De Rebus, South Africa’s legal profession journal, marks its 70th anniversary this September, reflecting on seven decades of documenting the legal profession.
The Early Years and National Expansion
The first issue of De Rebus Procuratoriis appeared in 1956, launched by the then Incorporated Law Society of the Transvaal. Its founding editorial positioned the journal as more than a routine publication, outlining three core purposes: to keep members informed on matters affecting the profession, to provide updates on relevant legal developments and decisions, and to serve as a forum for practitioners to share views on issues concerning legal practice.
From its inception, the journal aimed to be both informative and practical, directly addressing the day-to-day interests of its readership. This dual mission has endured, even as the journal itself has changed considerably.
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In 1968, the journal underwent a major transformation when the Association of Law Societies-predecessor to the Law Society of South Africa (LSSA)-assumed responsibility for its publication. This transition was recognised as an important step for the profession, with De Rebus moving from a provincial publication to one intended to serve attorneys throughout the country.
Adapting to Change and Broadening Coverage
Over the decades, the journal broadened its scope to reflect the evolving legal profession and broader societal shifts in South Africa. From the mid-1980s onward, its coverage became more inclusive, increasingly reflecting the changing profession and the wider developments taking place in South Africa.
In 1998, the LSSA officially became the publisher of De Rebus, further cementing institutional support for the journal. That same period saw the launch of a free-to-read website, providing digital access to full issues and preserving an archive of past editions for future reference.
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Production methods have also evolved. Originally printed in A5 format, the journal switched to A4 size in 1978, allowing more space for in-depth articles. The adoption of desktop publishing in the 1990s brought typesetting, design, and production processes in-house, streamlining operations and improving quality.
The Digital Era and Modern Reach
In 2019, the journal moved away from mass print distribution. The cost of printing and distributing copies to the profession had become prohibitive. The January/February 2019 issue was the last free printed copy made available. The LSSA continued to publish De Rebus in digital format, while printed copies became available by subscription.
People, Purpose, and Looking Forward
Yet the fundamental purpose established in 1956 remains: to provide information, create a platform for the profession and contribute to the development of legal practice. The continued relevance of De Rebus depends on the same things that have sustained it throughout its history: people willing to contribute, readers willing to engage and supporters willing to invest in the publication.
