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 are  also the first law firm in South Africa offering clients access to our online platform  known as Contracts4Biz™. The platform allows users to build and download various contracts and legal documents, without needing any legal background. The technology is customisable. As such, clients requiring specific documents and agreements to be automated, please contact us for a personalised quote.

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:

Awards:

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:

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.

Mr Hamlet Heneke

LLB (UNISA)

Professional Assistant – Attorney

Click here to arrange a consultation with Hamlet

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 Hamlet

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Areas of expertise:

  • Family Law and Divorce
  • Employment and Labour Law
  • Contract Drafting
  • Drafting Wills, Trusts and Estate planning
  • Alternative Dispute Resolution
  • Civil Litigation

Hamlet completed his LLB degree through UNISA while working full time in the retail industry.

He completed his degree in 2015 and then embarked on his legal journey by working at a labour practice in Wellington where he gained useful knowledge in labour law. After his stint, Hamlet worked in the legal insurance sector where he received numerous prizes for services rendered to clients. Whilst working in the legal insurance industry, Hamlet completed his Practical Legal Training Court (PLT) through the University of Cape Town. After completing his PLT Hamlet enrolled for his Practical Vocational Training through a prominent Litigation firm in Cape Town, focusing primarily on High Court Litigation.

Hamlet was admitted as an attorney on 2 July 2019. Aside from Hamlet’s undeniable passion for the law, he is passionate about wildlife, nature, and he is a habitual freshwater angler

His professional and other affiliations include:

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

Read More

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

Read More

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

Connect with me on LinkedIn

 

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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.”

Ms Aphelele Mabanga

LLB (UFS)

Candidate Attorney

Connect with me on Twitter and LinkedIn

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Aphelele obtained her degree at the University of the Free State in 2019.

She is a well-mannered young lady who presents herself with confidence. She knows her mind and always expresses her thoughts with dignity and respect. As Head Girl of her high school and Chairperson of the University residence committee, Aphelele has displayed a mature ability to lead and take responsibility. Placing a keen and firm interest in learning, Aphelele, is highly motivated to achieve well, not only in her legal career but in all spheres of life.

She joined SchoemanLaw as Candidate Attorney on 6 January 2021.

Aphelele is a self-expressive, driven and meticulous. She is particularly interested in the way the law promotes the knowledge of being able to communicate and negotiate. She believes that the most powerful way to make an argument is to ask questions. She is dedicated to her clients and aims to assist them with diligence in all aspects.

Ms Leigh-Anne Kriel

BA (Law) LLB II (PG) SU

Candidate Attorney

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Leigh-Anne completed her BA (LLB) in 2018 and completed her post-graduate LLB in 2020, both at the University of Stellenbosch. During her studies, she was an active Moot Court and EcoMaties member. She was committed to being a well-rounded sportswoman, community volunteer and dedicated student.

Leigh-Anne believes that if you don’t win people’s hearts, as well as minds, you cannot make real change happen. Being a value-driven, client-centric woman, Leigh-Anne is continuously striving to make a positive impact by building strategic partnerships from a place of transparency and integrity.

Leigh-Anne is a resilient and driven woman, with a compelling passion for the law, who views challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. She is dedicated to her clients and aims to assist them with care, skill and diligence in all aspects.

Mr Vutlahari Ricky Mathebula

LLB BsocSci LLM (UCT)

Candidate Attorney

Connect with me on LinkedIn

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Ricky Completed his Bachelor of Social Science, LLB and LLM at the University of Cape Town.

During his time spent at University, he played an active role in overseeing student development issues and has held positions of responsibility to that effect. He worked at the UCT Law clinic as part of his LLB training, gaining exposure and taking a liking to civil law issues. He takes great pride in resolving any legal matter that he is assigned. He has a specific interest in commercial and administrative law issues.

He joined SchoemanLaw as a Candidate Attorney on 6 January 2021.

Ricky is meticulous, pedantic, and tenacious in character. He will always make it a point to see things through to the best of his ability. He firmly believes that his reputation is based on how effectively he can assist his clients and approaches all matters with tender care.

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:

  1. Activities that encourage personal and professional growth,
  2. Opportunities that provide continuous learning and upskilling,
  3. Leadership development of all staff on all levels, and
  4. 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.

Team Testimonials

What is clear from the outset is that SchoemanLaw is a firm of the future. The entire culture of the firm is geared toward embracing where the legal profession is heading in the next few years. Where the attitudes and practices of the legal profession are still largely steeped in the traditional way of doing things SchoemanLaw is at the vanguard of not only embracing disruption, but creating it. I come away from this internship having been exposed to a level of innovation that is uncommon in our profession. As a young person watching the manner in which our profession is changing it is easy to get dismayed. We are constantly told that the profession is shrinking, there are more graduates than there are jobs and the market is being increasingly cornered by the major players, the so called ‘Big Five’. In this environment it is refreshing to know that SchoemanLaw is not looking at these changes in the legal landscape as obstacles but rather as opportunities. Opportunities to broaden the tent by reaching out markets that have historically been under served by the legal services industry. Opportunities to create a nexus between law, business and tech that creates employment for the steady stream of graduates coming out of law schools each year. Opportunities to redefine what it means to practice law. As the grandson of a Judge, the son of lawyer and then entering the profession myself I can testify that I have never seen law being practiced in the way it is done at SchoemanLaw. I am humbled to have had the opportunity to come and learn and grow. Nicolene is clearly a visionary in the industry and she has assembled a team that shares her vision.
The firm’s mission, vision and values are not just “nice to haves” for marketing purposes. We truly live it and incorporate it into our daily working environment as well as with all our dealings with clients and third parties. We also prescribe to the same code of ethics as individuals.

