Kameel Premhid

Kameel Premhid, 35, initially had a passion for politics, but now he practises as an independent advocate in public, constitutional, commercial and regulatory law. His work has seen him argue precedent-setting cases in South Africa and Namibia. Kameel’s academic journey includes undergraduate degrees in politics and law and an LLB from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, followed by an MSc in education from the University of Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar. His early achievements include co-leading his university’s debating union, serving as co-president for graduates at his Oxford college, and contributing to rule of law litigation even before practice. Beyond the courtroom, Kameel serves on the Bar Council, convenes the General Council of the Bar’s Human Rights Committee, and mentors law students and pupils through formal and informal structures. His activism extends to the queer community as a board member of GALA – Queer Archive, preserving South Africa’s LGBTIQ+ history, and internationally as co-chair of the  Rhodes Society’s Global South network. He champions a leadership style grounded in compassion, excellence and authenticity. His approach reflects his belief that empathy and rigour can coexist in the legal profession.

• Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Politics and Law, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Howard College
• Bachelor of Laws (LLB), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Howard College
• Master of Science (MSc) in Education (Higher Education), University of Oxford (Lady Margaret Hall) – awarded the Rhodes Scholarship

• Contested a seat in Parliament at age 19, nearly securing election — a rare accomplishment for someone of that age and background
• Awarded a Rhodes Scholarship to study at the University of Oxford
• Co-founded a political branch at the university and led it to secure 20% of votes and seats on the SRC
• Helped sustain the university debating union, promoting critical engagement and public discourse
• Served as co-president of graduates at Lady Margaret Hall, University of Oxford
• Published writing on law and politics, contributing to legal and political scholarship
• Engaged in rule of law litigation prior to legal practice
• Awarded the Red Bag three months into legal practice in a case involving unpopular clients — argued against Senior Counsel as the only junior to do so
• Argued the first Constitutional Court case within the first year of practice
• Lead counsel in precedent-setting cases, often leading teams of junior advocates despite junior status
• Advocates for inclusion at the Bar, particularly by creating high-quality work opportunities for black and female juniors

One person I have long admired is Justice Edwin Cameron. He was the first person beyond my immediate family and friends that I came out to—one day when I visited him for lunch at the Constitutional Court and ended up crying in his chambers as I began to fully and publicly embrace who I am. I often describe him as my Dumbledore: a man of immense standing and intellect, but with the presence of mind and gentleness of touch to know when and how to use his power. Being in close proximity to him has allowed me to see both the eminent jurist and the man behind that image. That closeness has been a gift, helping me think about how to hold together the public and personal parts of myself—especially in a profession that does not always leave space for the latter. The legal world can often feel like a zero-sum game: competitive, punishing, and unrelenting, rewarding sharpness over softness. And yet, in watching how Justice Cameron carries himself—how he argues, writes, mentors, and simply moves through the world—I have come to believe it is possible to reach the heights of the legal world, hold fast to your principles, and not lose your humanity. That influence has shaped the kind of lawyer, colleague, and person I am striving to be. Empathy, compassion, and clarity are not mutually exclusive; they are what give my work, and my life, meaning.