About Us
We believe that it is important that our solutions are practical, lawful and make good business sense. For this reason we also offer various training, content management and implementation options, regardless of the industry or size of the business involved.
We work on behalf of a wide range of clients – from entrepreneurs who run SMMEs to national and multinational corporates as well as community-based organisations. Our enduring client relationships testify to the excellence of our personal service and our business acumen. We offer every client the same level of dedicated attention in a working environment that inspires creative thinking, practical solutions – and positive results. Our attention to personal detail is meticulous.
To ensure financial transparency, we discuss and agree on all our rates upfront. We deliver fully itemised monthly accounts to all our clients. We base our rates for all matters on the guidelines set down by the Legal Practice Council and offer a range of fee arrangements to suit our clients’ needs.
Certifications:
- BBBEE Level 4 contributor
- Unashamedly ethical certified
- International Institute of Legal Project Management (ILPM) – Accredited Training Provider
- South African Legal Partner Centuro Global
Awards:
- Winner Gender Mainstreaming Awards 2018: Unlisted Companies – Women Empowerment in the Workplace
- Finalist 702 Cape Talk Nedbank Business Accelerator 2018
- Winner WOZA Women in Law Awards 2019: 6+ Women Lawyers
- Finalist Standard Bank Top Woman Awards Top 2019: Gender Empowered Company: Diversity & Inclusion Award
- Finalist African Legal Awards 2019: Best use of Technology
- HiiL Innovating Justice Challenge Class of 2020
Mrs Nicolene Schoeman-Louw
LLB cum laude LLM (UFS) PG Dip FP(US)
Founder | Managing Director
Legal Project Practitioner | Attorney| Conveyancer | Notary Public | Mediator
Click here to arrange a consultation with Nicolene
Connect with me on Twitter and LinkedIn
Choosing the “right fit” attorney is an important matter! We appreciate this and therefore offer commitment free, free 10 minute telephone consultations, so you can ensure you have found the “right fit” before having an initial consultation or signing up with us.
Click here to arrange a 10 Minute Free Consultation with Nicolene
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Areas of expertise:
- Commercial law
- Contract Drafting
- B-BBEE Advice and Planning
- Construction law
- Mining law
- Technology law
- Insurance law
- Property law and conveyancing
- Notarial work
- Business continuity planning and corporate governance
- Drafting Wills, Trusts and Estate planning
- Alternative Dispute Resolution
- Civil Litigation
Mrs Nicolene Schoeman – Louw founded the firm in 2007, aged 24, and is now the Managing Director of the firm.
She is an admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa, Conveyancer, Notary Public and Mediator; with a passion for entrepreneurs and helping them reach their most ambitious goals.
She obtained her LLB degree cum laude and successfully completed her LLM degree (dissertation) in commercial law and B-BBEE, both at the University of the Free State. In addition, she obtained her postgraduate diploma in financial planning (CFP) at the University of Stellenbosch.
An abstract of her LLM dissertation was published in the Journal for Estate Planning in 2006. Now, she regularly writes for academic publications such as De Rebus (the SA attorneys’ journal) as well as Without Prejudice and Polity.org (legalbriefs). She also regularly contributes to various online publications such as Spice4Life and other mainstream publications such as The Entrepreneur Magazine, Business Briefs and Personal Finance Magazine (to name a few).
For over 7 years she presented The Law Report with Karen Key on SAFM, until the show was cancelled. She currently shares her knowledge regularly on radio 786, RSG and other radio stations.
Mrs Schoeman – Louw lectured at the University of the Free State during her studies, presently guest lectures at Stellenbosch Business School and currently presents seminars and workshops on a wide range of legal topics for various organizations such as Bandwidth Barn, UnitedSucces, Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Business, Retail and Marketing Indabas – to name a few.
