Halalisani Xulu, 27, set his sights on the legal profession from an early age, a dream he has since realised at the constitutional court. As a law researcher, Halalisani supports the judges with legal research and with drafting judgments. His work extends to collaborating with other researchers to debate and analyse complex constitutional matters. Halalisani completed his Bachelor of Laws at the University of Fort Hare. He later earned a master’s in commercial law from the University of Cape Town, also obtaining specialised certification on the Twin Peaks financial regulatory system. He is the winner of the 2019 Kate O’Regan Moot Court Competition, was recognised as one of Africa’s Brightest Young Minds in 2022 and co-author of a peer-reviewed article addressing the legal status of climate change refugees. Halalisani recently founded a mentorship programme for LLB students, connecting them to a network of legal professionals, including attorneys, advocates, and judges. He also mentors high school learners from his alma mater and co-funds an under-18 football club in Kwa-Nongoma, creating safe spaces for teenage boys to avoid drugs and crime.