- Legal Indaba 2026 will bring together more than 20 speakers and over 200 delegates from across South Africa’s legal sector.
- The conference will focus on artificial intelligence, governance, ethics, accountability and the future of legal practice.
- Organisers say the event aims to strengthen transformation, inclusion and leadership within the legal profession.
South Africa’s legal profession will come under renewed focus later this year as Legal Indaba 2026 brings together legal practitioners, judges, academics and policymakers to confront the growing challenges facing the country’s justice system and the future of legal practice.
The conference will take place on 28 August 2026 at the Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre in Johannesburg under the theme “Advancing Law. Inspiring Change.” Organisers say the gathering comes at a critical moment for the legal sector as the profession grapples with rapid technological change, public pressure around accountability and continuing concerns about transformation and institutional trust.
More than 20 speakers and over 200 delegates are expected to attend the conference, which has positioned itself as a national platform for legal dialogue, leadership and reflection on the evolving role of law in South African society.
Artificial Intelligence and the future of legal practice
One of the major themes of this year’s conference will be the impact of artificial intelligence and digital innovation on the legal profession. Discussions are expected to explore how technology is reshaping legal services, governance systems and the broader administration of justice.
The programme will also examine leadership during periods of disruption, institutional accountability and the role of legal systems in driving economic growth and social progress.
Organisers say the conference aims to equip legal professionals with the resilience and adaptability needed to respond to increasingly uncertain and fast-changing professional environments.
Among the confirmed speakers are Phetheni Nkuna, chief operating officer at CDH, Sarah McKenzie, partner at Webber Wentzel, Subashnee Moodley, managing director at Livingston Leandy Inc, and Professor Charles Maimela, executive dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Johannesburg. Representatives from the Public Protector’s Office are also expected to participate in the discussions.
Focus on transformation and women in law
A central part of the 2026 programme will focus on advancing women’s leadership within the legal profession and strengthening diversity, inclusion and transformation across the sector.
Organisers say the discussions reflect broader efforts to build a legal profession that better reflects the society it serves while continuing to uphold constitutional values and public confidence in the justice system.
The conference is also expected to address the importance of mentorship and leadership development for younger and emerging legal practitioners entering an increasingly competitive and demanding profession.
Mental health and pressures within the profession
Legal Indaba 2026 will also address growing concerns about mental health and wellness within the legal profession, as well as the challenges of talent retention and changing career paths in the sector.
Organisers say the discussions are intended to go beyond legal theory and policy by recognising the personal and professional pressures experienced by lawyers and legal practitioners across the country.
Event director Thapelo Phukuje said the conference aims to create honest and meaningful conversations about the realities of practising law in South Africa.
Phukuje said, “Beyond policy and legal theory, it creates space for mentorship, shared experience, and honest conversation about the realities of practising law in South Africa today, recognising the people behind the profession who carry the responsibility of interpreting, defending, and advancing justice.
“Ultimately, Legal Indaba 2026 seeks to reaffirm the legal fraternity’s role not only as custodians of justice, but as active contributors to South Africa’s democratic future.”
Legal Profession Under Pressure
The conference comes at a time when South Africa’s legal system continues to face scrutiny over governance failures, ethics, accountability and access to justice.
Organisers say Legal Indaba 2026 aims to encourage collaboration across the legal fraternity while helping shape a more ethical, inclusive and forward-looking legal system.
Attorney Paula Phukuje said the legal profession carries responsibilities that extend beyond courtrooms and legal institutions. “The law touches every life, but it is the people within the profession who determine whether it truly serves. Legal Indaba creates a space for professionals to reflect, connect, and recommit to the profession with deeper consciousness and responsibility to society,” she said.
Legal professionals, students, academics, policymakers and industry stakeholders have been invited to attend the conference and participate in the discussions and networking sessions planned for the event.
Tickets are available online through Quicket, with early bird tickets priced at R4 500 and premium tickets at R5 000.
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