Intra Africa Secondment Programme (IASP) – In 2016, ILFA introduced of an intra-Africa secondment programme. The programme operates in a similar manner to the flagship programme but is hosted by African firms i.e. lawyers from one African jurisdiction are placed in law firms in another African jurisdiction. In 2016, the programme was hosted by firms in Lagos, Nigeria. ILFA intends to run similar intra-Africa secondments with host firms in Johannesburg (2019) and Kenya (2020).
What do host firms provide?
As part of the programme Intra Africa secondees are provided with:
- Roundtrip airfare
- Appropriate accommodation in the host city
- Visa fee & visa application assistance
- Airport transportation and local transportation within the host city
- Weekly allowance
- An ILFA mentor (buddy) within the host firm
IASP Program Overview
Advanced Training
Legal skills and professional development training are an essential part of the secondment programme. Candidates participate in an intensive 2-week induction/advanced skills training programme before beginning their secondment. The training is delivered by ILFA in partnership with participating firms and corporations and a number of other ILFA advisors. Sessions are a mix of soft skills and technical training which cover a wide range of topics and practice areas relevant to the African legal sector.
Professional Development
Central to the heart of the ILFA programme is the development of intra Africa networks. The Programme provides secondees with valuable opportunities to meet, exchange information, and share experiences with lawyers from various African countries. Through shared accommodation, networking receptions, seminars; secondees expand their perspectives on their work, the legal industry and on global issues facing the African continent. The ability to engage with one another as well as with colleagues at work placements and during legal professional events are all key components of the secondees enrichment experience thereby ensuring that ILFA delivers both technical and professional development training to its lawyers.
Celebration Dinner
The Celebration Dinner takes place at the end of the programme and provides an important opportunity to recognise and celebrate the achievements of the ILFA secondees along with all our ILFA supporters and sponsors. Secondees are presented with a certificate as formal recognition of their ILFA graduation.