Azhar Aziz-Ismail is not just a name in South Africa’s legal circles. At 29, he chairs the Johannesburg Attorneys Association and is driving a movement that blends law, technology, and community leadership. From online courts to youth activism, his vision is as ambitious as it is grounded in ethics.
Speaking from Johannesburg, he described his mission: “The way that the legal profession operates is going to change drastically… Technology is going to speed up how quickly we turn around advice to our clients, the level of quality that we’re delivering, and it’s going to really take our thinking to a whole other level when we leverage tools like artificial intelligence.”
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Innovation meets justice
Azhar’s leadership comes at a time when South Africa’s court system faces a backlog that delays justice for thousands. The introduction of online courts, guided by the Office of the Chief Justice, is one solution he supports. His work at Baker McKenzie as a knowledge manager gives him a front-row seat to how AI and digital tools can improve efficiency and accuracy.
He is also realistic about the risks, warning about “AI hallucinations” and advocating for ethical guidelines. “I think what’s quite important is education—education around technology not only within the legal space but in every line of work… to use it responsibly, to use it ethically, to know its strengths and weaknesses.”
This call for responsible innovation is tied to a bigger challenge: the digital divide. Many lawyers in smaller towns lack reliable internet access, which threatens to leave them behind. Azhar pushes for solutions that make digital tools available to all, ensuring equitable access to justice.
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Leadership with heart
Beyond technology, Azhar’s story is rooted in mentorship and activism. He speaks of mentors who shaped his path and of the value in “two-way learning,” where younger professionals bring fresh insights to seasoned leaders.
His commitment to community is visible through his involvement in rural education initiatives like Constellation 150, which introduces youth to coding and robotics, and his work in humanitarian organisations.
“If you find a path or a cause that aligns to you personally, you should volunteer and work towards trying to make a difference… when we join all of our voices together, that’s when we make that impact,” he says.
For Azhar, the future of South Africa’s legal profession is about more than courtrooms and statutes, it is about people, ethics, and access. His journey is proof that when leadership meets innovation, and when ambition is tied to service, transformation becomes more than just a possibility.
To hear more from Azhar, watch the video below:
Image via De Rebus.
