IN the legal landscape where many fail and few succeed on the first try, a 24-year-old female has whipped out Zambian lawyers by becoming the Zambia Institute of Advanced Legal Education (ZIALE) Legal Practitioners’ Qualifying Examination (LPQE) best student on her first attempt.
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From as little as 13 years, Tionge wanted to get paid for talking. She wanted to win intellectual arguments as her morale was boosted by her father, who encouraged her to pursue her dream while her mother feared that law can be a dangerous career sometimes.
By the age of 16 in 2017, Tionge had already completed her Secondary education from Ndola Girls National Technical School and was already ready to shake hands with her childhood dream of becoming a lawyer.
Raised on a quiet farm in Lusaka’s Makeni compound and surrounded by maize fields, Tionge’s legal journey began in 2018, when she received an academic scholarship to Cavendish University Law School.
She graduated in 2022 and immediately embarked on her legal internship, working with different firms, experiences that sharpened her legal skills, but, it was only ZIALE that would put her resolve to the test.
Eager to defend the law, the young female counsel sat among the may lawyers who wrote the 2024 ZIALE examinations last year.
But despite the examination being considered as nearly impossible by many GCE lawyers who often turn out to be social media counsel’s, Tionge tapped on her Femine power for support and ensured that her passport to being admitted to the bar was a one way attempt to earn.
She knew she had to set a good academic example not only to her two younger siblings, but also to the Zambian youth and proved that a person with interest in banking and cooking can scoop best in law too.
Tionge shared with Kalemba her experience during her examination period.
“ZIALE is not just a test of legal knowledge, it’s a test of mental endurance, character, and discipline. You don’t just survive it by chance. You prepare, focus, and push beyond your limits,” she said.
The pressure of ZIALE wasn’t without cost. Tionge experienced burnout and illness due to stress. But she adapted, learned to rest, and restructured her study approach.
“Passing on the first attempt isn’t just about hard work. It’s about being smart with your time, learning how you learn best, and making your wellness a priority. I have always believed in continuous learning, especially in Law.
“My interest lies in Civil and Criminal Law, Conveyancing and Legal Drafting. My dream is to become a top trail Advocate, train future lawyers, and eventually serve on the Bench. But beyond Law, I have a passion for baking and hope to become a certified Chef one day,” she shared.
Now, Tionge isn’t just any Lawyer, she is also a recipient of the Stephen Malama Award for Best Graduating Student, while she awaits on being admitted to the bar.
The Stephen Malama Award is given annually to the most outstanding student who passes on first attempt, and is named after the late Stephen Malama, a revered legal reformist, and is sponsored by Dr. Rajan Mahtani.
And to lawyers seating for the exams after her, Tionge encouraged them not to be crowd led and develop a study plan tailored to one’s strengths.
“Treat ZIALE with the seriousness it deserves. Study daily. Ask for help when needed and practice drafting as often as possible. But above all, pray and persevere.”
“This milestone represents years of hard work, the power of prayer, and the unshakable support of my family. Honor indeed follows diligence like a shadow,” added Tionge.
In a system where the odds are steep, Tionge didn’t just beat them, she set a new standard of one attempt, one triumph.
By Catharine Pule
Kalemba, May 5, 2025
