Published on: 13 October 2025
Published on: 23 September 2025
Digitalisation is an important part of our podcast series. On the last podcast Esmarie Swanepoel spoke about Revolut and how it is yet to be implemented in the region. Banks like Revolut though will sooner rather than later becomes licensed to undertake their banking business.
A common theme being AI in law is explored by Anuj Nathoo- Legal Executive, and Prospective Barrister Member of (Middle Temple). Please tune in and listen to Anuj as he takes us through his appreciation of AI in his practice of law.
International Law Students in Mauritius: Navigating Studies, Internships, and Legal Culture
1) Introduction:
Hello and welcome to the Temple Podcast. My name is Tristan Potgieter, and I’m studying law in Mauritius. Today, I’ll be sharing my experience of what its like to study law here.
I’m from South Africa, and soon I’ll be starting the final year of my law degree at Middlesex University here in Mauritius. When I first arrived, the real challenge wasn’t my studies, but rather the culture shock. Many people often underestimate what it truly means to be an international student. You aren’t just adjusting to the climate or the pace of life that feels so different from what you are used to, you are also navigating a new language and culture in ways that push you out of your comfort zone.
2) Internship Experience:
What really changed the way I think about law, though, wasn’t just being a student, it was my internships. This year, I’ve been fortunate to complete three of them, and each one gave me a different perspective on the legal field. Going in, I had no idea what to expect, but I quickly realised that legal practice is nothing like university. At university, you learn theory, cases, and statutes, but in an internship, you see how the law actually works in practice, with real clients, real deadlines and sometimes conflicting priorities. University deadlines can stretch over months, but in practice, clients expect results much faster. I learned how important problem-solving, communication, and teamwork are, things you just can’t get from a textbook. Problem solving goes beyond applying rules, it’s about assessing risks, anticipating potential issues in your case and strengths that the opposition may have, as well as finding solutions that work for your client in the real world. Communication is just as important because the best legal teams are useless without effective communication. And teamwork, seeing how lawyers and support staff collaborate under extremely tight deadlines has shown me that the law is never a one-person job. It’s been an eye-opening experience and has shown me what being a lawyer is like day to day
3) Experience of Being Mini-Pupil in Mauritius and 5 things that have marked me:
Living and working here has given me a broader perspective on the legal profession and Mauritius itself. Having completed my internships here, five things really stood out to me. These aren’t just about the law, they’re about what is like working in a professional environment in Mauritius as a whole.
1) People in law:
The level of professionalism expected in the legal field can be intimidating at first. You might think everyone is too busy or too senior to notice a mini pupil, but most people are incredibly welcoming and understanding. They really appreciate when you’re actively trying to learn, and support makes it much easier to gain confidence and get involved in meaningful work.
2) Mauritius Legal System:
Working in Mauritius has shown me how unique the legal system really is, with a blend of English common law and French civil code influences. Contracts here often reflect both systems, so drafting and interpreting them needs attention to common law precedents as well as the codified rules. Mauritius has adapted its own civil code from the French Model which is a vital piece of the law that just so happens to be written completely in French. At first, I was worried because I don’t understand French, but so far everyone has been incredibly accommodating and inclusive. Even without the language, I’ve been able to follow along, contribute and this hasn’t been as much of a drawback as you would expect.
3) Working in Mauritius:
Working in Mauritius has been an eye-opener. Every day I take the bus to work, like people do here, and this has taught me patience and time management. The heat and humidity are intense, so you have to be careful not to overheat or ruin your work clothes. The most striking thing about working in Mauritius is the contrast between life outside and inside the office. Outside, the island has this slow, chilled, laid-back vibe but once you step into the office it’s a completely different world. Work is fast-paced, demanding and very serious, you quickly learn how to switch gears and stay focused.
4) Skills required in law:
Working in law here in Mauritius has shown me just how demanding the skills required of legal professionals really are. It’s not enough to simply complete a task, you need to approach every piece of work carefully, think critically and most importantly cross-check everything. Even small, seemingly silly mistakes, like a misspelled name, an incorrect account number, or a wrong figure, can have serious consequences. Analytical thinking is crucial because you need to look at issues from different angles as 9 times out of 10, the answer won’t be right in front of you. One of the legal executives at Temple said it the best, when the answer isn’t obvious, you have to dig through the law like a mole. Be patient and persistent and you will find what you are looking for. You must stay curious and ask yourself, “Why is it like this?”. As soon as you understand the law you will be able to find what you are looking for.
