Vaugn studied at the University of Natal, Durban and completed his Articles with the Durban firm Jacobs & Partners in 1996. He was then employed at the Umhlanga Rocks firm, Gavin Gow & Pearse, as a Professional Assistant, running their trials mainly in respect of their Insurance Practice. He remained there until June 2001 when he married a local Hilton girl and moved "inland". He started with J. Leslie Smith & Company in July 2001.

Vaugn is a Director in the Litigation Department. While his practice consists mainly of Insurance related matters, he also runs a general practice encompassing family law and advice to a church in respect of its legal requirements. He is currently on the panel of various insurance companies, for one of which he administers claims, recoveries and repudiations for the whole of the country, as well as the drafting of policy wording.

Vaugn is an avid rock climber and outdoors person. He has been climbing since 1989 and has climbed in various countries throughout the world. He studied martial arts and taught karate at University while a student. He also enjoys mountain biking and fly-fishing.