The Judge JP Karuaihe Trust Legal Excellence Awards have awarded Edward Luke Schroder as the best Justice Training Center student for the 2021 academic year.

The awards, cantered around legal practitioners and law students, acknowledge the dedication, efforts, and commitment of legal practitioners who are enhancing and protecting the rule of law in Namibia.

The awards also honour law firms for their social responsibilities and the best LLB student from the University of Namibia's class of 2021.  

The Legal Excellence Awards are based on a man who was at the forefront of fighting for women's equality in the legal fraternity.

Judge JP Karuaihe also stood up against an all-white bench at the High Court and was also influential in the establishment of the law faculty at the University of Namibia.

He is a revered man in the legal field.

According to Vicky Ya Toivo, the foundation, therefore, acknowledges those who have made significant strides with a trophy of a giraffe, a representation of legal practitioners who have to see and think far in contemplating the impact of law on society.

"We are talking about a lot of very big things done by someone who was a humble person. He did not speak much, but was very wise and very committed and very respectful."

It was Edward Luke Schroder, who at the time of the awards was being admitted to the High Court, who scooped the best JTC student for the 2021 academic year.

His award was accepted by the Chairperson of the Law Society of Namibia, Clive Kavendji.

The best LLB student for the year 2021 was awarded to Inga Mungandjera, from the University of Namibia.

"I must say I was really shocked when I got that call. I had to ask them to confirm. I truly believe that there were other equally deserving students."

The Lorenze Angula Law Firm, Apollos Shimakeleni Lawyers, and Anne Shilengudwa Incorporated received the Social Responsibility Excellence Award.

To the disappointment of the Chairperson of the Law Society of Namibia, Judge JP Karuaihe Trust Legal Excellence Awards did not recognise anyone for the human rights award.

"It is really disconcerting that there is no award being given in the human rights field. I think it is a serious indictment on us as lawyers. It is also a betrayal, somewhat, of this wonderful legacy of JPK."