Adv Adila Hassim SC. Image: Gabrielle GoliathHonorary Doctorate Recipient 2025: Adila Hassim
Doctor Philosophiae
Adv Adila Hassim SC is renowned for her distinguished legal career spanning almost three decades and for her unwavering commitment to advancing constitutional rights, access to healthcare and social justice in South Africa.
She obtained her Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the former University of Natal, followed by a Master of Laws (LLM) from Saint Louis University School of Law in 1999. She subsequently earned a Doctor of the Science of Law (JSD) in 2006 from Notre Dame Law School in the United States.
Prior to working at the AIDS Law Project (2007), where she helped advance the rights of people living with HIV, she was admitted to the Johannesburg Society of Advocates in 2003. She also served on the National Executive Committee of the Treatment Action Campaign. In 2010, Adv Hassim co-founded SECTION27, where she served as Director of Litigation, leading landmark constitutional and public-interest cases. In 2017, she was lead counsel representing SECTION27 and the families of victims during the Life Esidimeni Arbitration.
In 2024, she attracted international recognition as lead opening counsel for South Africa before the International Court of Justice in The Hague, presenting the country's case alleging violations of the Genocide Convention by Israel and seeking provisional measures.
She currently serves as an evidence leader for the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, which is investigating allegations of corruption, criminality and political interference in South Africa's criminal justice system.
