“We, the people of South Africa, recognise the injustices of our past, honour those who suffered for justice and freedom in our land; respect those who have worked to build and develop our country; and believe that South Africa belongs to all who live in it, united in our diversity.”
Who We Are
CK Attorneys Inc have retained the legal expertise of highly skilled, experienced and motivated attorneys.
We recognize that these attributes are key to effective litigation. We endeavor, by exploring all possible avenues for early resolution, to effectively and efficiently resolve disputes without the risk or expense of a Trial, however taking the matter to Trial may often be the necessary and only solution.
We Specialise in
Labour Law
When it comes to labour law, it pays to have a strong team on your side. Our labour law team is headed by Reynhard Carelse who has extensive experience in labour law with a well-established and robust reputation as an expert. We service clients on a national basis, focusing mainly on employers. We provide a practical approach by assisting businesses to solve legal issues and to provide comprehensive, professional advice on all human resource and industrial relations matters including (but not limited to) chairing of disciplinary hearings, drafting company policies and procedures, following fair retrenchment and disciplinary procedures, CCMA, Bargaining Council Arbitrations and related issues and disputes, while remaining affordable and cost-effective. Our service in the labour law market is complete and comprehensive, we take care of all your staff issues allowing you valuable time to concentrate on your core business. As your labour law team we make the effort to get to know you and your business, with on-site consultations to deal with hot issues for to create and prepare the best solution/s for your business and staff.
Civil and Commercial Litigation
Our civil and commercial litigation team is headed by Michele Engela. We have extensive litigation experience in the High and Lower Courts, as well as the various dispute resolution forums available in our legal system including mediation, arbitration, forums determined in terms of a public body.
We specialize in litigation arising from municipal law and by-laws, shareholder and member disputes, building and construction disputes, Sectional Titles Act and related legislation, evictions, administrative and public law matters, property law, contracts and landlord and tenant disputes. In addition, we deal with various forms of personal injury and public liability claims on
Insurance Law
Our Michele Engela heads our insurance law department, which assists our clients, in resolving disputes arising in various forums, as well as interpreting policy wording and conditions to ensure compliance to the policy of insurance.
Insurance law touches on various parts of our law, including claims arising from injuries, medical malpractice, death, public liability, professional negligence, construction and engineering, recoveries from third parties, regulatory compliance, to name but a few.
Conveyancing
Our Petra van Vuuren heads this department.
We provide any property law advice before or after and during a transfer or any property related aspect.
We assist in the transferring and registration of a property from the Purchaser to the Seller in the Deed’s Office and our aim is to ensure that the property transfers are conducted as smoothly and efficiently as possible.
Regular feedback is provided on each transfer that we attend to and both the Conveyancer and assistant are always available for any advice as may be needed by any party involved in the process.
We further provide Notarial services.
Estates
Our Petra van Vuuren heads this department.
Our team is able to advise on estate planning and in the administration of deceased estates.
We are able to assist with the drafting of Wills and ensure that clients have the unique wishes and requirements specifically covered.
Commercial Law
Our team offers the full spectrum of corporate and commercial legal services, including authentication of documents, structuring of business ventures, contracts and government-related agreements. We advise on Consumer Protection Act and the National Credit Act as well as the lifecycle of the corporate or commercial enterprise, from Non-Disclosure and Non- Circumvention Agreements and Memoranda of Understanding through to conducting due
Our Team
Directors
Reynhard Carelse
Director
Reynhard is a founding member of CK, and established the firm during 2005.
Reynhard obtained his BProc degree at the University of the Free State during 1995.
He specialises in labour law, which includes employment contracts, disciplinary proceedings and any matter in the CCMA, Labour Court or Labour Appeal Court.
During his time off, he enjoys reading and playing tennis.
One of his favourite mottos is – “The fear of death follows from the fear of life. The man who lives fully is prepared to die anytime” ~ Mark Twain
MichÉle Engela
Director
Michele joined CK as a director in 2017.
She studied at the University of Stellenbosch and obtained her BA and LLB degrees in 1997.
Her speciality field, apart from general litigation, are the fields of Public Liability and personal injury law.
Michele’s favourite pastime is adventuring with her loved ones and fittingly, her favourite quote is:
“And now here is my secret, a very simple secret: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.” ~ Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince
Petra van Vuuren
Director
Petra obtained her BComm degree during 2014 and her LLB degree in 2016, both from the University of Stellenbosch.
She joined CK during 2019 as an associate and was appointed as director during June 2022.
Petra is involved in general civil litigation and commercial matters. She is furthermore a conveyancer and specialises in conveyancing matters.
