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WHAT MAKES ANNERINE TICK?

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14311251_1831191280448809_8913264364133753815_o-2Annerine du Plessis is one of Schnetler’s Litigation Attorneys, who also heads-up the Litigation Department. Annerine has been part of the Schnetler’s team for the past 4 years. She has taken a fledgling department and grown it into a very busy and ever-expanding division of the firm. As the saying goes, never judge a book by its cover – she may be young, but she knows her stuff!

I sat down with Annerine, armed with a list of questions aimed at allowing us to discover a little more about who Annerine is.

Where did you grow up and attend school, and thereafter university?

I grew up in the Northern Cape, and attended high school in a small town named Groblershoop, which is near to Upington. After matriculating, I packed my bags and set out for the Western Cape to become a Matie. I still miss those care-free days!

What or who influenced you in your decision to become an attorney?

My late father was a Magistrate, and I used to love sitting in his courtroom during school and varsity holidays listening to trials. My mother always says that I love arguing and fighting for a cause, so I suppose for me, law was the obvious career choice!

For how long have you been practising as an attorney?

After completing my two years of articles, I was admitted as an attorney of the High Court, and have now been practising as an attorney since 2010.

What part of your work is the most interesting to you and brings you the most satisfaction?

I am a very inquisitive person by nature, and in my line of work I learn something new every day. When I am confronted with a legal matter or question, I always start off by dissecting the issue/s at hand, carrying out extensive research on the topic if required, and then by evaluating what the possible solutions to the problem may be. Nothing brings me more satisfaction than a client who appreciates my brutal honesty regarding the feasibility of pursuing a matter.

I am sure that many people would agree that the last profession that comes to mind when meeting you is ‘law’. Is there any other profession/field of work that you could have been/are interested in?

I get that a lot! Yes, looks can be deceiving! I have been blessed with a creative and artistic side to my personality. It has always been a dream of mine to have my very own art studio/gallery, combining it with an intimate arts theatre. Let’s say that this is my 20-year goal!

Another great love of mine, is teaching. My dream is to complete my Master’s Degree, and thereafter to lecture at my alma mater.

What do you enjoy doing when you aren’t at the office?

This might sound boring, but I am crazy about sleep! My colleagues will confirm that I religiously have a lunch-time nap in my office. I am the proud mother of a beautiful two-year-old daughter who keeps me busy, and with whom I adore spending time with. I am also a big movie fan!

Compiled by: Laura Ames

This article is a general information sheet and should not be used or relied on as legal or other professional advice. No liability can be accepted for any errors or omissions nor for any loss or damage arising from reliance upon any information herein. Always contact your legal adviser for specific and detailed advice. Errors and omissions excepted (E&OE)

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THE MEDIATION MOVEMENT

By Annerine du Plessis

Due to excessive legal costs involved in litigation and the endless frustration associated with prolonged court cases, mediation, as a form of Alternative Dispute Resolution, is becoming the obvious alternative to fighting things out in a courtroom. South Africa is slowly but surely beginning to be part of the global mediation movement.

Mediation is a voluntary process whereby both parties must first reach consensus to refer their dispute to mediation. A party may withdraw at any stage of the proceedings and later litigation is still possible.

The mediator is not a judge and does not tell the parties what the solution to their dispute is. Mediation is the parties’ process and it is entirely up to them to find a solution that meets their needs and interests.

The role of the mediator is to facilitate discussions between the parties, assist them in identifying the relevant issues and explore the areas of compromise so that a settlement can hopefully be reached. The process of mediation not only has the benefit of saving the parties time, but will also in the long run save the parties money.

For more information on this topic contact Annerine du Plessis at Schnetler’s Incorporated (021) 552 4844.

This article is a general information sheet and should not be used or relied on as legal or other professional advice. No liability can be accepted for any errors or omissions nor for any loss or damage arising from reliance upon any information herein. Always contact your legal adviser for specific and detailed advice.