands-on experience in providing legal services to underrepresented and marginalized communities, solidifying his commitment to advancing access to justice.

Lloyd is deeply passionate about ensuring that legal assistance is available to those who cannot afford it, and he values the critical role the UCT Law Clinic plays in delivering legal services to vulnerable individuals. His work at the clinic has reinforced his belief in the transformative power of law in improving lives and advocating for the rights of the indigent.

As a practicing attorney, Lloyd continues to be dedicated to public service and legal advocacy, focusing on ensuring that justice is accessible to all, regardless of their socio-economic background. His experience at the clinic has shaped his approach to law, emphasizing empathy, integrity, and a client-centered practice.

Mulanga Mugivhi - Candidate Attorney  | UCT LAW CLINIC

Mulanga is an LLB graduate from UCT and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in law. She is excited to be working at the UCT Law Clinic, where she can engage in meaningful legal work, expand her professional skills, and contribute to the well-being of the community.

At the Law Clinic, she is eager to gain hands-on experience while working on cases that promote access to justice and provide legal support to marginalized individuals and communities.

Shamemah Abrahams - Clinic Administrator | UCT Law Clinic

Shamemah Abrahams completed her Paralegal Executive Secretarial Diploma in 1995 and is currently studying towards a BCOM degree (she's at NQF Level 5 - first year completed) at UNISA.  She has experience in finance, marketing, office management, HR and administration having worked for financial institutions for over 20 years.  She has a varied portfolio at the UCT Law Clinic ranging from reception and marketing to admin, finance and HR.  She joined the UCT Law Clinic in 2015 and prior worked for the UCTRF department for 3years.  She is passionate about justice for all, especially for the vulnerable amongst us.