Our Team

Associates

Innovatively adding value to make positive contributions

Attention to detail has never been negotiable when it comes to servicing our clients.

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Arilia du Plessis

Qualifications:

  • 1992 - BJur (University of Port Elizabeth)
  • 1994 - LLB (Rand Afrikaans University)
  • 1995 - Programme in Relationship Agreements & Dispute Resolution (University of Stellenbosch)
  • 1998 – Admitted as an Attorney of the High Court of South Africa
  • 2012 - Certificate in Administration of Estates (UNISA)

Profile Summary:

Arilia du Plessis focuses on Labour Law including internal disciplinary processes and external litigation in the CCMA/various Bargaining Councils and Labour Court/Labour Appeal Court. She also specialises in the administration of Deceased Estates and Insolvent Deceased Estates. She has been appointed as Curator Bonis and Trustee in terms of Court orders. She also serves as correspondent in the local Magistrates Courts and Gauteng Local Division of the High Court.

Focus area/Expertise:

  • Specialising in administration of deceased estates
  • Administration of insolvent deceased estates
  • Labour Law including company documents related to discipline, internal hearings, CCMA/various Bargaining Councils and Labour Court/Labour Appeal court process
  • Curator Bonis appointments by court order
  • Administration of trusts created by court order

Membership:

  • Law Society of the Northern Provinces (LSNP)
  • Johannesburg Attorneys Association (JAA)

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Bouwer van Niekerk

Qualifications:

  • BA (Law) (University of Stellenbosch)
  • LLB (University of Stellenbosch)
  • Postgraduate Diploma Labour Law (University of Johannesburg)
  • Certificate Business Rescue Practice (UNISA & LEAD)
  • Certificate Prospecting and Mining Law (University of the Witwatersrand)
  • Admitted as an Attorney of the High Court of South Africa
  • Appointed as a Commissioner of the Small Claims Court

Profile Summary:

Bouwer focuses on business rescue, insolvency, mining, labour, general commercial litigation, and administrative law related matters.

He has been the lead attorney representing the business rescue practitioners in some of the largest, most complex, and most litigious business rescues in South African corporate history in restructuring companies worth billions of Rands and represented liquidators in pursuing claims in the hundreds of millions of Rands.

In addition, Bouwer has advised on many large-scale retrenchments and restructures, and had has advised on multi-million Rand damages claims in mining related arbitrations, and in doing so has worked closely with some of the most renowned experts in this field in reducing claims by tens of millions of Rands.

Bouwer advises local and international clients, listed and private companies, registered credit providers, business rescue practitioners, affected persons of companies under supervision, liquidators, creditors in insolvent estates, trade unions, charity organisations and schools (pro bono), industrialists and property developers in (among others) the mining, banking, wealth management, logistics, manufacturing, fibre optic, property, advertising, security, cigarette and restaurant industries.

He regularly publishes articles in professional legal magazines and the mainstream media and is often invited to make television appearances and host webinars to discuss specific and everyday legal topics.

Bouwer has represented clients in the Constitutional Court, the Supreme Court of Appeal, the High Courts, Parliament, the Competition Commission, the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), private arbitrations and mediations, public and private insolvency enquiries, the Companies Tribunal, enquiries in terms of the Tax Administration Act, the Labour Courts, the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA), bargaining councils and tribunals, the Court of the Commissioner of Patents, the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court and the Magistrates’ Courts.

Focus area/Expertise:

  • Business rescue and Insolvency practice
  • Corporate and commercial litigation and alternative dispute resolutions
  • Mining disputes
  • Labour and Employment
  • Administrative law, with emphasis on outdoor advertising

Membership:

  • The Legal Practice Council (LPC)
  • Johannesburg Attorneys Association (JAA)
  • The South African Restructuring and Insolvency Practitioners Association (SARIPA)
  • The International Association of Restructuring, Insolvency & Bankruptcy Professionals (INSOL International)

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Jacques Marais

Qualifications:

  • 1998 - BCom (Law) (Rand Afrikaans University)
  • 2000 - LLB (Rand Afrikaans University)
  • 2000 - Admitted as Attorney of the High Court of South Africa

Profile Summary:

Jacques started his legal career at what is nowadays so eloquently called a "boutique style" legal firm. During his tenure at the small firm, his legal foundations were solidly cast. He received invaluable training and guidance from his "old school" partner. The firm and therefore, his foundation, was based on the principles of honesty, integrity and dedication to clients.
Even though he obtained extensive experience in a broad spectrum of legal work, Jacques developed a passion for the negotiation of commercial transactions and the drafting of the concomitant agreements. He was also responsible for all aspects relating to the management of the firm. Jacques soon realised that he has a keen interest in, and thoroughly enjoys, the management of a legal practice. After his previous business partner retired, he merged his firm with Smit Sewgoolam Incorporated. At Smit Sewgoolam Incorporated he again found opportunity to follow his passion for commercial work and the management of a legal firm.

