“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
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.
Our Michele
Conveyancing
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.
Our Petra van Vuuren heads this department. She is assisted by Rezana Swanevelder and Alexis Robb in the transfer processes.
We further provide Notarial services.
Estates
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 and ICT 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 Information and Communication Technology expertise extends to the development and structuring of domain name transfers and related agreements, full or partial ICT outsource agreements, Service Level and Operation Level Agreements, intellectual property disputes, retention and transfer, as well as escrow arrangements.
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Our team is up to date with the most recent developments in the relevant fields of law described above as well as most recent case law.
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
Zahnri Griebenow
Associate
Zahnri joined CK as an associate in April 2023.
She studied at the University of South Africa and obtained her LLB degree in 2018.
Zahnri has always been involved in general civil litigation and commercial law and focuses on evictions, liquidations, and sequestrations.
Her hobbies include hiking, running, reading, and baking.
She strives to live her life according to Marcus Aurelius’ quote – “The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts”
Neil Bensch
Associate
Neil studied obtained his B.Comm (Economics) degree at the University of Cape Town in 2015 and then proceeded to obtain 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
Associate
I studied at Walter Sisulu University, Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree obtained in 2016
I specialise in personal injury, medical negligence, family law (divorces, maintenance, protection orders etc), general civil litigation
I started at CK Attorneys as an Associate on 2 September 2024
I absolutely love anything adventurous; being out and about exploring nature, I similarly enjoy being cuddled up in my couch with a good book and a glass of red wine.
Favourite quote: “intention does not supersede impact” – Me 😊
Johann Venter
Associate
I commenced my studies at the North West University’s Potchefstroom Campus in 2016, and completed my LLB degree in 2019.
I joined CK Attorneys as an Associate during August 2024, where I mainly practice in our general litigation, administrative law and labour law departments.
My hobbies include playing golf, hiking, reading and having a braai with friends and family. I also enjoy travelling and exploring new places.
I endeavour to approach my work in accordance with the maxim “justice delayed is justice denied”, and therefore always aim to deliver effective and expeditious legal service.
Candidate Attorneys
Naomi Engelbrecht
Candidate Attorney
I graduated from the University of Pretoria with a BA Law in 2021 and an LLB in 2023. I joined CK in February 2024 as Candidate Attorney. Beyond work, I enjoy hiking, reading, and spending time with loved ones. Some interesting facts about me include my involvement in House Erica at the University of Pretoria House Committee, my passion for films.
One of my guiding principles is to treat others as I would want to be treated, fostering empathy and respect in all interactions.
I draw inspiration from Dr. Seuss’s quote about the power of self-determination, believing firmly in the idea that individuals possess the agency to shape their own destinies and make meaningful choices in life.
Liam Naidoo
Candidate Attorney
I studied and obtained a Bachelors of Law (LLB) at the University of the Western Cape. I started my studies in 2020 and completed them in 2023. I have taken a keen interest in litigation and labour law. I started as a Candidate Attorney at CK Attorneys Inc on the 1st of March 2024. A guilty pleasure of mine is that I listen to (and enjoy) country music. Additionally, I enjoy camping, hiking and beach days.
“You can have results or excuses. Not both” ~ Arnold Schwarzenegger
Talia Naidoo
Candidate Attorney
I am an LLB graduate from Varsity College in 2023. I have been practising as a Candidate Attorney at CK since 1 March 2024.
I enjoy the thrill of the courtroom battles and the intricate challenges of medical legal cases. Outside the legal realm, I solace in leisurely strolls along the beach at sunset, finding inspiration in natures beauty. I am a versatile individual, adept at playing the clarinet and bass clarinet. Other hobbies include photography, exploring culinary delights and volunteering at Rehabilitation Centres.
“Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.” ~ Albert Schweitzer
Support
Alexis Robb
Senior Litigation Assistant, Junior Conveyancing Assistant, Office Manager and FICA Compliance Officer
Alexis joined CK during 2022 as a paralegal and litigation assistant.
She obtained Conveyancing Certificates from Gawie le Roux Institute of Law in 2022 and is now a junior conveyancing assistant to Petra van Vuuren. Alexis was promoted to Office Manager in March 2023 and heads the FICA department as our FICA Compliance Officer.
She has over 10 years’ experience in various departments of law, but mostly civil litigation and debt collection.
Alexis enjoys writing, being active and most importantly aims to make people laugh.
Her favourite quote is: “The time to be alive is now, LIVE!”
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 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
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