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Cathy matriculated at Pietermaritzburg Girls High in 1994. Before starting her university studies, she took part in a Short Term Rotary Youth Exchange Program to Brazil in 1994/5.
She obtained her Bachelor of Arts and LLB degrees at the University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg in 1997 and 1999, respectively.
Cathy served her articles in Pietermaritzburg from 2000 to 2001, and was admitted as an Attorney, Conveyancer and Notary Public on 15th February 2002. She subsequently practiced as a Professional Assistant, specialising in local conveyancing and mortgage bond registration.
She joined J Leslie Smith & Company in January 2005 as an Associate in the Agency Conveyancing Department, and was appointed as a Director in January 2007.
Her hobbies and interests include ballet, music, growing roses and gourmet cooking. Cathy has recently become a mom and despite her already busy lifestyle we were able to track her down for a quick word…
What does your practice mainly deal with?
My practice is a mix of local, agency and development conveyancing. I have a real passion for developments. It can be highly pressurised work, but if you are organized, there is a huge sense of achievement once the new development is registered.
My practice is interesting and consists of variety of matters including conventional and sectional title developments, subdivisions and consolidations, servitudes and ante-nuptial contracts.
What personal qualities do you think make a good conveyancer?
To be a success as a conveyancer you need to be organized and administratively strong. You need to ensure that you are constantly up to date. If you’re not on top of all the details in a certain transaction, this can cause unnecessary delays in the registration process. You must be "on the ball" at all times.
So, as cheesy as it might be, do you have a Mantra that drives you?
I don't live by a mantra as such, but if I were pressed to choose one, I would say: ‘live with no regrets’. I believe that everything you do makes you a better person, you can learn from every mistake you make and the problems you encounter and overcome and develop your character. You must give a hundred percent, be a positive person and if you choose to do something, do it well.
Why Conveyancing?
I was very fortunate to be exposed to a wide range of litigation and conveyancing during my articles, and I chose conveyancing as I felt that it suited my personality and skill-set. I really enjoy interacting with my clients and try to ensure that they understand the rather involved and complicated processes involved.
What are the best parts of Conveyancing?
A property transfer is probably the biggest financial transaction that the average person will be involved in, in their personal capacity. This can be very stressful and intimidating, especially when confronted with the legalese and complicated jargon that is used in the process. I find that if you take the time to explain the procedure (and some of the jargon!) you can help your clients to understand what conveyancing is all about. Understanding the process is key to your client feeling safe about leaving their transfer in your hands. I am energised knowing that I have helped someone buy or sell a property, and I get a lot of satisfaction once a complicated set or development is registered.
What is the profile of your favourite clients?
The clients who listen to you are the best. The transfer process is not an overnight deal, and sometimes people don’t understand why the process can sometimes seem inordinately slow. It is important for the client to be made aware that you are relying on a number of different service providers to complete the registration process, for example: SARS, the Municipality and the Deeds Office. Communication is essential – if you explain the process and keep your clients updated you will avoid confusion, misunderstandings and unnecessary frustration.