Mrs Schoeman – Louw has won a number of prestigious awards for her academic achievements. Among others, they include the:
- Hofmeyr Herbstein Gihwala Inc. Prize
- Gildenhuys van der Merwe Prize
- Juta Prize
- The Bobbert Medal (for obtaining her LLB degree cum laude)
Other Awards and achievements:
- 2012: Finalist in the Professional Category of the Regional Business Achievers’ Awards (RBAA) – Western Cape
- 2013: Finalist as CEO magazine’s Most Influential Women in Government and Business Africa
- 2019: Runner-up WOZA Women in Law Awards Corporate Attorney (Practicing)
- 2019: Finalist Standard Bank Topwomen Awards Top Young Achiever Under 40
- 2020: Finalist Accenture Rising Star Awards Entrepreneur Category
Her professional and other affiliations include:
- Legal Practice Council (Western Cape – member number: 13546)
- International Institute of Legal Project Management – Legal Project Practitioner and Accredited Trainer (member number: 859)
- Arbitration Foundation of South Africa (AFSA)
- UnitedSucces
- Women Presidents’ Organization (WPO)
- Cape Town Attorneys’ Association
- Institute of Directors Southern Africa (IODSA): 17476335
- Xtraordinary Women (member number: XWCT008)
- Western Cape Business Opportunities Forum (WECBOF)
Mrs Schoeman-Louw has enjoyed the confidence of many successful entrepreneurs (both locally and abroad) over the years and continues to do so. As a trusted advisor she has actively contributed to the successes of many businesses, helped and continues to help many entrepreneurs build lasting legacies.
Mrs Raeesa Ebrahim Atkinson
LLB (UWC)
Professional Assistant – Attorney
Click here to arrange a consultation with Raeesa
Connect with me on LinkedIn
Choosing the “right fit” attorney is an important matter! We appreciate this and therefore offer commitment free, free 10 minute telephone consultations, so you can ensure you have found the “right fit” before having an initial consultation or signing up with us.
Click here to arrange a 10 Minute Free Consultation with Raeesa
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Areas of expertise:
- Contract Drafting
- Commercial Law
- Civil Litigation
- Technology Law
- Alternative Dispute Resolution
- Internet Law
Raeesa Ebrahim Atkinson obtained her Batchelors of Law (LLB) degree from the University of the Western Cape in 2015.
As a member of the University of Western Cape Moot Court Society, she represented the University of the Western Cape in a number of Moot Court Competitions including the All Africa Human Rights Moot Court Competition and the Cape Bar Exposure Programme.
Raeesa was also a member of the first South African team from a previously disadvantaged university who qualified and participated in the Philip C Jessup Cup or Moot Court Competition held at Washington DC in 2015.
She joined Schoeman Law Inc as a Professional Legal Assistant in 2020.
Raeesa is a driven and ambitious individual who thrives on learning.
She believes in being socially conscious and aspires to be more aware of the social issues which have bearing on our legal system.
Her professional and other affiliations include:
Mr Jared Poole
LLB (UWC)
Candidate Attorney
Click here to arrange a consultation with Jared
Connect with me on Twitter and LinkedIn
Choosing the “right fit” attorney is an important matter! We appreciate this and therefore offer commitment free, free 10 minute telephone consultations, so you can ensure you have found the “right fit” before having an initial consultation or signing up with us.
Click here to arrange a 10 Minute Free Consultation with Jared
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Areas of expertise:
- Civil Litigation
- Employment and Labour Law
- Wills and Deceased Estates
Jared Poole obtained his LLB degree from the University of the Western Cape in 2017.
He joined SchoemanLaw Inc as a Candidate Attorney on 1 December 2018.
During his articles, Jared has gained experience in various areas of the law. Having the benefit of learnings in various forums, he has become familiar with the processes of handling matters, whether at court, labour forums or public administration offices.
Jared also carries experience in drafting contracts for both business and personal needs ranging from service level agreements to lease agreements.
Jared is a driven, ambitious and reliable individual. He believes that no matter how complex your legal needs, the law can always be utilized to bring about harmony.
His professional and other affiliations include:
Mr Petrus Khumalo
LLB (UP)
Candidate Attorney
Click here to arrange a consultation with Petrus
Connect with me on Twitter and LinkedIn
Choosing the “right fit” attorney is an important matter! We appreciate this and therefore offer commitment free, free 10 minute telephone consultations, so you can ensure you have found the “right fit” before having an initial consultation or signing up with us.
