The Lexing Network is expanding into Africa and is looking for new members for Lexing Africa. If you’re a good fit, we’d love to hear from you. The Lexing Network is an international network of lawyers dedicated to data, digital and technology law. It is made up of truly exceptional lawyers who specialise in technology and data protection law in many countries around the world.

We collaborate with African businesses, governments, and inter-governmental organisations to solve their digital, data and technology law challenges.

A single digital market through data governance

We believe in transforming Africa into a single digital market. Part of the conversation involves data governance. At a continental level, data governance presents a vital opportunity to use standards, rules, norms, and principles to protect Africans from data risks and harms while advancing the continent’s data economy and paying out digital dividends for African nations. Ultimately, it is about the governance of data processing, security, demand, quality, and portability.

Crucially, Africans must find data governance solutions that are suitable for Africa. We have a deep faith in Africa, the continent’s talent and brilliance, and Africans’ ability to forge their own future in this regard.

Lexing Africa’s continental presence

We have a presence across Africa, and we are continually expanding our network of strategic partners on the continent. Lexing Africa’s headquarters is based in South Africa. Lexing Africa includes members from Francophone, Lusophone, and Anglophone Africa. We are trusted by our regional and international peers, as evidenced by our strong network of data practitioners. We built this trust by addressing niche issues affecting the African data economy.

The benefits of being a member

There are many benefits to joining the Lexing Network. For example, you can strengthen your firm’s brand by getting a license to use the Lexing® logo in your firm’s print and digital marketing materials through the Lexing Network. You can also join an international brand by becoming a Lexing firm. There are several marketing benefits too, like:

  • Having access to the Lexing Network’s marketing materials (information leaflet for clients, greetings cards, letterhead, business cards etc.)
  • Being listed on the Lexing Network’s website and in the Lexing Network’s directory (with your firm’s logo, contact information, and website address)
  • Opportunities to publish new items on the Lexing Network’s website for many potential clients.

Lexing Network AGM

In November each year, there is an AGM where you get to meet attorneys who specialise in IT and data protection from all over the world. It is held in person in Paris every second year and in one of the member countries every other year. 2023 was in Cape Town, South Africa, and 2025 is going to be in London.

Business development opportunities

As a member of the Lexing Network, you will have several opportunities to receive referrals for work. You will also have networking opportunities that will help you get to know emerging technology lawyers in other jurisdictions. You can even refer clients to each other when there is an overflow of work or connect with another member firm if you need to leverage a network member’s expertise.

The Lexing Network helps members to be informed about changes to digital and emerging law and their impact on the legal profession. Members have the added advantage of sharing
experiences and learnings with each other. One of the business development opportunities that the Lexing Network provides is for members to participate in Lexing delegations at various events like IBA, MWC Barcelona, INTA Annual Meeting, WIPO Panelists’ meetings and workshops.

What are the eligibility criteria?

You must be eligible to join the Lexing Network. For example, you must have a sound and proven practice of digital and emerging law in your country. You should also have staff who are willing to participate and contribute to the network. It is also an advantage if you have a good oral and written knowledge of English or French.

You may need your Bar Association’s approval to join our network in some countries.

Fees

You must pay an annual fee depending on the country where your firm is established. We have divided countries into four categories according to the UN Human Development Index.

What would your obligations be?

We encourage you to join the network if you are committed to fulfilling your membership obligations. For example, you must:

  • Pay the annual membership fee before the end of June each year.
  • Attend the Lexing Network’s monthly conference calls regularly.
  • Write at least one article every 18 months in the Network’s quarterly newsletter.
  • Publish at least two articles per year on the Lexing Network’s website.
  • Attend the Lexing Network’s conferences and annual general meetings at least once every two years. The Network makes exceptions if you must travel exceptionally long distances.
  • Provide information on any files you may exchange among the network members using the Lexing Network’s web tools.

Want to join?

If you meet the eligibility criteria set out above and are willing and able to fulfil your obligations as a member, please contact us to move the conversation forward.

Note: Lexing® is a registered trademark of the Lexing Network.