IAML Studentship Winner - Linda Masina
Posted: 30 Aug 2013
In 2012 the International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (IAML) introduced a Family Law essay competition for senior law students in the University of Cape Town. We were required to write an essay on any Family law topic with a comparative aspect to it, the prize being an all- expense paid trip to any country of your choice with the opportunity of doing an internship with an IAML affiliated law firm. I had the pleasure of applying for the award and submitted an essay which reflected on Domestic Partnerships in South Africa and much to my delight I was selected as the winner of the award. I chose to go to the USA, Chicago and took up my internship with the prestigious firm of Feinberg and Barry, P.C.
My time at Feinberg and Barry was undoubtedly the most eye-opening and insightful legal experience to date. I learnt a great deal about the practice of Matrimonial Law; its multi-facetted nature and the many fascinating legal issues that come with it. Each day presented a new and exciting experience - from a missed custody exchange to a dispute about which parent should have custody over a holiday to one party taking money out of a joint account. Being given tasks such as drafting correspondence, preparing pleadings for court, reading through legal documents, doing research work and working with paralegals gave me a keen insight into the daily life of a family lawyer and the great deal of groundwork that goes into preparing for a hearing or a trial. Sitting-in in a client consultation as well as a deposition painted a clear picture of just how emotional the practice of family law can be. Having the pleasure of shadowing a court appointed psychologist and sitting-in on a child custody interview with both parents gave me a vivid understanding of the devastating effects divorce has on both parties and more so on the children. Being exposed to this broadened my perspective on what sets apart a good matrimonial attorney from others; the critical qualities and skills that such a lawyer ought to possess, which includes being emotionally sensitive and a counselor to your client yet remaining effective and objective; and relentlessly representing your client yet knowing when to compromise or negotiate.
Over my stay in Chicago, I had the opportunity to meet and interact with a range of influential and highly famed people both in and outside the law profession. Our discussions ranged from Nelson Mandela, to politics and to the recent Supreme Court ruling on same sex marriages in the US (DOMA). This gave me an opportunity to challenge my thinking patterns and views, to reflect on and develop a keen understanding of some of the realities that riddle our world. One of the highlights of my studentship was spending a day with two different judges. I had the honour of sitting on the bench with them and hearing the matters that were on roll and would then have to give my opinion and thoughts on the different cases. This was slightly intimidating at first especially because the American legal system differs markedly from the South African legal system. However, I soon learnt that irrespective of the different legal systems or jurisdiction, the issues that arise in a divorce case or a custody case are similar anywhere. What may differ is the process or mechanics employed in addressing the different issues, but the concepts and results remain largely the same. Spending the day with the judges made me realise that despite the stressful, complex and messy nature of matrimonial practice, it is a truly rewarding and satisfying profession. Sitting-in on a divorce mediation of a high-profile CEO and in an emergency custody intervention further attested to this.
My time is Chicago was not only law focused but was also culturally enriching. The city of Chicago provides a number of exciting options, from world-class museums to excellent theatrical productions to fantastic food and the breathtaking public artwork and architecture. Both the IAML and my host family did an exceptional job at ensuring that I had the full “American experience”. From the Architectural Boat cruise, to watching the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, to meeting radio personality and American author Garrison Keillor at the famous Ravinia Festival. I lived each day in Chicago with a sense of disbelief and awe that what was happening was in fact happening. Being in the USA completely immersed me in experiences wider than those I could have ever imagined; it has broadened my outlook on life and has created in me a heightened sense of yearning to further empower myself and others and to tenaciously pursue my dreams of being an outstanding matrimonial lawyer.
Receiving this award has not only made a career in family law far more attractive and certain but has also given me the invaluable opportunity of building networks with some of the world’s leading family law experts. It has spurred the budding attorney in me to become involved in various family law related initiatives with the hopes of one day giving another “Linda Masina” the same life changing opportunity and experience that I was given. As such, I believe that the IAML would only stand to benefit by continuing the studentship.
A heartfelt thank you to the IAML, UCT Law School, Feinberg and Barry, P.C as well as my amazing host family and mentor - Joy Feinberg and Greg Brown for making this transformative experience a reality.
