See full profile: Dan Pienaar Attorney- Michael Du Plessis
Were you always planning to be an attorney and why?
When I had to make a decision on what tertiary education route I would take, I chose law as I have always enjoyed investigating things, analyzing problems and finding the best solution possible given the circumstances. I have also always been able to think on my feet and adjust on the fly. Pairing those skills with attention to detail and a interest in laws and law making led to my choice. I am still enjoying my career choice to this day.
When meeting with clients do they mostly come to your own premises or do you mostly go their theirs?
My clients come to my office
What is your preferred mode of communication with your clients?
Email, Phone
Have you ever done an online video call with a client?
Yes
What do you love most about law and being an attorney?
I enjoy the problem solving and strategy planning aspects the most. I get the opportunity to take over a legal issue from my client that can be crippling and cause them sleepless nights and to give them peace of mind that there is now a plan in place which will be followed through. Almost every time I can see the weight lift from the client's shoulders which is greatly rewarding.
Would you recommend becoming an attorney as a career for school-leavers, and why?
Being an practicing attorney is not for everyone but the law is a fascinating beast. I would never discourage anyone from studying law. The they key is finding a reputable firm (does not have to be a big firm) to do your articles at. Only after completing your articles will you be able to make a call whether you want to practice or whether you want to pursue other legal careers. I know many attorneys that simply could not make it in practice but turned out to be excellent legal advisors and in house attorneys.
What qualities should South Africans be looking for in their attorney?
Honesty, integrity, sound grasp of ethics, compassion.
In your view, what are the major problems and/or opportunities facing the legal profession?
In my view there is a grand canyon between a degree and legal practice that must be overcome and addressed. In relation to opportunities, we as legal practitioners play a vital role in shaping the laws of our country on a daily basis and can play a vital role in shaping the future of our country.
What fields of law do you, as an attorney, monthly focus on?
My focus areas are civil and commercial litigation as well as family law. The firm however has a wide array of areas we service and we have a dedicated conveyancing and estates department.
From your experience, if you could cite one of the biggest reasons South Africans need advice from an attorney, what would that be?
Most average South Africans do not know what their rights are and do not understand the legal processes. Without an attorney, clients tend to take actions that prejudice these rights and it is sometimes impossible to remedy such actions after the fact.
Do you think the coming wave of automation in the next few years will steal some legal jobs and why/why not?
Automation and AI will never be able to replace intuition and humanity. Sure, some tasks will be taken over by automation but that only opens up new opportunities to focus human resources on other areas of practice.
Describe your average client
My average client is in the upper lower class / lower middle class income bracket (irrespective of race) and more often than not need the services of an attorney for the first time. Client is usually unsure, often scared of the prospects of going to court and needs an attorney to take the wheel and guide their ship through troubled waters.
How far away from your premises is your furthest client?
Most of my clients are situated in the Bloemfontein Metropolitan area but I also have many clients from smaller surrounding Free State Towns, Gauteng and the Western Cape.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I enjoy sport shooting and hunting as well as lawn bowls. Family time is also important to me.
What is the most interesting thing on your bucket list?
I would love to hunt a Moose in Alaska.
See how our other local South African attorneys have answered the above questions.
