At just 29 years old, Umhlanga-based lawyer Claudelle Pretorius navigates the male-dominated field of construction, engineering and infrastructure law with determination and grace.
The youngest partner at her practice in Umhlanga, Claudelle says her path to law was clear from a young age. “As a scholar, I was always ardent about public speaking and debating. I knew that I was going to study law since I was about 12 years old,” she recalls. As one of only a few women in her field, she shares what attracted her to this kind of work, and what sets her apart from her male colleagues.
SPECIALISING IN CONSTRUCTION LAW
Claudelle’s interest in construction, engineering, and infrastructure law began when a position opened in the specialised team at Cox Yeats. Her curiosity led her to explore this niche field, where she found the cases particularly intriguing due to the lack of South African law on construction disputes. Her expertise extends to arbitrations in the ICC International Court of Arbitration and the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law, making her one of the few South African attorneys with such experience.
NAVIGATING A MALE-DOMINATED FIELD
“Given that litigation and alternate dispute resolution proceedings are adversarial by nature, they tend to be a male-dominated,” explains Claudelle. “That said, I often find that my keen eye for detail can lead me to explore arguments that my male counterparts wouldn’t ordinarily think of.” She also credits her A-type personality, dedication to her clients, ability to collaborate and multitask, and meticulous document control to her success.
ADVICE FOR ASPIRING WOMEN IN LAW
Claudelle offers valuable advice for young women aspiring to enter the legal profession, particularly in specialised fields like construction and infrastructure law. “Firstly, you don’t have to fit into a certain mould to work as a legal professional. I have found that my individuality and unique perspective are invaluable,” she advises. “Secondly, just keep at it. Working as a legal professional can be extremely overwhelming at times. It’s a hard and sometimes all-consuming career. But it is also rewarding. If you have thick skin and are willing to work long hours, you can effectively take charge of your own fate.”
STRIKING A BALANCE
Outside of work, Claudelle is an avid fitness enthusiast and certified vinyasa yoga teacher who loves hitting the gym or going for runs whenever possible. Her two Bengal cats are constant companions, accompanying her everywhere. Her love for travel has taken her through Europe, the United Kingdom and Asia, enriching her perspective on life and law. “I would describe my personality as whimsical yet focused when dealing with important matters,” she says.
“I am constantly seeking adventure or the next big case.”
