Auxbrief: Driving Digital Transformation in South Africa’s Legal Sector
In an era where innovation and inclusivity are reshaping every sector, the legal profession is no exception. Standard Bank’s sponsorship of the Auxbrief digital platform launch marks a pivotal step in modernising how legal practitioners connect, collaborate and contribute to a more transparent and equitable industry.
Auxbrief, developed by Auxcon in partnership with the Johannesburg Society of Advocates (JSA) and Vezi & De Beer Attorneys, is a first-of-its-kind digital platform designed to transform the process of advocate briefing. It provides a secure, transparent space where attorneys can brief advocates, track engagements and analyse briefing patterns, a powerful tool for driving both efficiency and digital transformation in the legal ecosystem.
Bringing Transparency and Efficiency to Legal Practice
For decades, the process of briefing advocates has relied on personal networks and manual administration, often limiting opportunities for many Auxbrief changes that. Through its digital interface, attorneys can now post briefs, match them with advocates based on expertise, rates and availability, and manage the entire process securely online.
The platform also offers a breakthrough in transparency. Clients can monitor billing in real time, eliminating the delays and cost surprises that have long characterised legal invoicing. For advocates, this means balanced access to work and faster payments; for clients, it means accountability, data-driven insights and confidence in the briefing process.
Championing Transformation Through Upskilling and Access
Beyond technology, Auxbrief’s true innovation lies in how it supports transformation within the legal sector. Through training workshops run in collaboration with the JSA, the initiative equips young advocates, predominantly from previously underrepresented groups, with the practical skills needed to run sustainable practices and compete on equal footing for high-value briefs.
“By sponsoring the launch of Auxbrief and supporting its training workshops, the legal sector aimed to drive innovation, empower advocates through upskilling and position itself as a forward-thinking leader in legal transformation. This initiative not only enhanced professional capabilities and service delivery but also promoted inclusivity, strengthened strategic partnerships and reinforced the sector’s credibility in shaping the future of legal practice. We’re proud to support this initiative” – Elani Van der Laan, Head: Accounting & Legal sector, Business and Commercial Banking, Standard Bank South Africa
Collaborating Across Banking Segments to Support Growth
Standard Bank’s involvement in the Auxbrief initiative also demonstrates powerful internal collaboration between its Business and Commercial Banking (BCB) and Personal and Private Banking (PPB) divisions. Together, the teams are helping advocates manage both personal and business finances more effectively, from opening dedicated business accounts to building credit profiles that can support future growth.
A Platform for Progress
This initiative embodies what it means to be “Africa’s Partner for Growth.” By supporting forward-thinking solutions like Auxbrief, we continue to play a catalytic role in helping professionals digitise, scale and thrive in a rapidly evolving economy.
Auxbrief is more than an app. It’s a bridge between innovation and inclusion, between opportunity and impact, and a clear example of how Standard Bank partners with professionals to keep growing