Tag Archives: Q&A

Schnetler’s internal news

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)

Wills & Testaments

COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT A WILL

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a4_aLife is unpredictable, if something were to happen to you, do you know where your assets will go? Having a Will is one of the most important documents you could own, especially if you have children. Below are important reasons why this should be one of your top priorities.

Why should I have a Will?

A Will enables you to name your heirs. Should you die without a Will (intestate) your assets will be divided according to the Intestate Succession Act. That may benefit people whom you did not wish to name as your heirs.

Who is allowed to sign your Will as witness?

Your will must be signed in the presence of two witnesses, who also sign in each other’s presence. Only persons older than 14 years are qualified to sign as witnesses. 

What is the cost of Executor’s fees?

The maximum remuneration payable to an executor is determined by law and is currently fixed at 3.5% of the total gross estate value. Executor’s fees may, however, be negotiated with the person who has been appointed as executor of your Will. 

How often should I revise my Will?

It is recommended that Wills be revised at least every 2 years. It is also important to review your Will after events like marriage, birth, divorce or the purchase of property.

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)

Schnetler’s internal news

GETTING TO KNOW OUR DIRECTOR, DAVID

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a1_aI sat down with David Artlett, our firm’s only male attorney, in order to delve a little deeper into who David is and what makes him tick.

In addition to being a conveyancer and Notary, David is one of the directors of Schnetler’s Inc. David boasts more than 4 decades of experience in the area of property law and, more particularly, in conveyancing. It is safe to say that David is somewhat of an authority in this field of law!

Here is what David had to say during our sit-down:

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

I am a Southern Suburbs boy, as for most of my life I lived in our family home in Newlands. I attended SACS for my entire school career, and then proceeded to study law at UCT. At the time, the Law Faculty was in Cape Town and not at the main campus.

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

I am a sports enthusiast – I’m a particularly keen rugby and cricket fan. I played both sports at school and at club level. When I grew too old to participate actively, I took up road running to keep myself fit. From small beginnings, I went on to complete 10 Two Oceans Marathons.

Why did you decide to become an Attorney, and thereafter, a Conveyancer and Notary?

When I left school, I had no idea what career I wished to follow. Courtesy of the tax-pages, I had a ‘gap year’ completing my compulsory military service. During the three months between matriculating and commencing my service, I worked for a Building Society (they are all now banks). As luck would have it, I was put into the legal department and had a lot of contact with the society’s lawyers, and decided that this was the career for me.

How long have you been practising in the legal world for?

I was admitted as an Attorney and Conveyancer at the beginning of 1974 – so that makes it 42 years! A year or two after my admission, I also qualified as a Notary Public.

What about your job do you enjoy the most?

I think that the word ‘practice’ is very appropriate, because that is what we are doing. You never stop learning and coming across something new or different in this game. If you think you know it all, just wait and see what tomorrow brings.

Is there any other profession that you think would have been interesting to pursue?

I could have been an Accountant as I have the required analytical mind; but what I really dream about, is being the Sports Correspondent for a major newspaper. Imagine being present at, and watching all those major cup-finals – and being paid for it! As I said, dream on.

What area of the law is your favourite and the most interesting to you?

I must say conveyancing, as most of my work is in that field. As I mentioned previously, you can never say you know it all. Something new will always pop up and keep you on your toes. That’s what keeps me going.

One thing that can be gathered from my interview with David is that if you are looking to sell a property, Schnetler’s is definitely the firm that you want to handle your transfer!

Next month I will be sitting down with Annerine du Plessis, another attorney at Schnetler’s. Be sure to read our November newsletter to find out a little about one of our adept litigators!

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)

Schnetler’s internal news

AN INTERVIEW WITH OUR BELOVED DIRECTOR, BELINDA

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For this month’s newsletter article I decided to corner one of our firm’s directors during her busy schedule, to ask her a couple of questions.

Belinda Scholtz is not only a director at Schnetler’s Incorporated, but is also a conveyancing expert and notary. Here is what Belinda had to say during our interview.

Belinda, tell our readers a bit more about yourself – where did you grow up?

I grew up in Sea Point and attended Kings Road Junior & Ellerslie Girls High Schools. I have a passion for the sea, swimming, beaches, walking on the promenade and am a member of the Royal Cape Yacht Club. I enjoy going to the ballet and theatre and am an avid reader. I love to travel and have been to exotic places like China, Hong Kong, Egypt, Morocco, Europe and Vietnam is my next destination. I love animals and have been to Namibia and to the Kruger National Park. I also do ceramics in my spare time.

Why did you decide to become a lawyer?

While in matric my first choice was to be an air hostess as the thought of travel appealed to me. However, my guidance teacher persuaded me not to become a “glorified waitress”. I worked as a conveyancing secretary for 10 years before deciding to study law part-time through Unisa. I decided to become a lawyer as I found law fascinating and very interesting.

Except for being a Director at Schnetler’s, you are also a very busy lady doing Conveyancing. What about Conveyancing do you enjoy most?

Purchasing a property is usually the largest investment that a person will make during their lifetime and I enjoy assisting both buyers and sellers in an endeavour to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible. I endeavour to provide an excellent service to our clients.

What would you say is the biggest challenge in your working environment?

The sourcing of new clients and working in a very competitive milieu.

If you could choose all over again, would you change anything about your chosen career path?

I would have loved to become a chef. I am currently doing a cooking course at Giggling Gourmet and thoroughly enjoying it.

What advice do you have for young attorneys?

To be dedicated in their chosen field within the law and to be passionate about their job

Look out for my next article when I will be conducting an interview with our male director, Dave Artlett – one of the few thorns amongst the roses at our firm! Until next time.

Compiled by: Annerine du Plessis

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)