BLA Profile

The Black Lawyers Association(BLA) is a voluntary association of black lawyers in South Africa. It co-exists with statutory bodies governing the legal profession. The BLA was formed in the 1970’s for the purpose of resisting prosecution of black lawyers who practised law in the Central Business Districts (CBD) of the so-called white towns. No black lawyer was allowed to practise his or her craft in these towns as this contravened the famous Group Areas Act No.35 of 1966, a mean piece of legislation that regulated where South Africans should live and work.

This was, however, not the only problem faced by black practitioners of the day. They also encountered problems in procuring articles of clerkship and securing finances to set up law practises. In addition, they faced discriminatory treatment in the courts and other government institutions.

Some forty black lawyers in the then Transvaal came together to discuss their common plight. From this discussion emerged the idea to form the Black Lawyers Association. Until 1980, when its formal constitution was adopted, the BLA took up other matters of concern on an ad hoc basis.

The strategic aim of the BLA at that time was, inter alia, to expose and highlight the discriminatory and unjust laws and to increase the number, and enhance the quality of the black lawyers in South Africa. Members of the association sacrificed their time and resources to achieve these objectives on a voluntary basis.

Vision

To uphold, protect the rights and interests of lawyers.

Mission

The organisation is dedicated to the improvement of the legal profession and is committed to the effective management and development of human potential in accordance with its values and to the promotion of an egalitarian and equitable social order.

Values

• To uphold, protect and advance human rights, civil liberties and the rule of law.
• To co-operate with bodies that strive to uphold human rights, civil liberties and the rule of law.
• To promote social justice and professionalism.
• To check, monitor and challenge any government excesses which threaten the general well being of the society.
• Be and remain non-sectarian politically.
• Actively participate in its programmes to create a non racial, non sexist judicial system and society.
• Be the national and international voice for its members.
• Strive for the empowerment of women.
• Strive for the empowerment of disadvantaged communities.