MANAGEMENT

DANIEL–ROSS RICHARDS

DIRECTOR (LLB, LLM)

Mr. Richards is a Director and co-founder of Cavanagh & Richards Attorneys and has obtained his Baccalaureus Legum (LLB) degree at the University of Pretoria. He is admitted and registered as an attorney of the High Court of South Africa.

Mr. Richards obtained his Magister Legum (LLM) in Commercial Law and a certificate in Advance Labour Law with a distinction at the University of South Africa.

After his admittance, Mr. Richards was employed at KPMG as a legal advisor obtaining extensive experience in ﬁnancial legal matters, commercial law and corporate law. Subsequently, Mr. Richards was employed as the Group Legal Advisor at Primedia Unlimited specialising in commercial-, corporate-, competition-, labour-, marketing- and media law.

Mr. Richards is well versed in all aspects of corporate law and commercial law. He specialises in commercial-, information technology-, intellectual property- and corporate finance, B-BBEE, mergers and acquisitions, as well as structuring and restructuring of businesses.

Mr. Richards also regularly advises prominent listed and private companies across a range of sectors, including financing, manufacturing, mining, construction, technology and private industries.

Mr. Richards further has experience in multiple jurisdictions, including South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Eswatini. Mr. Richards has strong management skills and maintain excellent business relationships with his clients and colleagues within the legal fraternity.

ABRAHM GWANGWA

DIRECTOR (B.PROC)

Mr. Gwangwa is a Director at Cavanagh & Richards Attorneys and has obtained his Baccalaureus Procurationis (B.Proc) degree at the University of Pretoria. He is admitted and registered as an attorney of the South African High Court.

Mr. Gwangwa further obtained a diploma in Insolvency Practice at the Association of Insolvency Practitioners of Southern Africa (AIPSA), as well as an Advanced Certificate in Labour Law and a Certificate in Legislative Drafting.

Mr. Gwangwa has vast experience in all aspects of the law. He has drafted numerous contracts for several state owned enterprises and entities amongst others, Ports Regulator, Financial Intelligence Centre and Ombudsman for Financial Service Providers.

His expertise includes all aspects of Labour Law in South Africa, as well as company mergers and acquisitions.

Mr. Gwangwa presented various workshops and delivered papers at numerous seminars. He has excellent management and business relationship skills.

We are honoured that Mr. Gwangwa joined Cavanagh & Richards Attorneys.

Centurion Office

CHRIS LIEBENBERG

SENIOR ASSOCIATE (LLB)

Mr. Liebenberg completed his Baccalaures Legum (LLB) degree at the University of Pretoria and has the right of appearance in the High Courts of South Africa.

Mr. Liebenberg was employed by John Tribelhorn Attorneys as a candidate attorney, where he gained experience in family-, insolvency-, commercial-, contract-, labour- and criminal law, as well as collections and general civil litigation.

He was admitted as an Attorney of the High Court of South Africa and stayed on at John Tribelhorn Attorneys as a junior attorney.

He was later employed by De Beer & De Klerk Inc. as an attorney and gained extensive knowledge in the National Credit Act. He was first promoted to practice manager and shortly thereafter appointed as co-director of De Beer & De Klerk Inc.

Subsequently Mr. Liebenberg joined Cavanagh & Richards Attorneys.

STELLA-MARI GELDENHUYS

ASSOCIATE (LLB)

Ms. Geldenhuys obtained her Baccalaures Legum (LLB) degree at The University of Pretoria. Academically Stella-Mari performed very well and that shows her willingness to work hard.

During Ms. Geldenhuys’ final year at University she worked at the University’s Law Clinic providing a voluntary service to people who could not afford legal advice. During her year at the Law Clinic she was mostly exposed to family law (divorce and maintenance) matters.

Ms. Geldenhuys was employed at Erasmus Scheepers Attorneys as a candidate attorney where she was exposed to most legal ﬁelds, which ﬁelds include labour practice, family matters, criminal matters and general civil litigation law.

Later that same year Stella-Mari ceded her articles and joined Savage Jooste & Adams Incorporated where she was furthermore exposed to personal injury litigation (third party matters against the Road Accident Fund), medical malpractice, commercial law and general litigation, as well as insurance- and general liability law matters.

