A Week To Re-Bemba

Photo above: Chris Lisica poses with law school students at the University of Zambia (UNZA)

If you were asked to describe the most rewarding experience of your life to date, you'd probably have to stop and think about it, right? Well, I used to - before I had the unique opportunity to teach legal writing and analysis skills at the University of Zambia (UNZA) School of Law.

It all began for me in early 2017 when I offered to assist Michael Gill, a DLA Piper consultant, evaluate the teaching program. At that point in time I knew very little about the program, but after completing the evaluation, it was abundantly clear to me just how important it was to everyone involved. Needless to say, the rare opportunity to teach in a foreign jurisdiction and genuinely make a difference was something I desperately wanted to experience first-hand. So when I was lucky enough to be selected as part of the 2018 teaching team, I was ecstatic!

Upon arrival in Lusaka, I had the privilege of meeting a group of fantastic lawyers from around the world who would be teaching alongside me. From Pfizer were Allison Stein (Chicago), Daniel Healey (New York), Fernanda Martins (Brazil) and Karen Shen (New York). From DLA Piper were our team leader, Crystal Doyle (Chicago), Carolin Seifriedsberger (Austria), Melissa Johnston (New Zealand) and Tracey Turner (Baltimore).

When we arrived at UNZA, we were ushered to the opening ceremony where we were greeted by enthusiastic law faculty staff and students. During the ceremony, the Dean explained the program was the highlight of the academic year and a necessary part of the students' education - which speaks volumes for the incredible work performed by the New Perimeter team and past teachers. I left the ceremony feeling like a bit of a celebrity, not least because of the number of selfies I had to pose for with students on the way to the classroom!

The week which ensued was intense and passed by in a flash. In four days of class-time, we covered everything from sentence structure and drafting legal correspondence, to solving complicated legal problem questions. We exposed the students to an experiential teaching style, which was unusual for them, and encouraged robust class discussion. The students themselves were some of the most charismatic, determined and generous young men and women I have met. Despite the program being run during their mid-semester break, they fully embraced the opportunity to learn, and it was incredibly rewarding to see the quality work they produced by the end of the week.

However, it wasn't all about hard work. Some of the most memorable moments were the epic icebreakers we played with the students, which involved dancing, singing, and at one stage became so loud we had others coming into our room to see what the fuss was about! We also had the opportunity to share a meal with various local DLA Piper representatives, including the global scholars, our colleagues at Chibesakunda & Co. Advocates and African Pro Bono Director, Ramsey Beck.

I am incredibly grateful to have had this opportunity and would like to thank everyone who made it possible.

Chris Lisica presents certificate of completion to UNZA law school student