Stefanus Malherbe - a name synonymous with all things property related. With a career spanning 29 years, Stefanus is the go-to consultant of many successful Cape Town based property developers, advising on various legal aspects related thereto, from due diligence, the drafting of commercial agreements and conveyancing.
Since founding MHI in April 1999, Stefanus’ main areas of focus have been conveyancing, construction law, commercial and company related matters and estate planning. He heads a team of professionals and support staff with a combined 50+ years in the industry. Stefanus is also a member of the Western Cape Property Development Forum (WCPDF), where he actively campaigns for the implementation of regulatory changes in the industry in order to make the process more accessible for all stakeholders.
Stefanus gleans his energy from his interactions with people and considers it a privilege to be able to witness firsthand how knowledge can transform their lives. A firm believer in giving back to the community, Stefanus serves on a number of philanthropic boards, aimed at uplifting the most vulnerable in our society.
During downtime, Stefanus enjoys cooking with a glass of wine in hand, surrounded by family and friends. A keen traveler (and petrol head), Stefanus hopes to make more time for these pursuits in the future and even intends to participate in a competitive motor race or two!
Jurgens joined the MHI team in 2000, while completing his B. Proc degree and simultaneously serving his articles of clerkship.
After being admitted as an attorney in 2003, Jurgens was promptly appointed as a director of MHI.
Jurgens capitalized on the very successful start to his legal career by quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with in the property market, boasting an impressive client base, ranging from property developers to various investors, entrepreneurs and estate agents.
Always committed to serving his clients, no issue is too small to enjoy Jurgens’ undivided attention. Jurgens remains an active member of the legal fraternity and served as Vice Chairman of the Tygerberg Attorney’s Association, as well as representative of the Wills and Estates Committee until 2014.
At present, Jurgens’ practice covers various areas of law, such as conveyancing, estate administration, trust law, family law and commercial matters.
Jurgens enjoys switching off by going to the gym daily, reading, listening to music and tending to his impressive collection of bonsai trees. He hopes to one day complete the Camino Santiago in France.
After obtaining her LLB degree from the University of Cape Town in 2013, Leigh completed her articles of clerkship and was admitted as an attorney in 2015.
Leigh joined the MHI team in September 2017 to take over the reins of our bond department. In November 2017, she was awarded for achieving the highest mark in the Conveyancing Examination at The Law Society Gala dinner held in East London. Leigh was appointed as director of MHI in March 2018.
Leigh plays a critical role in maintaining MHI’s longstanding record of impeccable service delivery to its clients, ensuring that MHI remains a consistent top performer with all four major financial institutions.
At present, Leigh practices in the areas of conveyancing (with a focus on mortgage bond registrations), as well as estate law. Leigh regards conveyancing as the ideal career path for a working mom and considers her excellent organization skills to be one of her strengths.
Leigh enjoys reading, exploring new places with her family and experimenting with new recipes. With Xhosa having been one of her subjects at university, Leigh plans to brush up on her Xhosa speaking skills.
After reconsidering her first choice of becoming a marine biologist, Marcelle completed her BA. LLB degrees at the University of Stellenbosch in 2001 and was admitted as an attorney, notary and conveyancer in January 2004. Marcelle joined the MHI team in 2010, after having established herself as an impeccable conveyancer, specializing in new sectional title and group housing developments.
With a keen eye for detail and a meticulous work style, Marcelle has managed to perfectly marry her strengths to her chosen career, with her areas of focus being mainly conveyancing and commercial matters.
As a people’s person, Marcelle enjoys interacting with clients and is committed to staying up to date with the latest legislative and regulatory changes in the industry. She describes the feeling of handing over a title deed to a first-time buyer as one of the highlights of the job.
When Marcelle is off the clock, she likes to stay active by cycling and running. Her family also enjoys camping and travelling generally and can usually be found outdoors. As someone who enjoys a challenge, both physically and mentally, Marcelle intends to one day complete the Camino Santiago in France
Riette joined the MHI team in September 2014 as attorney and conveyancer and lead the bonds department for two and a half years, during which time she was instrumental in MHI being awarded numerous accolades from various financial institutions, including being named ABSA’s top bond registration attorneys in the Western Cape in 2016.
In 2018, Riette joined the transfer department where she focuses mainly on conveyancing and notarial matters. Riette enjoys interacting with clients from various backgrounds and considers it a privilege to share in their excitement as they embark on a new journey, whether it’s purchasing a new property, or upcoming nuptials.
At home, Riette enjoys spending time with those closest to her, with her young son taking top position. When he is a bit older, Riette plans on travelling a lot more and hopes to one day extend their travels aboard, with London being at the top of her list.
Michelle completed her studies part-time, whilst working in the edtech/ digital publishing space, however redirected her career path upon completion of her LLB degree at UNISA in 2013.. She joined the MHI team as a candidate attorney in 2014 and after completing her articles she was admitted as an attorney in 2016.