Compared to where I have worked before, SchoemanLaw has a very progressive and innovative approach to practicing law. Our clients are truly our number one priority and regardless of the type of matter being handled for a client each client enjoys individual dedicated service. We truly provide clients with the standards of innovative and tailor-made solutions which may be expected from large corporate law firms, but without the associated price tag.

I have found my home here at SchoemanLaw and colleagues that have become my extended family.

At SchoemanLaw we are a close knit team. I have grown so much in such a short period of time and with all the tools that I am getting at SchoemanLaw, I know I am on the path to excel. It is a great honour working for SchoemanLaw and being part of Nicolene’s team, she is a remarkable woman.
Working for SchoemanLaw is great! You get so many opportunities – here you can truly excel. You feel free to give your everything every day!
It is a great environment to work in! I have learned so much here. What is best for me is that I now know, anyone can be a leader.Here there are always new opportunities to learn more. Management has and is always open to new ideas to make things easier and more efficient.
Since joining SchoemanLaw I have grown so much as a professional and individual. I have learned even more than I learned during my articles and continue to do so every day.

Here, diversity really is a strength, I have seen this in action. I say this because the people I work with have contributed to my learning and growth. I have learnt from each of them, both from a legal perspective as well as in human relationships. Since making the conscious decision to learn from everything I do, one appreciates every opportunity even more. I find meaning and value in my time spent at work.

I count myself as fortunate to be able to work at a place where I can learn, while still be able to have a balanced work/personal life, as the latter will remain my largest motivation to keep learning, expanding knowledge, and grow. I can honestly say that I have made friends here, and this is not something anyone should take for granted.

Working at SchoemanLaw Inc has been a great experience. Working with a committed ethical team with a passion for entrepreneurs has helped me not only grow as an Attorney but as an individual as well. You are motivated to aim high and stretch yourself beyond what you thought you could achieve. There are no set limitations, and you never feel stunted in your personal and professional capacity.
Since joining the SchoemanLaw team, I have grown, not only as an Attorney but also as an Individual.

Here at SchoemanLaw they support personal growth and encourage you to the reach your short and long terms goals. Your skills are also improved as a result of the various training that they offer.

SchoemanLaw molds you into the best Individual and Professional that you can be and I am indeed lucky to be part of the team.

Working at SchoemanLaw Inc can be described as a challenge. You might think of challenge in the negative sense but not in this case not. All challenges are positive and negative, and working at SchoemanLaw Inc has been and is a positive challenge.

My working experience here at SchoemanLaw has helped me to grow into a better and stronger attorney who is able to cope under pressure from time to time.

Working at SchoemanLaw Inc. is one of the great opportunities that I received.

Ever since I started working here I’ve been learning something new each and every day.

I get to engage with so many good quality people who are my co-workers and peers.

They work with me to reach my goals and encourage me to grab additional growth opportunities, this helps me wake up every day with a positive mindset.

Working at SchoemanLaw Inc has been an absolute blessing in my life. It has challenged me but it has also shown me that I am capable of so much more than what I have been told to settle for. Personal growth is encouraged and nurtured at the dedicated and very welcoming team at SchoemanLaw Inc.
The opportunity to work as part of the SchoemanLaw Inc team has been a privilege. This internship has been a very insightful journey thus far. Experienced practitioners make you feel as if your input matters and carry an open-door policy to help you with any queries you might have which is great! Thank you for the opportunity of allowing me to be part of the internship programme for this week. The lessons learnt have been invaluable and you have a well-oiled machine running that serves as an example of what clients should expect from competent and transparent legal practitioners.
It is an honour and great experience to have spent time learning at SchoemanLaw Inc. and having served under their great and competent Attorneys and staff. It is an excellent environment for any Prospective worker or client. It prides itself with bright and attentive work staff with diverse backgrounds. Working under the Attorneys has demonstrated to me that they are intelligent and capable individuals with a great potential. The firm has greatly enriched my mind in the legal fields they provide. I am greatly convinced that SchoemanLaw Inc is and will make a more than valuable contribution to the client, society and its staff both in the workplace and outside. The firm has my highest recommendation.
Thanks for the valuable experience and your workmanship. It really demonstrates how far this firm goes to give value to clients and its workers. An amazing and fulfilling experience at modern and dynamic law firm. SchoemanLaw’s way of doing things is reflective of the changing legal and commercial dynamics.