Names: VANESSA GRAHAM

Race: White

Gender: F

Designation: Attorney

Bio:

• Matriculated at Hugenote Girls School in 1995.
• Studied MBChB at University of the Free State in 1996.
• Studied B Proc at University of the Free State from 1997-2001.
• Articled at Rosendorff Reitz Barry Attorneys in Bloemfontein from April 2000- May 2002.
• Professional Assistant at Henry Gouws Attorneys in Bloemfontein from May 2002-October 2003.
• Professional Assistant at Krohn Incorporated in Bloemfontein from November 2003- January 2010.
• Admitted as Attorney on 23 May 2002 in the Free State High Court.
• Admitted as Conveyancer on 17 November 2005 in the Free State High Court and Admitted as Notary in the Free State High Court on 20 July 2023.
• Magistrate Court Committee member of the Law Society of the Free State Province from 2009 to 2020.
• Disciplinary Committee member of the Law Society of the Free State Province from 2015 tot 2020.
• Free State Magistrates Court Representative of the Law Society of South Africa from 2009-2021.
• Member of the Advisory Committee of the Minister of Justice for the Appointment of Sheriffs in the Free state Region from 2019 to current.
• Member of Advisory Committee at School for Legal Practice, Bloemfontein from 2023 to current.

Areas of practice:

• Immovable property, Consolidations, Subdivisions, Sectional Title Registration, Township development and registration, Ante-nuptial agreements and Notarial practice, Advise on property disposal and acquisition agreements, Drafting wills and trusts, Custody, Divorce, Maintenance, Domestic Partnerships, Change of Matrimonial Property Regimes, Rehabilitations, Liquidations, Sequestrations, Opinions on merits, quantum and repudiations on Insurance Law, Corporate Structures, Commercial Drafting, Furnishing Commercial Legal Opinions on various aspects, Negotiating and drafting of agreements, Repossessions and evictions, Conducting of trials in High Court and Magistrate Courts.
• I Have knowledge and experience in terms of Section 7(2)( e) of the Legal Practice Act 2014 in the following:
• The Provision of legal services
• The principles if promoting access to justice
• Legal Education and training seeing that I am Member of Advisory Committee at School for Legal Practice in Bloemfontein
• Consumer affairs- it is important to protect clients by informing them about their rights and responsibilities.

I have a gained a broad knowledge of all aspects of criminal and civil proceedings and the functioning of the courts and tribunals over a period of 22 years.
I have a broad knowledge of the maintenance of professional standard of persons who provide legal services; and I am well acquainted in the handling of all forms of complaints.
I have a broad knowledge of competition law.

Names: MARISE SWARTZ

Race: White

Gender: F

Designation: Attorney

Bio: In 2001 I earned my LLB degree from the University of Northwest, laying the foundation for my legal career. My journey into the legal realm commenced in January 2001 when I embarked on my career as a candidate attorney at Neumann Van Rooyen Sesele. During my candidacy, I honed my skills, gaining invaluable experience in various aspects of legal practice. In February 2002, my dedication and competence earned me the position of a professional attorney within the same firm. Over the next year and a half, I continued to excel, proving myself as a capable legal practitioner.

In September 2003, I transitioned into a new phase of my career by establishing Swartz Attorneys, where I served as a sole practitioner. This venture allowed me to explore my entrepreneurial spirit while navigating the complexities of legal practice independently. I then delved into the intricacies of law, specializing in conveyancing. In 2004, I was officially admitted as a conveyancer, showcasing my proficiency in facilitating property transactions with precision and expertise.

Seeking to broaden my horizons and make a meaningful impact in the community, I joined Legal Aid South Africa in September 2005 as a Civil Legal Practitioner. Here, I dedicated myself to providing legal assistance to those who couldn't afford representation, championing the cause of justice and equality. My commitment to serving the underprivileged and marginalized communities underscored my altruistic ethos and passion for social justice.
In May 2007, I transitioned within Legal Aid South Africa, assuming the role of a Criminal Supervisory Legal Practitioner. This shift marked a pivotal moment in my career, allowing me to delve into the intricacies of criminal law and advocacy. As a supervisory figure, I not only represented clients in criminal proceedings but also provide guidance and mentorship to junior legal practitioners, nurturing the next generation of legal professionals.
Throughout my tenure at Legal Aid South Africa, I have been instrumental in advocating for the rights of the accused and ensuring fair trial procedures. I actively participate in legal education workshops and seminars, empowering individuals with knowledge of their rights and legal remedies.

In my current role as a Criminal Supervisory Legal Practitioner at Legal Aid South Africa, I continue to make a significant impact, navigating the complexities of the legal system with integrity, compassion, and unwavering dedication.

Driven by a passion for continuous learning and professional growth, I embarked on a journey of academic advancement. In 2023, I obtained a Master's degree in Land and Property Management from the esteemed University of the Free State, further solidifying my expertise in the realm of property law and real estate.I remain steadfast in my pursuit of excellence, continually striving to uphold the highest standards of legal professionalism while advocating for the rights of the underprivileged. With a career spanning over two decades, I stand as a testament to the transformative power of law in shaping a more just and equitable society.