Ms. Geldenhuys subsequently joined Cavanagh & Richards Attorneys and is part of the commercial law department.

LYNN-MARIE GROENEWALD

ASSOCIATE (LLB, MSC REAL ESTATE) (CONVEYANCER / NOTARY)

Ms. Groenewald obtained her Baccalaures Legum (LLB) degree at the University of the Free State and her Master of Science (Real Estate) (MSc Real Estate) degree at the University of Pretoria.

Ms. Groenewald is an admitted attorney, conveyancer and notary public. She is passionate about her chosen fields of law being all matters relating to conveyancing, notarial practice and the administration of deceased estates.

She has a keen sense of responsibility and will go the extra mile for clients to deliver professional work of a high quality and standard.

TOBIE SCHMAHL

PRACTICING ATTORNEY (LLB)

Mr. Schmahl completed his Baccalaures Legum (LLB) degree at the University of Pretoria.

He was employed at Cilliers and Reynders Incorporated as a candidate attorney during 2010.

Mr. Schmahl gained further experience at Jay Incorporated where-after he joined Cavanagh & Richards Attorneys. His practice is centered on criminal defense, civil litigation, legal research and family law.

His focus, and indeed Cavanagh & Richards Attorneys’ focus, is to provide clients with high quality legal services.

JOHANNES DE BEER

Mr. de Beer completed his Baccalaureus Commercii (B.COM) degree and Baccalaures Legum (LLB) degree at the University of The Free State.

Mr. de Beer commenced with his articles at Cavanagh & Richards Attorneys in 2023 where he gained professional experience and expertise in most fields of law. With friendliness and respect, Mr. de Beer prides himself in absolute customer care by doing everything in his power for his clients wherever it is possible.

JEANDRÉ DE BRUIN 

CANDIDATE ATTORNEY (LLB)

Mr. de Bruin obtained his Baccalaures Legum (LLB) degree from the University of South Africa (UNISA) in 2022 and subsequently completed his Law School at North-West University (NWU) in 2024.

In addition to his legal qualifications, Mr. de Bruin furthered his professional development by completing a Programme in Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced Project Management through the University of South Africa (UNISA).

In 2025, Mr. de Bruin began his articles at Cavanagh & Richards Attorneys, where he is currently gaining valuable hands-on legal experience.

JURGEN VAN DER WALT

CANDIDATE ATTORNEY (LLB)

Mr. Van Der Walt obtained his Baccalaureus Commercii (B.COM) degree in 2023 and completed his Baccalaures Legum (LLB) degree in 2025 at the University of Pretoria.

Mr. Van Der Walt joined Cavanagh & Richards Attorneys in 2025 as a Candidate Attorney, where he is gaining valuable experience across various areas of law.

With a strong academic foundation and a client-focused approach, Mr. Van Der Walt is committed to delivering diligent and respectful legal service, always striving to act in the best interests of his clients.

DANIELLE THIES

OFFICE MANAGER

Mrs. Thies is the Office Manager at the Head office based in Centurion. She gained experience as a manager in various industries and trades. Mrs. Thies has exceptional organizational skills, with meticulous attention to detail.

Mrs. Thies firmly believes in fostering an atmosphere of empathy and understanding within the work environment, ensuring that colleagues, as well as clients, feel supported and encouraged.

She effectively manages projects, tasks, and schedules, thus ensuring the office operations run smoothly and effectively. She is always willing to walk the extra mile and believes in the essence of teamwork.

MARELISE DIPPENAAR

SENIOR BOOKKEEPER

Ms. Dippenaar has 20 years’ extensive experience in bookkeeping, debtor’s management and property management, together with a strong administrative background.

Ms. Dippenaar has the ability to integrate processes and procedures that impact efficiency and positively affect productivity. She understands the vital role that accurate bookkeeping plays to ensure progress, development and success in business.

ELSJÉ SAAYMAN

LEGAL SECRETARY

Ms. Saayman strives to provide the best legal secretarial assistance and believes that a positive attitude leads to positive outcomes.

Ms. Saayman is busy studying towards her LLB degree. She is very passionate about law and is looking forward to advance her career under the guidance and leadership of the Cavanagh & Richards team.

