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Vaugn was initially accepted at Rhodes University to study journalism; at the same time he was accepted at the University of Natal, Durban to study law. Sensibly he dropped journalism.
He graduated from the University of Natal, Durban, and completed his articles with the 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 until he married a local Hilton girl and moved “inland”. He joined J. Leslie Smith & Company Inc. in July 2001.
He is now the Managing Director of J Leslie Smith & Company Inc. and specializes in short-term insurance law.
As the managing director, Vaugn’s time is always in high demand but despite his busy schedule he accommodated a few of our questions about himself and his practice.
What is the importance of insurance law?
I think that the law of insurance is very important because it is pertinent to most people living in South Africa. At some time or another your motor vehicle or a motor vehicle belonging to a person whom you know might be damaged in an accident or stolen, you might be the victim of a robbery at home or your business might be affected by what we call “an insurable event”. The insurance industry in South Africa is worth billions of rands and for this reason, it is important that the insurer’s rights are protected against false claims made knowingly, fraudulently or even innocently. You will be surprised at the bizarre events that occur in practice. We have even had occasion to represent an insurer where a person literally, on purpose, cut off a limb to put in an insurance claim!
People must realise that the insurance companies are not out to “get” the man on the street. On the contrary, they are contractually obliged to look after those they insure. These people are, after all their "customers". Many people fail to remember that the man on the street, likewise, has a duty to the insurance company, i.e. to pay his premiums, or to advise the insurer of any material change in circumstances which might affect their assessment of his or her risk to the insurer.
What is the best part about being a managing director?
Firstly, it was a great to have been appointed the managing director of J Leslie Smith & Company Inc., given that the firm has a long and proud reputation in not only Pietermaritzburg and the Midlands, but throughout the country as a whole. We will shortly be celebrating our 90th birthday, which is some going in today’s world of instant gratification. J Leslie Smith & Company Inc. stands for, and I feel reflects, old world values and ethics.
Currently the company comprises of eight directors and nearly seventy staff. As the managing director I am constantly juggling the needs, requirements and interests of the directors, the staff and, most importantly, our clients – many of whom have been our clients for a number of years. We are now acting for the fourth generation of many families in and around Pietermaritzburg. In addition we have acted for at least fifty or sixty years for certain of our corporate clients.
I feel that it is my job as the M.D. to balance these interests, to play the part of a P.R. officer, nanny, statistician, financial manager and lawyer all at the same time. It makes for an interesting and sometimes hectic day but I would have it no other way. I enjoy the challenge.
What sets J Leslie Smith & Company apart from other law firms?
As I have mentioned already I think it is the longevity, ethics and respect for tradition and values that sets us apart from most other firms. We are not simply “number crunchers” and I like to think that we look at the bigger picture when providing any advice to a client. As is shown in this website we have a diverse range of specialist attorneys ensuring the best possible representatives in most fields of law.
I also think that very few firms take staff into their confidence like we do and I know that our staff feel the same way. I think that there is a good atmosphere between the staff and the directors, and I would like to think that people enjoy working here.
What have been your milestones?
My wife and kids would be the first to say that I am something of a workaholic, however, I would say, without any doubt, that meeting my wife and subsequently having children have definitely been highlights in my life. They have certainly had a calming effect and really know how to put one’s life and work into perspective. Having said this I am proud of my achievements at J Leslie Smith & Company, having become one of the youngest Managing Directors in the company in its ninety year history is definitely a milestone worth mentioning.
Why the interest in rock climbing and mountain biking?
Whilst I was at university I started rock climbing as a way of strengthening my upper body (I was teaching karate at the time and thought that this would be useful). Rock climbing developed into a full blown passion and I have climbed extensively throughout South Africa, as well as Spain, the British Isles, Thailand and Lesotho. I took up mountain biking when I moved up to Pietermaritzburg from Umhlanga Rocks and swapped my surfboard for a mountain bike. I find this to be a great stress release. I am also a keen fly fisherman and am lucky to have access to a syndicate on a regular basis.
Have you ever regretted choosing law over journalism?
Not a chance. I have never regretted the decision to practice law. I am constantly excited about the challenges and stimulation that this sphere of work provides.