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South African Human Rights Commission adds Jessica Lawrence as new Head of Legal Services
After twelve years at Lawyers for Human Rights, talented attorney, activist, and Oxford University graduate Jessica Lawrence has been welcomed as the new Head of Legal Services for the South African Human Rights Commission.
Congratulations have flowed from the legal community and beyond as South African Human Rights Commissioner Tshepo Madlingozi yesterday announced that “technically brilliant lawyer and politically astute activist” Jessica Lawrence had become the new Head of Legal Services for the Human Rights Commission.
“Jessica brings extensive experience as an attorney, activist, and movement-builder,” shared the Commissioner, noting that she had spent more than a decade at Lawyers for Human Rights in various roles, including Head of the Johannesburg Law Clinic.
“I have known Jessica for more than five years, having collaborated with her when I was the Director of the Centre for Applied Legal Studies at WITS University,” added Commissioner Madlingozi. “We look forward to Jessica’s contribution to the Commission as we strengthen our protection mandate (and biting powers).”
Jessica joins South Africa’s Human Rights Commission after rising from Legal Intern to Senior Attorney and Programme Manager at Lawyers for Human Rights over the past 12 years. An LLB and LLM graduate of the University of Johannesburg, last year Jessica earned a Master’s in International Human Rights Law from the University of Oxford. She has also completed Advanced Human Rights short courses in Civil Society Law and African Human Rights Systems from the University of Pretoria.
In 2023, Jessica was celebrated among the Mail & Guardian 200 Young South Africans making an impact, following a year where she represented Lawyers for Human Rights in Geneva during negotiations on a legally binding UN treaty on business and human rights. “She has mentored many young people who now work in the civil society sector,” said the Mail & Guardian. “Her incredible approach to management has produced many great lawyers whom she encouraged to use the law as a positive tool for the betterment of the lives of the most marginalised.”
Established in 1995, as provided for by the country’s new Constitution, the Human Rights Commission is an independent statutory body tasked with promoting, protecting, and monitoring the observance of human rights in South Africa.
“I’m honoured to step into the role of Head of Legal Services at the South African Human Rights Commission,” shared Jessica this week.. “I’m deeply grateful for the generous welcome from Commissioner Tshepo Madlingozi and colleagues, and for the opportunity to contribute to an institution that plays such a critical role in advancing and protecting human rights in South Africa!”