LOCHÉ MORKEL

LEGAL SECRETARY

Loché Morkel, a legal secretary at Cavanagh & Richards Attorneys, supports attorneys by scheduling appointments, organizing legal documents, and providing essential administrative assistance.

Ms. Morkel is committed to acting as a professional and competent first point of contact to clients. She provides attorneys with superior office support to relieve stress from heavy caseloads.

Ms. Morkel always strives to better her skills to the best of her abilities and focuses on helping clients as efficiently as possible.

LOURIETTE Del Paggio

RECEPTIONIST

Mrs. Del Paggio has 23 years’ experience as a Legal Secretary. She is responsible for efficiently running the Reception and Administrative Department at our Head Office in Centurion.

Ms. Nortman is a very positive individual who takes great pride in her work and believes that hard work always pays off.

YOLANDE OOSTHUIZEN

SNR DEBTORS AND CREDITORS ADMINISTRATOR

With over 13 years of experience in financial management, Yolande specializes in debtors, creditors, and legal debt administration.

Known for her love for innovation and strong organizational skills, she consistently optimizes financial outcomes and maintains healthy relationships. Committed to ongoing growth and excellence, Yolande continues to excel in the dynamic field of finance.

STEFAANS GERBER

PRACTICING ATTORNEY (LLB)

Stefaans Gerber is an admitted attorney of the High Court of South Africa, a registered patent attorney, and a qualified trademark practitioner.

He has extensive expertise across all aspects of intellectual property law, including patents, trademarks, designs, copyrights, and commercial IP transactions.

With a background in chemistry and a robust commercial legal foundation, Stefaans has successfully established and managed IP practices. He offers strategic guidance to startups and established businesses, assisting them in protecting, enforcing, and commercialising their intellectual property assets.

Pretoria East Office

MICHAEL DE WITT

ASSOCIATE (B.COM, LLB)

Mr. de Witt completed both his Baccalaureus Commercii (B.COM)degree and Baccalaures Legum (LLB) degree at the University of Pretoria.

Mr. de Witt commenced with his articles at Cavanagh & Richards Attorneys in 2021 where he gained extensive experience in various fields of the legal profession. Mr. de Witt was subsequently admitted as an Attorney of the High Court of South Africa during 2022 and remained a member of the Cavanagh & Richards Attonerys team.

Mr. de Witt currently is practising in various legal fields, which includes civil law, commercial law, corporate law, criminal law, labour law and family law. Mr. de Witt is always open to assist any client with open hands to the best of his abilities.

FRANCO CONRADIE

PRACTICING ATTORNEY (LLB)

Mr. Conradie completed his BA Law with Psychology and LLB degree at the North-west University, Potchefstroom Campus.

He commenced with his articles at Pretorius Le Roux Attorneys in 2024 and ceded his articles to Cavanagh & Richards Attorneys in 2025.

Mr. Conradie is a highly motivated and detail-oriented Candidate Attorney who is eager to take on the responsibility of handling clients' legal affairs and gaining valuable hands-on experience at Cavanagh & Richards Attorneys.

OCKER BOTHA

SENIOR CONSULTANT (B.Proc, LLB)

Mr. Botha holds a B.Proc LLB degree from the University of Pretoria and certificates in Mediation and Labour Law from the University of Pretoria.

Mr. Botha is an admitted attorney of the High Court of South Africa with 25 years of experience.

Belinda Botha

Legal Secretary / Receptionist

Ms. Botha is a very diligent and routine orientated person with more than 20 years’ experience as a legal secretary.

Ms. Botha is the receptionist and legal secretary at our Pretoria East branch and an invaluable asset to our firm.

ADRI SMIT

SENIOR PARALEGAL

Mrs. Smit is a passionate and diligent conveyancing and litigation secretary with more than 23 years’ experience.

Mrs. Smit has exceptional administrative skills and is as meticulous as she is hardworking.

When Mrs. Smit is not at work, she is on the tennis court where she has been awarded provisional colours for representing Gauteng Province.