Focus area/Expertise:

  • Management of the Practice
  • Corporate and commercial advice and related services
  • Corporate and commercial litigation and alternative dispute resolutions
  • Information Technology Law

Membership:

  • Law Society of the Northern Provinces (LSNP)
  • Johannesburg Attorneys Association (JAA)

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Johannes Engelbrecht

Qualifications:

  • 1991 – BCom (Law) (Rand Afrikaans University)
  • 1994 – LLB (Rand Afrikaans University)
  • 1996 – Diploma in Insolvency Law and Practice (Rand Afrikaans University)
  • 1996 – Higher Diploma in Tax Law (Rand Afrikaans University)
  • 1997 – Admitted as an Attorney of the High Court of South Africa

Profile Summary:

Johannes is a Director and heads up our Retail Banking Division as well as heading up one of the Corporate and Commercial law departments within the firm. He obtained his LLB from the Rand Afrikaans University (now the University of Johannesburg and completed his articles at the firm before being admitted as an attorney in 1997. He has extensive Banking, Corporate and Commercial law experience as well as experience in the property law sector and collections environment. Having gained years of experience through servicing large commercial and corporate clients, Johannes is equipped with the wealth of proven knowledge and expertise required in the corporate legal sphere to assist in business from a legal perspective.

Focus area/Expertise:

  • All aspects of property law, including conveyancing and ancillary aspects
  • Corporate and commercial advice and related services and the Companies Act
  • Corporate and commercial litigation
  • Non-litigious commercial matters and drafting of commercial agreements
  • Credit Law, with emphasis on matters arising from the National Credit Act
  • Insolvency practice

Membership:

  • Law Society of the Northern Provinces (LSNP)
  • Johannesburg Attorneys Association (JAA)

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Rachelle Freed

Qualifications:

  • 1993 – BLC (University of Pretoria)
  • 1995 – LLB (University of Pretoria)
  • 1997 – Postgraduate Diploma in Corporate Law (Rand Afrikaans University)
  • 1999 – Admitted as Attorney of the High Court of South Africa
  • 2002 – Admitted as Conveyancer of the High Court of South Africa

Profile Summary:

Rachelle is a Director and heads the Conveyancing and Property law department at Smit Sewgoolam Incorporated. She obtained her LLB from the University of Pretoria and was admitted as an Attorney in 1999 and as a Conveyancer in 2002. In amplification of her passion for property Law she obtained a postgraduate Diploma in Corporate Law from the University of Johannesburg which was obtained with distinction. She is equipped with extensive property law experience and enjoys all aspects of property law and conveyancing with a particular interest in the technical and drafting aspects.

Focus Area/Expertise:

  • Subdivisions
  • Consolidationss
  • Residential and Sectional Title developments
  • Residential long term leases
  • Commercial and Residential property transfers
  • Insolvency transfers
  • Servitudes
  • Mortgage Bond Registrations

Membership:

  • Women Leading in Law (Wolela) initiative
  • Law Society of the Northern Provinces
  • Johannesburg Attorneys Association (JAA)

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Rikesh Sewgoolam

Qualifications:

  • 1994 - Bachelor of Business and Bachelor of Law Degree (University of Victoria, Melbourne, Australia)
  • 2000 - Admitted as an Attorney of the High Court of South Africa

Profile Summary:

Rikesh is in charge of the firm’s operations in KZN and has a particular interest in commercial and insolvency related work.

Focus Area/Expertise:

  • Corporate and commercial advice and related services
  • Corporate and commercial litigation and alternative dispute resolutions
  • Insolvency practice

Membership:

  • Law Society of the Northern Provinces (LSNP)
  • KwaZulu-Natal Law Society

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Tiaan Jonker

Qualifications:

  • 1998 – BCom (Law) (North West University, Potchefstroom)
  • 1999 – LLB (North West University, Potchefstroom)
  • 2001 – Admitted as an Attorney of the High Court of South Africa

Profile Summary:

Advising local and international private and listed companies, Tiaan's main areas of expertise are commercial law, corporate structuring, compliance and government procurement. His expertise include negotiation, structuring, drafting and dispute resolution. He has led teams in litigation before the Constitutional Court involving some of the largest tenders issued by the South African Government and in numerous high value arbitrations and court proceedings. He has extensive experience in the Financial Services Industry, including dealings with the Financial Services Board, the South African Reserve Bank, the Payments Association of South Africa, the National Credit Regulator and the Competition Commission, as well as appearances before the National Consumer Tribunal.

Focus Area/Expertise:

  • Commercial law
  • Corporate governance
  • Administrative law
  • Constitutional law
  • Dispute resolution (court procedure, mediation and arbitration)

Membership:

  • Law Society of the Northern Provinces (LSNP)
  • KwaZulu-Natal Law Society
  • Johannesburg Attorneys Association (JAA)

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Peto Milton

Qualifications:

  • 2008 - BCom Accounting and Law (North West University)
  • 2010 - LLB (North West University and Vrije University, Amsterdam)
  • 2013 - Admitted as Attorney of the High Court of South Africa

 

Profile Summary:

Peto is a Director within the Commercial and Litigation Department and is admitted as an Attorney of the High Court of South Africa. She obtained her BCom Accounting & LLB degrees from the North West University and the Vrije University in Amsterdam, the latter as an exchange student. She has extensive experience in commercial and transaction advisory services, credit law as well as complex commercial, personal injury and motor vehicle accident litigation.