Click here to arrange a 10 Minute Free Consultation with Petrus
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Areas of Law
- Employment and Labour Law
- Family Law
- Contract Drafting
- Wills and Deceased Estates
- Antenuptial Contracts
- Civil Litigation
- Alternative Dispute Resolution
Petrus completed his LLB degree from the University of Pretoria in 2016.
He was employed by the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport under its entity called G-Fleet Management. He worked as a Legal Services Intern which required him to draft Service Level Agreements, Legal opinions, and worked closely with the Office of the State Attorney up until October 2018.
He joined SchoemanLaw Incorporated in Cape Town as a Candidate Attorney on 1 December 2018.
Petrus is a passionate, humble and hardworking individuals. He believes in maintaining equality, justice and in the advancement of Human Rights.
His professional and other affiliations include:
Ms Gabriella Keeble
LLB (UWC)
Candidate Attorney
Click here to arrange a consultation with Gabriella
Connect with me on LinkedIn
Choosing the “right fit” attorney is an important matter! We appreciate this and therefore offer commitment free, free 10 minute telephone consultations, so you can ensure you have found the “right fit” before having an initial consultation or signing up with us.
Click here to arrange a 10 Minute Free Consultation with Gabriella
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Gabriella completed her LLB at the University of the Western Cape.
Gabriella joined a boutique commercial and insolvency firm in February 2019 as a Candidate Attorney. She gained extensive experience in commercial, employment and insolvency related matters.
Always eager to learn, Gabriella stretches her capabilities by working extensively in all departments. A woman of integrity, Gabriella takes ownership for tasks that are handed to her and strives to achieve nothing less than her best no matter the complexity of the matter. With a focus on corporate and commercial law, Gabriella is able to tap into her wealth of business experience and academia in the field.
She joined SchoemanLaw as a Candidate Attorney on 28 September 2020.
Gabriella is passionate, systematic and tenacious. She believes that anything can be solved through looking at a matter with a practical and innovative lens.”
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She believes that respect goes a long way and always strives to treat everyone with the necessary respect and dignity. Her actions are that of a mature woman and know how to take responsibility. She believes that working hard reaps benefits and that one should always strive to be better. Caioly is very eager to learn and is always seeking ways to improving herself.
Caioly joined SchoemanLaw Incorporated in Cape Town as a Candidate Attorney on 22 February 2021.
Caioly is an energetic, hard-working, passionate and humble individual. She is very passionate about the law and believes she can make a difference in the lives of others. She also believes that law always has a way of bringing forth the truth. She is dedicated to her clients and aims to assist them with care, skill and diligence in all aspects.
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She is a well-rounded, balanced individual with good leadership skills, demonstrated from an early age. She likes to be involved in her surroundings and invest in people.
Her commitment to personal and professional excellence has driven her to increase her knowledge and elevated her dedication to perform. In her time at university, she learned how to work together in a team and also to self-motivate when she finds herself in-front of an obstacle as an individual.
Her excellent communication and interpersonal skills allows her to work well with others and to bring an unique dynamic to her peers, whereas her hardworking and ambitious nature fuels goal orientated work in individual as well as group projects.
She has an eagerness to learn, passion for the law and the respect for its influence on the lives of people.
About the firm’s Leadership
Historical Background
The firm was established in 2007 by the then 24 year old, Ms Nicolene Schoeman (now Mrs Nicolene Schoeman – Louw). She is a passionate Attorney, Conveyancer, Notary Public and Mediator, originally from the Free State.
Nicolene started small as a single Practitioner under the style and banner of Schoeman Attorney, Conveyancer and Notary Public from 2007 to 2012. In 2012 (the firm still trading as a sole proprietorship) expanded its professional staff compliment and became known as Schoeman Attorneys, Conveyancers and Notaries Public.
In 2013 the firm reached a great milestone in its expansion and incorporation as SchoemanLaw Inc.
From November 2013 to November 2014 it was known as Schoemanlaw Inc t/a Schoeman Attorneys, Conveyancers and Notaries Public and then, Schoeman Tshaka Attorneys, Conveyancers and Notaries Public.
