In a profession often romanticized by legal dramas and courtroom theatrics, Musa Mathebula is a refreshing reminder of the substance, structure, and service at the core of practicing law. As an admitted attorney and notary with Right of Appearance in the Superior Courts, Musa’s career spans Commercial Law, Construction Law, Administrative and Municipal Law, Public Sector advisory, and Notarial Services—an impressive legal spectrum built on curiosity, competence, and an unrelenting pursuit of excellence.
Rooted in Rules and Driven by Research
Musa’s journey into law didn’t begin with a dramatic courtroom moment or legal family legacy. It began with a deep respect for rules. “I have always believed that everything in life is governed by a system of rules and regulations, written or unwritten,” he explains. From human relationships to the functioning of society, this belief in structured systems formed the philosophical foundation of his legal path. Add to that his outspoken nature and a love for knowledge and research, and the puzzle pieces began to fit. “Many people, most notably my Afrikaans teacher in grade 8, would always say I would be suited to being a lawyer or a preacher,” Musa reflects. When it came time to choose between law and journalism, law won—and fifteen years later, the choice has proven to be the right one.
Litigation as a Gateway to Expertise
While many lawyers choose a narrow specialization, Musa’s identity as a litigation and dispute resolution attorney has opened doors to a broader legal universe. “Because I enjoy research, I’ve tended not to limit myself in terms of the kinds of matters I take on for clients,” he says. His exposure to varied legal areas has been both intentional and shaped by the firms he’s worked with. From municipal regulations to construction disputes, his career is a masterclass in interdisciplinary legal knowledge, all anchored in litigation.
What keeps it manageable? Discipline. “It is imperative for all legal practitioners to stay up to date with the law. This means constantly reading and keeping your ear to the ground for any/all legal developments,” Musa emphasizes. It’s this continuous learning that makes complexity not only manageable but empowering.
The Discipline of the Courtroom
The courtroom has taught Musa that law is a profession of preparation. “One thing I have learned from court—and that some legal practitioners underestimate—is to read,” he says. It may seem obvious, but failure to read up on case law, directives, or recent developments can have serious consequences, from embarrassing procedural errors to losing a case outright. “The worst is being ordered to pay for legal costs from your own pocket because of conduct or incompetence.” In this arena, mastery is not optional—it’s mandatory.
A Day in the Legal Trenches
Contrary to popular belief, a typical day in Musa’s life as an attorney is less about dramatic court scenes and more about admin. “I firmly believe that a good attorney must have the admin of his/her office in order before they can attend to the actual legal work,” he asserts. His day starts with emails and calls, moves into research and drafting, and ends with logging work for billing. The highlights? Solving difficult legal problems, successful client representation, and mentoring junior colleagues. The challenges? Long hours, heavy reading, and navigating diverse client personalities. He ends off the day by “entering fees for legal work done”.
Precision, Preparation, and Perspective
When handling high-stakes matters, Musa leans on three core tools: music, time, and feedback. “Music really keeps me calm and able to think,” he says. Working ahead of deadlines allows him to draft, reflect, and refine over time. “An approach that makes sense today may not make sense tomorrow,” he admits, acknowledging the value of rest and peer feedback in sharpening legal strategies. Communication is key too: “Any and all work must be explained to clients in a simple-to-understand manner for them to approve.”
Standing His Ground in Court and in Confidence
Among his proudest professional moments are cases where he represented clients personally—from arbitration proceedings to interlocutory and review applications. In these cases, he not only drafted the legal documents himself but also argued the matters in court. “These matters made me realize that despite historical belief, attorneys can be just as good as advocates in the courtroom,” he says with quiet pride.
Adaptability in an Evolving Landscape
Musa remains vigilant in keeping up with the ever-changing legal landscape. “LinkedIn and SAFLII are always good places to start,” he advises. Online legal communities help keep him abreast of regulatory changes, judicial trends, and evolving legal interpretations. Staying informed, he insists, is not just helpful—it’s non-negotiable.
What Makes a Great Lawyer
Beyond legal acumen, Musa believes exceptional legal practitioners must also be human-centric. “Being likeable to your clients is important,” he notes. Integrity, reliability, and being readily available to your clients is a must. Clients want a practitioner who not only knows the law but also genuinely cares about their needs.
Hard Truths and Honest Advice
For aspiring lawyers, Musa’s advice is clear and sobering: “Know why you are studying law. It is not all glamorous as shown in popular media. It is tremendous work—and if done right, it is greatly rewarding.” The profession demands intellectual rigor, emotional resilience, and unrelenting commitment.
He also wants to debunk the dangerous myth that lawyers lie to win cases. “As officers of the court, we are obliged by oath to always tell the truth,” he clarifies. Misleading the court can lead to disbarment and professional ruin. “While there are some who will be economical with the truth, this is not true of all legal practitioners.”
The Future of Law: Tech, AI, and the Human Touch
Looking forward, Musa acknowledges the growing influence of AI and legal tech in the industry. “Firms that do not adapt may find themselves ultimately becoming irrelevant,” he warns. However, he also offers a word of caution: legal technology must serve human judgment, not replace it. “Law is never stagnant and will always require the human touch.”