 

Focus Area/Expertise:

  • Corporate and commercial advice and related services
  • Commercial litigation
  • Credit Law, with emphasis on matters arising from the National Credit Act
  • Personal injury claims
  • Motor Vehicle Accidents

 

Membership:

  • Law Society of the Northern Provinces (LSNP)
  • Johannesburg Attorneys Association (JAA)

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Ashley Zwelihle Seckel

Qualifications:

  • 2015 LLB (University of Johannesburg)
  • 2017 LLM (International Commercial Law) (University of Johannesburg)
  • 2019 Admitted as Attorney of High Court of South Africa

 

Profile Summary:

Ashley Zwelihle Seckel is a distinguished legal professional, holding both an LLB and an LLM (International Commercial Law) from the University of Johannesburg.
His journey with the firm commenced in 2016 when he joined as a candidate attorney, and his dedication and exceptional legal skills led to his appointment as a director in 2023.
Presently, Ashley leads a dynamic department that deals with matters across a wide spectrum of legal disciplines. This includes opposed banking law, corporate transactions (including multi-billion rand BBB-EE transactions), general commercial law, property law, and alternative dispute resolution matters (including arbitrations)
Clients value Ashley’s thorough and meticulous approach to legal matters, as well as his unwavering commitment to excellence.
In addition to his legal endeavours, Ashley is involved in social development initiatives as part of the firm’s commitment to giving back to the community. He has made notable appearances on various media platforms, generously sharing his legal insights on a range of topics. His efforts have heightened awareness of crucial legal issues and have extended vital support to individuals who might otherwise be deprived of access to legal services.

Focus Area/Expertise:

  • Banking Law
  • Commercial law
  • Corporate governance
  • Dispute resolution (court procedures, mediation and arbitration)
  • Property Law

 

Membership:

  • Legal Practice Council
  • Johannesburg Attorneys Association (JAA)

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Marnelize Olivier

Qualifications:

  • 2010 - BCom (Law) (UNISA)
  • 2012 - LLB (UNISA)
  • 2015 - Admitted as an Attorney of the High Court of South Africa

Profile Summary:

Marnelize Olivier obtained her BCom LAW and LLB degrees from UNISA in 2010 and 2012 respectively. She completed her articles at Smit Sewgoolam Inc in Johannesburg, before being admitted as an attorney of the High Court of South Africa in 2015. She obtained her Right of Appearance in both the Gauteng Division, Pretoria and the KwaZulu-Natal Division, Pietermaritzburg. She has substantial experience in Corporate and Commercial advice and related services, with advanced knowledge on Credit Law with an emphasis on matters related to the National Credit Act. She has gained experience in Foreclosure, Debt Review, Magistrates’ and High Court Civil Litigation and Criminal Dispute Resolution. Marnelize has a passion for community outreach programs and is actively involved in charity projects.

Focus Area/Expertise:

  • Foreclosure
  • Repossession of Vehicles
  • Other aspects of banking and credit law

Membership:

  • Law Society of the Northern Provinces (LSNP)
  • KwaZulu-Natal Law Society

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Parveen Munga

Qualifications:

  • 2013 BSc (Genetics) (University of Pretoria)
  • 2017 LLB (University of Witwatersrand)
  • 2020 Admitted as Attorney of High Court of South Africa

 

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Michani Wallis

Qualifications:

  • 2018 LLB (UNISA)
  • 2020 Admitted as Attorney of High Court of South Africa

 

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Zandre Jansen van Rensburg

Qualifications:

  • 2016 BCom (Law) (University of Johannesburg)
  • 2018 LLB (Cum Laude) (University of Johannesburg)

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Maselaelo Phaswana

Qualifications:

  • 2019 - Bcom (Law) (Wits), 2021 -LLB (Wits)

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Johan Willemse

Qualifications:

  • 2020 LLB (University of Pretoria)

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Lethabo Mashego

Qualifications:

  • 2019 LLB (University of Pretoria)

 

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Lavinia Bernards

Qualifications:

  • 2016 – LLB(Wits)

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Nicole Kotzé

Qualifications:

  • 2022 – LLB Cum Laude (University of Pretoria)

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Raeesa Smith

Qualifications:

  • BA LAW (LAW & POLITICS) WITS 2020
  • LLB WITS 2022

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Thato Sethe

Qualifications:

  • 2022 - LLB (University of South Africa)
  • 2020 - Certificate – China-Africa Legal Professional Exchange (China Law Society)

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Christian Herselman

Qualifications:

  • B.Com, LLB

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Frederik van Dyk

Qualifications:

  • BA (Law), LLB

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Zenande Sono

Qualifications:

  • BA (Gen), LLB

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Payal Kessow

Qualifications:

  • BA Law (University of Pretoria)
  • LLB (University of Cape Town)
  • LLM Commercial Law (University of Cape Town)

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Sharon van Rheede

Qualifications:

  • BA Law (University of Johannesburg)
  • LLB (University of Johannesburg)
  • LLM in Human Rights (University of Johannesburg)

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