In her off-time she enjoys photography and spending time with her loved ones and fur-babies.
One of her favourite quotations is by Vincent van Gogh: “Great things are done by a series of small things brought together”
Attorneys
Neil Bensch
Senior Associate
Neil obtained his B.Comm (Economics) degree at the University of Cape Town in 2015 and his LLB degree at the University of South Africa in 2020, while simultaneously completing his articles of clerkship.
Neil primarily practices in commercial law, with a focus on insolvency law, collections, evictions, contracts and perfection of notarial bonds.
Neil started practising at CK Attorneys Inc in June 2023.
In his spare time, he likes to be active by going on hikes, bodyboarding and being outdoors and also places a strong emphasis on spending time with family and friends.
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere” – Martin Luther King Jr
Nontsha Mdwayi
Senior Associate
Nontsha obtained her Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree from Walter Sisulu University in 2016. She went on to complete her articles of clerkship at Mellows & De Swardt Inc, where she spent two years developing a strong foundation in legal practice and gaining valuable experience across a range of matters.
Nontsha was admitted as an Attorney of the High Court in 2020 and has since built a diverse practice spanning personal injury claims, insurance law, family law, commercial law and general litigation. Her broad experience has equipped her with a practical understanding of the law, as well as the ability to approach each matter with sound judgement, attention to detail and a clear focus on achieving meaningful outcomes for her clients.
She joined our firm in September 2024 as an Associate and has become a valued member of our legal team. Nontsha currently practises primarily in our Personal Injury and Family Law departments, where she combines her legal knowledge with a client-focused approach. She is passionate about guiding clients through what can often be complex, stressful and deeply personal legal matters, ensuring that they understand their options and feel supported throughout the process.
Favourite quote: “Sometimes the most influential thing we can do is listen” – Bob Burg
Anja Cremer
Associate
Anja is originally from Johannesburg and obtained her LLB degree from Stellenbosch University, whereafter she swiftly fulfilled her childhood dream and moved to Cape Town in 2019. She is part of the general civil litigation team, having previously specialised in personal injury, medical malpractice, third party and public liability litigation.
She joined the CK Attorneys Inc team as an Associate in February 2026.
She firmly believes in treating everyone (and everything) with respect and kindness, and is guided by the principle that it takes nothing to be kind: “Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always”.
Outside of work, she can usually be found spending time with animals and will never miss an opportunity to stop and say hello to a dog – even if she is running late or mid-conversation. She enjoys long drives, swimming, nature, music, movies, stage productions, making people laugh with her classic cheesy jokes and dabbles in amateur photography.
Her favourite quote is: “Don’t raise your voice. Improve your argument” – Archbishop Desmond Tutu
Naomi Engelbrecht
Associate
Naomi started her professional career at CK as a candidate attorney and, upon completion of her articles, was appointed as an associate. Her practice focuses on litigation and dispute resolution, where she assists clients in navigating legal challenges with a practical and considered approach.
Naomi is involved in all aspects of the litigation process, including legal research, drafting, court appearances, and advising clients on the most effective way to resolve disputes. She is committed to providing clear guidance and working closely with clients to achieve the best possible outcome in each matter.
She approaches every matter with diligence, attention to detail, and an appreciation for the practical realities faced by clients involved in legal disputes.
Favourite quote: “What is right is not always popular, and what is popular is not always right.” – Albert Einstein
Liam Naidoo
Associate
Liam graduated with an LLB from the University of the Western Cape in 2023.
In 2024, he started his legal journey at CK Attorneys and completed his articles in 2026. Liam is continuing his journey with CK having been appointed as an associate attorney.
During his time at CK Attorneys, Liam has specialised in labour law which includes matters in the CCMA or relevant bargaining council, Labour Court and Labour Appeal Court.
In his spare time, Liam enjoys being in nature, hiking and camping.
His favourite quote is “You can have results or excuses. Not both” ~ Arnold Schwarzenegger
Henning Coetzee
Associate
Henning obtained an LLB and LLM from the North West University in 2014 and 2016, respectively.
After spending the first half of the 2020s in the wilderness, Henning joined CK Attorneys Inc. in September 2026.
He is part of our general civil litigation team.
Henning takes interest in current affairs, geopolitics and international law. Away from work, he enjoys rock & roll, team sports, and reading fiction.
His favourite quote is a line from Map of the Problematique by Muse: “Why can’t we see that when we bleed, we bleed the same?”
Candidate Attorneys
Hlompho Lethola
Candidate Attorney
Hlompho is a Candidate Attorney at CK Attorneys, where she practises in the areas of civil litigation, corporate and commercial law.
