Lawrence Trotter was born, bred and educated in Pietermaritzburg. He has been part of the J Leslie Smith family since he served his Articles of Clerkship. In 1971 he was admitted as an Attorney, Conveyancer and Notary Public.
Lawrence specialises in local conveyancing, financial institution mortgage bonds and commercial transactions.
He is a member of the Victoria Country Club and the Natal Fly Fisher’s Club, but his main interest is road running. He is a member of Collegians Harriers Athletic Club and has completed a number of Comrades and Two Oceans Marathons in which he still regularly competes.
We were able to catch up with Lawrence for a few quick questions.
What inspired you to become an attorney, conveyancer and notary public?
I can’t really say. A vocational guideline at school indicated this as a possibility and after my national service I signed articles with J Leslie Smith & Company whilst I studied part time at the University of Natal.
What is a typical day at work for you?
I arrive at 7am, have a cup of tea, check emails, prepare deeds for lodgment and attend to any deeds which may have been queried. Then it is off to the Deeds Office to execute the deeds. I return to the office at around 10.30 to consult with clients, attend to dictation and post. If possible, I try to leave for home at around 17.30.
As an experienced practitioner, what are your thoughts on the South African legal system?
It has generally been a historically sound system, particularly Deeds Registration. At present, however, there are problems with urgent instructions which lead to considerable frustration for myself and my clients.
Would you have been anything else other than an attorney?
I have never considered any other option.
What is your favourite quote?
“Don’t put off for tomorrow what can be done today.”