While judges are ushered into retirement at 70, South African attorneys have the luxury of practising law indefinitely, provided they remain sharp and capable.  According to the latest data from the Law Society of South Africa (LSSA) there are over 33,000 practising attorneys and 6,500 candidate attorneys in the country. While detailed age demographics are not always readily available, recent findings reveal that most attorneys fall within the 25-44 age group, with a stark decline in numbers among older practitioners.  This generational shift signals a profound transformation within the legal profession, with fewer senior attorneys remaining in active practice.

As the legal profession evolves many senior attorneys are exploring alternative practise models in response to changing work environments, semigration, technological advancements, and a growing demand for flexibility. Recognising this shift, Macgregor Erasmus Attorneys is reconnecting with experienced legal professionals who still have valuable expertise to offer.

"Many seasoned attorneys were stepping away from the profession, not due to a lack of ability or passion, but because the traditional model no longer suited them. Fortunately, the digital transformation of the legal field has allowed us to bring these brilliant minds back into the boardroom and courtroom—on their own terms while maintaining their freedom," says Richard Erasmus, of Macgregor Erasmus Attorneys.

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated remote work adoption, pushing law firms to integrate digital solutions for secure document sharing, virtual meetings, and online collaboration. These advancements have eliminated geographical constraints, allowing attorneys to work from virtually anywhere while expanding firms’ talent pools beyond traditional urban hubs.

Court proceedings have also adapted, with many now being conducted remotely. Video conferencing platforms are also widely used, particularly in High Courts, where cases must be initiated digitally via the "Court Online" system. Legal tech tools like Court Online and CaseLines have revolutionised litigation by enabling online filing, evidence management, and virtual hearings.

This transformation has opened the door for seasoned legal professionals looking to continue practising without the constraints of conventional firms.

"We're reaching out to senior attorneys who still have much to offer but are ready to hang up their robes for flip flops without becoming redundant," says Erasmus. "We’re seeing immense interest from legal experts eager to leverage their skills in a modern, flexible environment—without the monotony of a traditional practice and the stress of traffic congestion."

With attorneys signing on from locations as varied as Stilbaai to Bali, the demand for a hybrid and remote legal workforce is undeniable. Retaining experienced legal minds will be key to preserving industry expertise while meeting an increasingly digital world.