She holds a BA in Social Work and an LLB degree from the University of the Free State. She has pursued postgraduate studies in Mineral and Petroleum Law at the University of Cape Town, with an academic interest in the intersection of energy and natural resources law, and the just transition. Her background in both social work and law has shaped her interest in how the law can be used to address practical challenges and support sustainable development.
Hlompho joined CK Attorneys on 1 September 2025 and is gaining experience across a range of civil, corporate and commercial matters. She approaches her work with a commitment to continuous learning, careful attention to detail and finding practical solutions to legal challenges.
Outside of her legal practice, Hlompho enjoys hiking, reading a good book by the beach, designing and sewing clothes, and meditation.
Favourite quote: “Whether you think you can or you can’t, you’re right.” Henry Ford
Jaclyn Wistyn
Candidate Attorney
Jaclyn holds an LLB degree from the University of Cape Town, in addition to a BA in History, Jewish Civilisation and Social Anthropology, and a BA (Hons) in Social Anthropology, both from the University of Cape Town. Following a successful career in the competitive clothing industry, she made the decision to pursue a long-held ambition to practise law.
Jaclyn joined CK Attorneys in April 2026 as a Candidate Attorney and has a particular interest in litigation, administrative law and labour law. She is looking forward to gaining broad exposure across the firms practice areas during her articles, while developing her skills, refining her areas of focus and building a strong foundation for a rewarding career in law. She is committed to pursuing excellence in her practice.
Curious by nature, she has diverse interests and enjoys reading, creative projects and practical tasks, from working with clay to assembling furniture. She values time spent with those close to her and places importance on maintaining meaningful personal relationships.
She is guided by the principle that “luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” – Seneca
Support
Angelique Stassen
Senior Litigation Assistant
Angelique joined CK in 2022 as an assistant to Michéle Engela.
She has been practising as a litigation typist since 2006.
Angelique enjoys charity runs for children and elderly people.
Her favourite quote is: “Failure is not an option, push yourself to become better.”
Wasiefa Du Toit
Senior Litigation Assistant
Wasiefa joined the team in July 2022.
She started working in the fields of litigation during 2008 and has experience in litigation, Road Accident Fund claims, commercial law and conveyancing.
Her hobbies include swimming and spending time with her family.
Wasiefa’s favourite quote is: “Life’s a journey enjoy the ride”
Rain Mckay
Accounts Manager, Office Manager and FICA Supervisor
Rain started at CK Attorneys Inc in September 2022 as a Paralegal. Rain was promoted to Accounts Manager of CK Attorneys Inc in November 2023. Rain has also taken on the roll of FICA Supervisor.
Rain studied a paralegal course in 2022 and Administration of Deceased Estates course in 2023 at South African Law School.
Rain’s hobbies include spending time with friends and family. Rain also enjoys doing outdoor activities such as hiking and long walks on the beach with her fur baby.
My favourite quote; “No Great Achiever – even those who made it seem easy – ever succeeded without Hard Work”
Caroline Mudavanhu
Senior Litigation Assistant
Caroline joined CK during November 2021 as an offsite legal assistant. During July 2023 she was appointed to a permanent position with CK as a senior legal assistant.
She obtained NQF Level 6 Diploma in Secretarial Administration in 1998 and Paralegal Certificate in 2003. She further attended short courses in Debt Collection and Deceased Estates at the Legal Education and Development (L.E.A.D), Law Society of South Africa, Pretoria during 2011. In 2016 she obtained a Higher Certificate in Law through Unisa.
She has 28 years’ worth of experience in vast areas of litigation including but not limited to commercial – wherein she assisted with recoveries on behalf of large Corporate Group of Companies, insurance law, motor law, debt collections and insolvency administration.
In her spare time, she enjoys baking, knitting, fitness training and more especially travelling.
Her favourite quote is: “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure” – Marianne Williamson
Sheneel Constable
Litigation and Conveyancing Assistant
Sheneel started at CK in 2026 and is assisting in both litigation and conveyancing departments.
Talent Masvasva
General Office Assistant
Talent started at CK during 2025. She assists with general administrative duties.
In her spare time she is studying towards her LLB degree.
Andrea Poyana
Receptionist
Andrea Poyana obtained her LLB degree from North – West University, completing her studies in 2025 and graduating in 2026, having commenced her studies in 2022.
She joined CK Attorneys on 1 July 2026 as a receptionist, where she is gaining valuable experience in the legal environment.
Outside of work, Andrea enjoys hiking and being outdoors.
Her favourite quote is, “Always remember the tortoise won in the end.” This reminds her that perseverance and consistency are often the keys to success.
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