In December 2014, the firm did away with its trading name and since then has been trading simply as SchoemanLaw Inc. Since then, the firm has become known for its commitment to uncompromising quality, innovative thinking and client value – added service. We are proud to be known as the preferred law firm for entrepreneurs and as the creator of the SME Self-Service Desk and Contracts4biz platform, a unique online legal service for South African SME’s and start-ups.
Nicolene Schoeman-Louw has always been very outspoken about her beliefs in the need to create and sustain value-driven businesses in South Africa. It is, therefore, no surprise that the firm has successfully transitioned and evolved under her dedicated leadership as well as that of the firm’s EXCO.
Distinguishing Factor – why value driven business? This is Nicolene’s Story
I started the firm SchoemanLaw Inc when I was 24 years old.
I developed a passion for the law within the first few days in my first year at University. The driving factor for my belief that diversity creates powerful businesses and grows an economy was probably the reason why my LLM thesis focused on B-BBEE and commercial law.
When I came to Cape Town in 2007, I had the opportunity to start my own firm and I took it. I saw the potential (although not ideal circumstances given my young age) that anything was possible and that I could create a business where there would be a focus on empowerment and growth of the individual so that we could facilitate making tangible differences both internally and externally.
It would be this belief that nothing is impossible that would drive me to always be aware of the latest trends and best practices so that our clients truly get innovative and tailored solutions. In addition it gave me the tenacity and perseverance to overcome the challenges inherent to any business and also enables me to advise other entrepreneurs and clients with considered legal guidance and good business sense. That is why we describe our offering as entrepreneurial – out of the proverbial box, innovative and tailored to the needs of the client involved.
At the core of it all the vision is far greater than me, we believe we are able to not only add value to our clients and help them or their organisations grow – but also through their success do a small part in ensuring additional economic participation in South Africa.
I am driven by the core values of honesty, integrity and hard work and have handpicked a team with similar values. I am accountable for my actions and for true authenticity and transparency – these core characteristics are fundamental in my personal belief system or else I would not be authentic in integrating them in into my business ethos. I have declined work that would have comprised these values that I live by. As attorneys we are trained to set the example and to uphold justice. These values are considered our guiding compass at the firm which we apply continuously and at all times in order to work towards our core vision.
My journey as a young female business owner has personally been very challenging, but also the most rewarding endeavour I have ever embarked upon. It has taught me many valuable lessons I would not have found in any article or textbook. I have found this extremely useful when serving entrepreneurs and in realising our vision.
What is it like to work at SchoemanLaw? As a Client what are you actually investing in?
SchoemanLaw Inc is a value driven business and each member of our team is important to us. As a business we are not only value driven in our external relations with colleagues, clients and stakeholders, but equally important, also from within. Because this holds true, we aim in making a tangible difference internally by ensuring that all our staff has equal opportunity in:
- Activities that encourage personal and professional growth,
- Opportunities that provide continuous learning and upskilling,
- Leadership development of all staff on all levels, and
- To become the best at their own particular job function.
In testimony of our empowerment focus, SchoemanLaw was named the Winner of the Gender Mainstreaming Awards 2018: Unlisted Companies – Women Empowerment in the Workplace. The Women Empowerment in the Workplace award acknowledges organisations that not only have advanced women in their workplaces through training and capacity-building but also have successfully transformed corporate behaviour and practices. Winner Law firm – 6+ or more Women Lawyers 2019 and a finalist for the 2019 Standard Bank Top Woman Awards as the Top Gender Empowered Company: Diversity & Inclusion Award category.
Accordingly, all our staff have access to, and are encouraged to partake in:
- Regular training opportunities (both internally and externally) – fully or partially funded by the firm,
- Exposure to various fields of law and legal practice in an environment where senior attorneys actively guide, monitor and oversee client work to ensure the best and highest quality is delivered to the client,
- Actively participate in various forums within which staff are able to contribute to decision – making and policy creation,
- To utilise a transparent and open forum policy through which staff are able to voice concerns and to make recommendations to management,
- Annual individual professional goalsetting and support in achieving individually set goals,
- Regular performance monitoring and constructive feedback to aid professional development and improvement,
- Regular team building and staff functions,
- Writing for various academic and main stream publications and radio opportunities,
- Monthly book club meetings.