5) Discipline and resilience from the daily routine:
One of the most unexpected lessons from these internships has been just how important the simple act of showing up every day can be. Waking up early, heading to the office, and committing to a full workday might seem basic but it builds discipline and resilience. At university, missing a class might not feel like a big deal, but in a professional environment like a law firm, you must be consistent and show up. As Marcus Aurelius said, “You have power over your mind, not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength”. Getting out of bed and going to work, even when you don’t feel like it, is the first win of the day.
4) Takeaway for Others:
To wrap up, I want to stress the importance of doing internships alongside your studies, especially in law. My own placements have taught me lessons no classroom could. If you are studying law, seek out practical experience, embrace the challenges, and learn from every opportunity. Not only do they shape your skills, but your mindset, your resilience, and the way you approach the law. These lessons have been an invaluable part of my journey, and something I’ll carry forward into the rest of my career.
Thank you for tuning in to the Temple Podcast.
Can calling someone “bald” amount to sex-based harassment? In this episode, Zakariyya Seekdaur, Barrister at Temple Law, breaks down a surprising UK tribunal case that ruled yes. We explore the legal reasoning behind this decision in British Bung Manufacturing Co Ltd & King v Finn [2023], its implications under UK law, and how Mauritius takes an even stronger stance under Section 114 of the Workers’ Rights Act 2019.
This episode is a reminder that in today’s workplace, words matter and understanding your rights and duties is more important than ever.
Mr. Satyajit Boolell SC opens up about the practice of administrative law in Mauritius, specifically with regards to Environmental Law.
He fleshes out the question of locus standi in the context of section 54(2) of the Environment Protection Act, and the notion of remoteness of the prejudice suffered. In his analysis he draws a reference to the outcome of the case of Ecosud & Ors v Minister of Environment & Anor [2024 ] UKPC 19.
Good morning and welcome to the Temple Podcast, a production of Temple Law.
I present myself as Satyajit Boolell. Mount Taranaki may not be considered as noteworthy by the majority of Mauritians, but it is a mountain in New Zealand that is venerated by the Maori community, just as it was by their ancestors.
In February that year, the Parliament of New Zealand promulgated/passed the Taranaki Maunga Collective Redress Act 2025, granting legal person hood to Taranaki Maunga (Mount Taranaki), which means the associated peaks are now recognised as legal entities with rights, powers, duties, and responsibilities akin to those of a human being.
The voice of this mountain, the face of this mountain, will be through an entity composed of representatives of the Maori and environmental activists. Based on similar cases, it can be inferred that this entity has the authority to initiate legal proceedings to protect the mountain from all environmental dangers.
The question of Locus Standi means that you need to demonstrate that you have a personal prejudice, a prejudice that directly affects you. This question has not been raised, and it is an important step towards the protection of the environment in court.
In Mauritius, for a long time, the environmental court interpreted the law, the old law, the Environmental Protection Act 2002, which has now been replaced by the Environmental Act 2024. In this context, the issue of Locus Standi was reproduced textually from the previous law, where it was necessary to demonstrate a personal economic prejudicein order to proceed with a case before the court. This approach was adopted by the Tribunal.
Fortunately, the Privy Council, in a recent judgement, Ecosud, as everyone knows, Ecosud against the Minister of Environment, dated 20th, with the reference 2024 UK PC 19, adopted a much more flexible approach. It called for the interpretation of Section 54(2) of the Environment Protection Act, which addresses the issue ofLocus Standi. According to the approach adopted by the Privy Council, the protection of the environment is not limited to the conservation of nature; it goes much further than that. It promotes social justice because it guarantees a clean and healthy environment for all citizens, but especially for future generations, ensuring that we all have a better quality of life.
It is in this context that we need to interpret the notion of prejudice when it comes to environmental protection. It is not limited to just economic prejudice, nor to a harm that directly affects an individual personally, but it also concerns all individuals who are affected by issues impacting the environment. Therefore, the doors of the court are wide open to all environment activists, and this is the approach we will adopt following the Privy Council’s Judgement from now on.
However, it will be interesting to see in the future if the Supreme Court will adopt the same approach. In Judicial review cases, we will find the orthodox approach versus the liberal approach.
On this note, I thank you for your attention. See you at the next Temple Podcast.
Thank you.
Get to know our Professionals.
Satyajit Boolell SC
Chairman
Senior Counsel
(Ceased Office upon appointment to the National Human Rights Commission)
Anuj Nathoo
Legal Executive
Urmila Boolell S.C. is an advocate, a published author and the sole founding member of Chambers of Urmila Boolell SC (now called Temple Law) and of the companies within Temple Group.