Randburg Office

JACO LOOTS

SENIOR ASSOCIATE (B.JURIS, LLB)

After an extensive academic background of lecturing on law of contracts, labour law and law of negotiable instruments, Mr. Loots entered the formal legal profession after obtaining his Baccalaureus Legum (LLB) degree at Potchefstroom University of Christian Higher Education in 1993.

Mr. Loots completed his articles at Botes & Raubenheimer in 1997 and was admitted as an attorney of the High Court in 1998. His practice as an admitted attorney started in the commercial and litigation division of Botes & Raubenheimer where Mr. Loots fine-tuned his expertise in high court litigation. At the turn of the century, Mr. Loots opened his own firm, JJ Loots Incorporated.

Whilst the firm's overall focus was to ensure a 360-degree service to its clients, from collections to contracts, Mr. Loots proceeded to become an expert in High- and Magistrates Court litigation, with a focus on banking law, disputes and contracts relating to the construction sector.

After joining Cavanagh & Richards Attorneys, Mr. Loots was firmly established as a civil litigation expert with over 20 years' experience and brings a strong and charismatic aspect to the clients of Cavanagh & Richards Attorneys.

MICHELL BROWN

ASSOCIATE (LLB)

Ms. Brown obtained her Baccalaures Legum (LLB) degree from the University of the North-West where she worked as a legal intern at the Community Law Centre. She has further been a member of the Golden Key International Honour Society since 2014.

Ms. Brown worked as a candidate attorney at Viljoen-French and Chester Incorporated during February 2018 to August 2018 and subsequently joined our team.

Her specialities include family- labour- and criminal law. She has gained vast experience and knowledge in matters pertaining to children, divorces, protection orders, maintenance matters, arbitrations, disciplinary hearings, evictions and criminal trials.

She strives to always deliver an exceptional service to our clients, keeping our clients’ best interests at heart. Her goal is to win her cases and to achieve desirous results for her clients.

JOSHUA TEIXEIRA

CANDIDATE ATTORNEY (LLB)

Mr. Teixeira obtained his Baccalaures Legum (LLB) degree from the University of South Africa In 2025.

Mr. Teixeira commenced his articles of clerkship at Cavanagh & Richards Attorneys, where he continues to gaining practical experience in both civil and criminal law.

ADÉLE DE BEER

LEGAL SECRETARY

Ms. De Beer started her career as a legal secretary during 1995 and gained extensive experience in the following legal fields: debt collections, civil litigation, criminal law, family law, commercial and Road Accident Fund claims.

Ms. De Beer took part in an intensive training program with Child Welfare and was subsequently appointed by the Court as an Authorized Officer in terms of the Child Care Act 74/1983, and therefore she gained sound knowledge in family law.

She is also enrolled at the South African School of Paralegals to further equip herself in the fields of civil litigation, debt collection, business law, as well as criminal law and procedure.

Ms. De Beer is committed to applying her knowledge as a senior legal secretary at our Randburg branch. We are proud to have her on our team.

LUCILLE BEKKER

LEGAL SECRETARY

Ms. Bekker has extensive experience in the legal field and obtained her Paralegal Diploma during 2019 with Damelin College.

Ms. Bekker is an organized individual and provides reception, administrative, organizational and research support to our legal team and staff.

SARIKA ANTAL

Legal Secretary / Receptionist

Ms. Antal started her legal journey in 2016 as a receptionist and later obtained her legal secretary certification. She has experience in business law and deceased estates.

Ms. Bekker is an organized individual and provides reception, administrative, organizational and research support to our legal team and staff.

Witbank Office

HERMAN BRÖNNER

ASSOCIATE (LLB)

Mr. Brönner completed his Baccalaures Legum (LLB) degree at the North West University, Potchefstroom and has a great interest in the field of criminal law.

Mr. Brönner was employed by Brits & Weideman Attorneys as a candidate attorney where he was exposed to various legal fields such as criminal law, family law, law of contracts, collections and general civil litigation.

He was admitted as an attorney and appointed as Head of Litigation at Matsepes Inc., situated in Bloemfontein. During this time, he gained vast experience in practise management and all fields of litigation in both High- and Magistrate Courts. He joined the Cavanagh & Richards team, more specifically the Witbank branch, and is committed to providing high quality legal services and to resolve complex legal disputes.

