The Law Society of Zimbabwe (LSZ) is the
law society
A law society is an association of lawyers with a regulatory role that includes the right to supervise the training, qualifications, and conduct of lawyers. Where there is a distinction between barristers and solicitors, solicitors are regulated ...
responsible for representing and regulating how lawyers and law firms operate in Zimbabwe. It is mandated to observe of the rule of law in the justice system.
The Law Society of Zimbabwe was established in 1981. Its membership is drawn from all registered legal practitioners in Zimbabwe in private practice, commerce and civil service.
Functions of the Law Society
*Regulate the solicitors' profession in respect of continuing training, discipline and trust accounts
*Promote justice, defend human rights, rule of law and the independence of the judiciary system
*To contribute, undertake or make recommendations on legal training
*Represent the solicitors' profession and articulate its views on various issues
*Control of admission of new members to the solicitors' profession
*To curb corruption in the legal system
Anti-corruption activities
The LSZ plays an active role against corruption and the organisation participated in building the capacity of the
Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission
Corruption in Zimbabwe has become endemic within its political, private and civil sectors. Zimbabwe, along with Honduras, Iraq, and Cambodia, ranks 157th out of 180 countries in the 2021 Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index, wh ...
on the legal aspects of investigating corruption in the Zimbabwe justice sector. The society also committed to capacitating registered lawyers and law firms in the area of anti-corruption, anti-bribery, fraud and asset tracing.
Law Society of Zimbabwe also partnered with
Judicial Services Commission of Zimbabwe
The judiciary (also known as the judicial system, judicature, judicial branch, judiciative branch, and court or judiciary system) is the system of courts that adjudicates legal disputes/disagreements and interprets, defends, and applies the law ...
, Messenger of Court and Sheriff's Office to form Against Corruption Together (ACT), an initiative created to fight against corruption in the justice delivery system.
Structure
Law Society of Zimbabwe elect representatives to sit on the Society's Council, the governing body. The Society's president and the vice president hold office for two years. The current president is Wellington Magaya who was installed on 1 February 2021 and Rumbidzai Matambo is the vice president.
Immediate past presidents
*Thandazani Masiye-Moyo 2019
*Misheck Hogwe 2017
*Vimbai Nyemba (first female president) 2015
*Lloyd Mhishi 2013
*Tinoziva Bere 2011
*Josphat Tshuma 2009
*Joseph James 2005
*
Sternford Moyo
Sternford Moyo is a Zimbabwean lawyer serving as the current president of International Bar Association. Upon his assumption to the IBA presidium, Sternford became the first person of African descent to lead the organization in its 74 years of exis ...
References
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Law societies
Bar associations