Urmila reckons over 30 years experience as a practising barrister and took silk in 2016. She is the most senior woman at the Mauritian bar and was the first of the two women in Mauritius to ever be appointed Senior Counsel.
She has regularly been recognised as a ‘Leading Lawyer’ by prestigious international rankings such as Chambers Global, Legal500, IFLR1000, and Acquisition International.
She was elected to the Presidency of the Mauritian Bar Council in January 2013. Urmila read Law at the University of Reading where she graduated with an LLB (Hons.) .
She was called to the Bar in the UK at the Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn in July 1985, at the age of twenty one. She was called to the Mauritian Bar in September 1985, and has ever since been in active practice in Mauritius.
Urmila has acquired experience as an advocate in all aspects of civil and commercial litigation. She has advised on a number of matters including international/foreign investment, structuring of corporate transactions and reorganisations, banking and non-banking financial transactions, the application and operation of double taxation agreements entered into by Mauritius with other countries; and on infrastructure projects.
SOME CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
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Satyajit Boolell, Senior Counsel, has had a rich career at the Attorney General’s Office where he served as Assistant Solicitor General. He was later appointed as Parliamentary Counsel, responsible for the drafting of legislation. During that time, he was also assigned the responsibility to work closely with Sir Ian Brownlie, Barrister and Professor of International law whilst the latter was legal adviser to the Mauritian Government on the Chagos Archipelagos issue.
In February 2009 Satyajit Boolell was appointed Director of Public Prosecutions of the Republic of Mauritius. He occupied that post for the next fourteen years up to November 2022. He joined the Chambers of Urmila Boolell SC (now called Temple Law) after retiring as DPP.
Mr Boolell reckons several years of experience as a prosecutor and law Officer handling appeals before the Mauritian courts and the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, the highest appellate court for the Republic of Mauritius.
He has represented the Government in several negotiations at the international level and has also been called upon by the Commonwealth Secretariat as a legal consultant for drafting the model law on Competition for small jurisdictions. He also chaired the drafting committee for the Harare Scheme on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters. He served as Vice President of the International Association of Prosecutors for the African and Indian Ocean Region and Vice-president of the African Prosecutors Association.
During his term of Office as DPP, he was the Editor of the Mauritius Criminal Review, and a member of the Law Reform Commission and the Institute of Advance Legal Studies of Mauritius. He is a part-time lecturer at the University of Mauritius, teaching Administrative and Constitutional Law to students sitting for their Bar Finals examinations.
Mr Boolell is married with three children. He was called to the Bar in England and Wales in 1985 and holds a Master’s Degree in Law ( Finance and Banking ) from King’s College London.
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Barrister at Law at Temple Law (previously called Chambers of Urmila Boolell SC)
Year of Call: 2015 (Bar of England & Wales); 2016 (Supreme Court of Mauritius)
About
Nikhil specialises in Civil and Commercial Dispute Resolution and aspects of contentious work with particular focus on company, employment, insurance and administrative law. He has wide-ranging experience before the Courts and Tribunals in Mauritius, and has appeared unled at all judicial levels in Mauritius until the Supreme Court acting in its Appellate jurisdiction. He is instructed to act in commercial claims for both claimants and defendants. Since coming to the employed bar, Nikhil regularly appears as Junior Counsel together with Urmila Boolell SC.
Outside of his litigation time, Nikhil’s practice is balanced in favour of a strong advisory and corporate time allotment. He habitually spends most of his out of court time dispensing advice to foreign states, companies and individuals on their activities or business in Mauritius.
Education
Language
Other Contributions
Membership
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Willem has gathered vast experience exceeding 15 years as Head of his own law firm based in South Africa. Willem is a qualified attorney, notary, and conveyancer in South Africa, and holds a degree in Commercial Law as well as LLB from the University of Pretoria. Willem is currently working towards completion of a Master's Degree in International Business Law at Middlesex University, Mauritius campus in substantiating his expertise in commercial law and extensive knowledge of property law.
As Head of Operations, Willem co-ordinates the legal team whilst also complementing our commercial offering given his strategic, solutions-driven approach to our client offering.
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Barrister-at-law at Temple Law
Year of Call (England and Wales): 2018
Year of Call (Mauritius): 2020
Email: [email protected]
ABOUT
Faarzaad joined Temple Law (formerly, Chambers of Urmila Boolell SC) as a Barrister-at-law since 2020. His professional activities encompass regular advisory services to a diverse array of domestic and international companies spanning over various sectors, as well as to foreign governments. He particularly focuses on civil, commercial, corporate, and employment-related matters within the framework of domestic law.