MICHAEL BOTHA

PRACTICING ATTORNEY (LLB)

Michael Botha a newly admitted attorney and a valuable member of our team. With a keen interest in criminal and family law, Mike is dedicated to expanding his expertise and becoming a well-rounded legal practitioner.

He gives commitment to always being available to assist ensures that our clients receive the support they need when they need it most.

ERIKA VAN ROOYEN

RECEPTIONIST / LEGAL SECRETARY

Erika van Rooyen is an effective communicator with excellent secretarial and administrative skills.

Middelburg Office

YVETTE LAUREN UYS

PRACTICING ATTORNEY (B. Com, LLB)

Ms. Uys completed both her Baccalaureus Commercii (B.COM) degree and Baccalaures Legum (LLB) degree at the University of the Witwatersrand.

Ms. Uys worked as a candidate attorney at Simpson – Van Niekerk Attorneys where she gained experience in general litigation, collections, family law and contractual law.

After Ms. Uys was admitted, she worked as an attorney at Wapenaar Attorneys Inc where she expanded her knowledge to other areas of the law, including wills & estates, labour law and criminal law. She subsequently joined the Cavanagh & Richards Attorneys team at the Middelburg branch.

DYLAN RICHARDS

PRACTICING ATTORNEY (B. Com, LLB)

Mr. Richards has completed his Baccalaures Legum (LLB) degree at the University of South Africa and is now a qualified attorney.

Mr. Richards shows a profound interest in the fields of criminal- and insolvency law. He assists our legal team with research, legal opinions and other administrative duties. Mr. Richards is always eager to assist his learned colleagues and strives to be one of the most counted on and hard-working attorneys in the legal fraternity.

PIERRE ELS

CANDIDATE ATTORNEY (LLB)

Mr. Els is currently a candidate attorney, having gained valuable experience across various fields prior to his candidacy at Cavanagh & Richards Attorneys.

Mr. Els completed his degree in October 2024 from the University of South Africa. His professional interests encompass Criminal Law, Criminology, and Labour Law.

ANRI CALITZ

RECEPTIONIST / LEGAL SECRETARY

Miss Calitz is currently studying towards a Bachelor of Commerce in Entrepreneurship degree through the University of South Africa.

Ms. Calitz enjoys a challenging environment and being a team player. She is an excellent communicator and organized administrator. She is excited to learn new skills and become the best legal secretary she can possibly be.

Cape Town Office

RUAN DU PREEZ

PRACTICING ATTORNEY (B. Com, LLB)

Mr. du Preez is an admitted attorney with over a decade of legal experience.

Mr.du Preez obtained both his Baccalaureus Commercii (B.COM) and Baccalaures Legum (LLB) degree from North-West University (NWU) and successfully ran his own law firm for five years, where he built a strong reputation for dedication, integrity, and client-focused service.

In pursuit of new professional opportunities and a change of scenery, Mr. du Preez relocated to the Western Cape, where he joined Cavanagh & Richards Attorneys. His extensive experience across a range of legal matters makes him a valuable asset to the firm and the clients he serves.

MELINDIE BRAND

CANDIDATE ATTORNEY (LLB)

Ms. Brand obtained her Baccalaures Legum (LLB) degree through the University of South Africa, with a strong desire to build a meaningful and impactful career in the legal profession.

Passionate about the law and eager to grow, she is focused on gaining valuable, hands-on experience across various areas of legal practice. As a legal secretary, Ms. Brand brings dedication, efficiency, and a strong sense of responsibility to her role.

She is committed to providing excellent support to both clients and the legal team, ensuring that each matter is handled with professionalism and care. Grateful to be part of one of the leading law firms, she continually strives to give her best - upholding the values of the firm while contributing to its continued success. Ms. Brand views every task as a learning opportunity and is driven by her ambition to grow into a well-rounded legal professional.

ESTI ODENDAAL

CANDIDATE ATTORNEY (LLB)

Ms. Odendaal completed her BA in Law with Psychology in 2020 and furthermore completed her Baccalaures Legum (LLB) degree in 2022 at the Northwest University, Potchefstroom Campus.

She’s an ambitious learner and excited to master all the fields of law that we at Cavanagh & Richards Attorneys practice in.