GETTING TO KNOW OUR DIRECTOR, DAVID

I sat down with David Artlett, our firm’s only male attorney, in order to delve a little deeper into who David is and what makes him tick.

In addition to being a conveyancer and Notary, David is one of the directors of Schnetler’s Inc. David boasts more than 4 decades of experience in the area of property law and, more particularly, in conveyancing. It is safe to say that David is somewhat of an authority in this field of law!

Here is what David had to say during our sit-down:

Where did you grow up and attend school, and thereafter university?

I am a Southern Suburbs boy, as for most of my life I lived in our family home in Newlands. I attended SACS for my entire school career, and then proceeded to study law at UCT. At the time, the Law Faculty was in Cape Town and not at the main campus.

What do you enjoy doing when you aren’t at the office?

I am a sports enthusiast – I’m a particularly keen rugby and cricket fan. I played both sports at school and at club level. When I grew too old to participate actively, I took up road running to keep myself fit. From small beginnings, I went on to complete 10 Two Oceans Marathons.

Why did you decide to become an Attorney, and thereafter, a Conveyancer and Notary?

When I left school, I had no idea what career I wished to follow. Courtesy of the tax-pages, I had a ‘gap year’ completing my compulsory military service. During the three months between matriculating and commencing my service, I worked for a Building Society (they are all now banks). As luck would have it, I was put into the legal department and had a lot of contact with the society’s lawyers, and decided that this was the career for me.

How long have you been practising in the legal world for?

I was admitted as an Attorney and Conveyancer at the beginning of 1974 – so that makes it 42 years! A year or two after my admission, I also qualified as a Notary Public.

What about your job do you enjoy the most?

I think that the word ‘practice’ is very appropriate, because that is what we are doing. You never stop learning and coming across something new or different in this game. If you think you know it all, just wait and see what tomorrow brings.

Is there any other profession that you think would have been interesting to pursue?

I could have been an Accountant as I have the required analytical mind; but what I really dream about, is being the Sports Correspondent for a major newspaper. Imagine being present at, and watching all those major cup-finals – and being paid for it! As I said, dream on.

What area of the law is your favourite and the most interesting to you?

I must say conveyancing, as most of my work is in that field. As I mentioned previously, you can never say you know it all. Something new will always pop up and keep you on your toes. That’s what keeps me going.

One thing that can be gathered from my interview with David is that if you are looking to sell a property, Schnetler’s is definitely the firm that you want to handle your transfer!

Next month I will be sitting down with Annerine du Plessis, another attorney at Schnetler’s. Be sure to read our November newsletter to find out a little about one of our adept litigators!

Compiled by: Laura Ames

This article is a general information sheet and should not be used or relied on as legal or other professional advice. No liability can be accepted for any errors or omissions nor for any loss or damage arising from reliance upon any information herein. Always contact your legal adviser for specific and detailed advice. Errors and omissions excepted (E&OE)