In addition to his advisory role, Faarzaad is involved in contentious matters, engaging in dispute resolution across different forums in Mauritius. Notably, he has experience in litigation concerning asset recovery, commercial and employment disputes, financial crimes, insolvency, enforcement of international arbitration awards and, urgent relief matters. He also appears before courts as junior counsel together with Urmila Boolell SC and Satyajit Boolell SC, respectively.
Faarzaad is also actively engaged in supporting clients on various employment law aspects, offering assistance in internal investigations, negotiations, and representations during disciplinary hearings. His experience also extends to chairing such hearings.
Additionally, Faarzaad has authored several articles, some of which have been published in the local press.
As an MQA accredited trainer, he conducts training sessions for employers on employment law and industrial relations.
EDUCATION & PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
LANGUAGE
MEMBERSHIPS
PUBLICATIONS
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Barrister at Law at Temple Law
Year of Call (England & Wales): 2018
Year of Call (Mauritius): 2019
Email: [email protected]
ABOUT
Anuja’s practice covers the full spectrum of corporate and commercial law. After her admission to the bar, Anuja worked at a Mauritius law firm specialising in investment funds. She also worked as Legal Consultant for some time before joining Temple Law (formerly, Chambers of Urmila Boolell SC) in July 2020.
Anuja advises a wide range of clients including domestic and international companies, banks and diplomatic bodies. She has been advising on protection of intellectual property rights, amalgamations, tax implications of commercial transactions, share purchase agreements, setting up of trusts and foundations, securities law, company insolvency, re-domiciliation of companies, data protection, protection of foreign investments, employment law, medical negligence and citizenship applications amongst others. She also appears before the Family Court in divorce and custody matters.
Anuja has authored several articles and is an MQA accredited trainer. She conducts training sessions in corporate law.
Anuja is the Co-Chairperson for the Meritas Africa Emerging Leaders Group for the year 2024.
EDUCATION & PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
LANGUAGE
LECTURES AND SEMINARS
MEMBERSHIPS
PUBLICATIONS
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Akshay has been working at the Chambers of Urmila Boolell SC (now called Temple Law) for 5 years before being called as an Attorney-at-Law early in 2023. Throughout his career, he has been actively involved in reviewing and drafting corporate documents and agreements, as well as in providing legal opinions for individuals, domestic and international entities on matters pertaining to civil, corporate, commercial, and insolvency law, to name a few.
As an Attorney, Akshay is an expert in the intricacies of the court process and regularly appears before the Family Division in various family-related matters, as well as before the Commercial Division of the Supreme Court concerning any matters falling under the Companies Act and the Insolvency Act, among others. His extensive knowledge and practical experience in company law, insolvency, and financial laws make him an integral part of the corporate team as well.
Akshay holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) with Honours Degree in Law and Management from the University of Mauritius and a Master of Laws in Financial and Commercial Law (LLM) from the University of Central Lancashire where he completed a thesis and a module on International Commercial Arbitration.
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Esmarie Swanepoel joined Temple Group as Practice Manager - Chambers of Urmila Boolell SC (now called Temple Law) in 2016, and has since forged a keen focus on the growth and evolution of Temple Publications as a first-of-its-kind print and digital publishing house in Mauritius alongside her role as Head of Expat & Immigration (Corporate Support Services) in driving foreign investment, relocation and economic development in Mauritius. She has a keen interest in the implementation of innovation and technological strategies, as well as strategic marketing in business development whilst positioning the Temple Group within a global, competitive market increasingly geared towards servicing the tech-savvy client.
The vast majority of her career has been spent within top-tier law firms in South Africa and the United Kingdom (as well as 4 years subsequently within Chambers of Urmila Boolell SC - now called Temple Law), specifically in the management of Corporate & Commercial, Dispute Resolution, Aviation, Exchange Control, and Intellectual Property Law practices. She has a solid understanding of business management and innovation in the ever-evolving environment in which startups, entrepreneurs, and growth-minded businesses have to navigate, particularly cross-jurisdiction amidst technological disruption. Earlier in her career, she spent several years within the Virgin Group (Africa), focusing on strategic business development of the Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship in South Africa, as well as brand and CSR Management nationally for Virgin UNITE.
Esmarie holds qualifications in Commercial law and psychology as well as Strategic Marketing and PR, and is well-versed in Python and SQL complementing her existing software & machine learning development skills.
She is a Founding Member of the Mauritius Business Network as well as an affiliate member of the South African Chamber of Commerce in Mauritius.
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