Michelle practices in a wide range of commercial, family law and conveyancing related matters, including construction disputes, evictions, divorces, contractual disputes, insurance, personal injury and damages claims. Considered a “jack of all trades”, Michelle will be quick to remind you of the full quote: “A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one.”
Michelle enjoys conducting legal research in order to advise her clients on their specific issues and considers her attention to detail and consistency to be her strengths.
In her spare time, Michelle enjoys reading true crime, listening to podcasts on various topics, going to the beach with her three dogs and would one day like to travel to Scandinavia to see the northern lights.
Ruan du Preez, graduated from the North West University obtaining both a B.Comm Law and LLB degree. He commenced articles in 2014 and after completing his articles and being admitted as an attorney in 2016, Ruan practiced as such for the past 7 years. Over the years he has proven himself to be a trustworthy and reliable individual with an unbelievable drive and passion for the law and who always puts the client’s needs first. His excellent track record speaks for itself.
Ruan specializes in Civil litigation, Labour- and Family Law, and prides himself in his ability to negotiate and settle matters out of court avoiding unnecessary legal costs and or prolonged court proceedings. He recently joined the MHI team and now heads the litigation department.
Marli obtained her LLB degree at the University of Stellenbosch in 2018. She completed her articles and was admitted as an attorney in February 2021 starting her career as a litigation attorney.
In February 2023 she was admitted as a conveyancer.
Marli specializes in civil litigation, family law and conveyancing related matters, including evictions, divorces, liquidations, sequestrations, personal injury and damages claims.
She considers herself to be highly organized, motivated and someone who enjoys working with others. As a result-driven attorney Marli strives to achieve the best outcome for her clients.
When taking the odd break from practicing law, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, shopping and experimenting in the kitchen.
Initially setting out in the world as a journalist, Warren completed his LLB while working full time as a copy editor in the broadcast industry. He made the leap into law in 2016 and has not looked back.
Warren will try his hand at nearly every field available to him but holds a particular affinity for the family law, contracts, delict, and dispute resolution arenas. Warren believes in quickly ascertaining the trajectory a matter will follow and giving his clients the most effective and economic path to their desired outcomes. Ever the wordsmith, Warren takes great pride in his drafting, whether compiling a comprehensive claim or winning argument, the maxim of the pen being mightier than the sword has never been truer.
Outside of the office (and court), Warren loves nothing more than a long run, watching football and spending time with his family.
Martiney completed her Bcom Law (2018) and LLB (2020) degrees at the University of the Free State.
In 2021 she obtained her Diploma in Financial Planning. Martiney joined the MHI team in June 2022 and was admitted as an attorney in March 2023.
Martiney uses both the legal and the financial knowledge, acquired during her studies, when assisting clients with drafting of wills, administration of deceased estates, or any fiduciary matters, ensuring that she assists all clients to the best of her ability.
In her line of work she believes it is of vital importance to seize any potential opportunity to learn something new, and to acquire unique skills.
In her leisure time, Martiney enjoys reading, baking, socialising with friends and spending quality time with her family and loved ones. Martiney wishes to broaden her world by travelling and experiencing different places and cultures all over the world.
Francois is a dedicated and driven candidate attorney, bringing a passion for the legal profession and a commitment to providing excellent service to clients.
Since joining MHI in January 2022, Francois has been actively involved in various areas of law, including civil litigation, debt collection and general contract law. With a sharp analytical mind and a meticulous attention to detail, Francois consistently delivers high-quality work and assists in ensuring that clients receive the best possible legal representation.
Francois obtained both his Bachelor of Commerce (BComm) and Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degrees from Stellenbosch University and is currently completing the requirements for admission as an attorney.
With a natural ability to build rapport with clients, Francois excels in client communication and ensures that clients feel heard and supported throughout their legal journey. His ability to explain complex legal concepts in a clear and concise manner empowers clients to make informed decisions. As Francois continues to grow professionally, he remains dedicated to expanding his knowledge and staying up-to-date with the latest legal developments.
Driven by a strong sense of justice and a genuine desire to help others, Francois is committed to pursuing excellence in the legal profession.
Genevieve completed her BCom Law LLB degrees at the North West University in Potchefstroom in 2021. She was admitted as an attorney in 2024 and aspires to become an outstanding attorney.
Genevieve’s energy and confidence together with her care for people and standing up for what is right no matter the situation will provide for a positive outcome for her clients. Her curiosity and relentless attitude to provide legal assistance to clients allows her to ensure that she acts within the parameters of the law albeit providing a solution to the legal problem faced with by clients.
In her free time, Genevieve enjoys running, going to the gym, and reading or watching crime documentaries. She has a great love for animals and nature itself.
