| Deon Schaup is a seasoned
litigator who specialises in insurance law disputes. We
sat down for a cup of coffee in Deon's office, but soon
realized that a glass of Meerlust Rubicon would have been
far more appropriate for this wine-loving litigator …
I started
my career as a prosecutor and progressed to State Advocate.
Young and naïve, I was honoured when I was offered
the task of prosecuting Robert McBride for the Magoo
Bar bombing in Durban. This all changed when I traveled
to London to take evidence from a witness in exile -
Gordon Webster. I was shocked to find people picketing
the venue for our meeting and demonstrating against
me. The chants of "racist" and "fascist"
suddenly became very personal. It was an eye-opener
and I resigned from the Department of Justice the day
after I returned from London. I started articles at
Venn Nemeth & Hart shortly thereafter.
It took
an hour in the Conveyancing Department to convince me
that I was cut out to litigate. I like
the confrontational environment of litigation, but my
greatest satisfaction is in finding a way to resolve
a dispute. Older, and hopefully wiser, I no longer seek
to fight at all costs. It's important to keep your purpose
in mind - to resolve your client's problem - and this
is not always best served in court. |
You
need a good dose of common sense to be a successful
litigator.
I acted for a golf course designer who had been appointed
by the developer of a prestigious golf estate. After
my client had done most of the work, he was ousted
and Mr Ernie Els was appointed in his place. The golf
course that resulted was almost identical to the designs
produced by my client and we commenced legal action.
A bit of common sense cut short a potentially long
court case - we subpoenaed Mr Els. He was about to
depart for the United States on tour and wanted none
of this nonsense. Mr Els no doubt put pressure on
the developer and a quick and favourable settlement
followed. This matter was doubly satisfying because
I am a golf fanatic (although my current handicap
sadly reflects the neglect made necessary by the pressures
of work!).
I love
the bush. My family and I have traveled
through Botswana, Namibia and Zambia and, most recently,
Malawi and Mozambique. We have plans to visit the
Kafue Game Reserve in Zambia and we would like to
see the migration in the Serengeti. I enjoy the quietness
of the bush; making a fire at sunset and opening a
bottle of good wine.
Which
brings me onto my other hobby - wine.
I don't have a large collection, but I enjoy it immensely.
My philosophy with wine probably reflects my general
attitude to life I never save a good bottle for a
special occasion, but invariably open the best bottle
I can find in my collection. After all, you never
know if you will still be around for that special
occasion!
|
ffee
with deon
