About Simon Dippenaar & Associates

Simon Dippenaar, BBusSc LLB

Founder & Managing Partner

Attorney Simon Dippenaar has a BBusSc LLB degree and Professional Diploma in Legal Practice from the University of Cape Town, and is an admitted attorney of the High Court of South Africa. He is the founder and director of private legal practice, Simon Dippenaar & Associates, with offices in Cape Town and Gauteng representing South African and international clients.

Simon’s dedication, diplomacy and compassionate approach extend from Family Law to each of his fields of expertise and have earned him a reputation for cracking cases where his competitors have failed. His associates are appointed for their skills specific to their areas of practice. In these pages, Simon’s devotion to the legal profession is evident in the quotes from SD Law’s appreciative clients (names withheld to respect confidentiality).

Simon is committed to serving his community and the less fortunate. He is on record in one of South Africa’s biggest mass eviction cases in Marikana, representing, pro bono, the unlawful occupiers and their constitutional right to adequate housing.

Simon is an executive member of the South African Police Services Forum and is head of finance, as well as a long standing member of Rotary International and member of the Cape Chamber of Commerce.

Craig Wilkinson, Founder and Executive Director of Father A Nation, recently on TEDx described Simon’s approach as one that, first and foremost, strives to achieve “high EQ win-win” resolutions.

Rayaan Allom

Senior Attorney

Rayaan Allom is a highly respected Senior Attorney at SDLaw, where he brings over 16 years of legal experience to the team. With a strong background in a diverse range of legal services, Rayaan has been an integral part of SDLaw’s success since 2018 when he started collaborating with the firm.

Rayaan’s areas of expertise include divorce, property law, labor law, commercial law, contracts, dispute resolution, litigation, debt collections, eviction, and wills & estates. He places a high value on remaining stoic, rising above drama and criticism, and is known for his unshakable, cool, calm, and collected demeanor. Rayaan’s excellent debating and public speaking skills, combined with his mastery of the written word, make him a formidable legal professional.

He honed his skills after working under senior counsel for several years and is passionate about sharing his knowledge with juniors. Rayaan’s patient and nurturing approach to teaching has made a lasting impact on those he mentors.

Outside of his professional life, Rayaan is a devoted father of three and actively contributes to his local community. He often serves as a guest speaker at his mosque, sharing his knowledge and experiences with others. Rayaan is a family man who upholds strong family values.

Before pursuing a career in law, Rayaan played rugby, soccer and tennis at a competitive level.

Marisa Janse van Vuuren

Senior Liquor Law Attorney

Marisa Janse van Vuuren is a highly experienced and respected liquor law attorney at SD Law. With over a decade of expertise in the complex and ever-evolving field of liquor licensing, Marisa has become an invaluable resource for businesses navigating the intricate landscape of the alcohol industry.

After obtaining her LLB degree from a top-tier law school, Marisa began her legal career working at a prestigious law firm, where she quickly developed a passion for liquor law. Recognizing the unique challenges and opportunities in this specialized area of practice, she devoted herself to becoming an expert, attending numerous conferences and seminars to stay ahead of industry trends and legal developments.

Throughout her career, Marisa has successfully represented a diverse range of clients, from local breweries and distilleries to national restaurant chains and international beverage conglomerates. Her experience spans all facets of liquor licensing, including applications, renewals, transfers, compliance, and enforcement matters.

As a dedicated advocate for her clients, Marisa has built a reputation for her tenacious pursuit of favorable outcomes. She is known for her thorough and strategic approach, which has led to countless successful resolutions for her clients. Marisa’s unwavering commitment to her clients and her deep understanding of the intricacies of liquor law have made her a sought-after advisor and trusted partner in the industry.

When not working tirelessly for her clients, Marisa is an active member of the legal community, participating in professional associations and contributing to various industry publications. She also devotes her time to mentorship, nurturing the next generation of liquor law professionals.

As a senior attorney at SD Law, Marisa Janse van Vuuren plays an integral role in our team’s commitment to providing top-notch legal services in the field of liquor law. Her extensive knowledge and unmatched dedication make her an invaluable asset to both the firm and our clients.

Mehra Amiri

Associate Attorney

We are proud to introduce Mehra Amiri, one of our highly esteemed legal associates, a passionate and experienced professional who brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our family law department.

With roots in Iran and a decade of residency in South Africa, Mehra has dedicated her academic career to pursuing excellence in the legal profession. She obtained her BA Law degree (cum laude) at the University of Pretoria in 2018, and was awarded the prestigious Academic Merit Award. Her commitment to excellence continued with her postgraduate LLB (cum laude) in November 2020, earning her a place on the Dean’s list, Academic Honorary Colours, and recognition as the recipient of the subject prize for Trusts & Estates. Her academic achievements have been further recognized by her induction into the Golden Key International Honour Society since 2016.

Mehra’s rigorous studies have instilled exceptional verbal and written communication skills, as well as the ability to handle a high volume of tasks with ease. Effective planning and time management are always top priorities in her work.

Mehra is well-versed in a broad range of family law matters, from uncontested divorces to contested divorces, guardianship and relocation applications, Rule 43s, and changes in matrimonial property applications. She is deeply committed to providing considerate and diligent case management to her clients, even while juggling a high-volume caseload. To Mehra, being a family lawyer means more than just having knowledge of the law—it’s about establishing a trusting relationship with her clients, making them feel safe and supported during a challenging and emotionally trying time.

Working in the family law department at SD Law has given Mehra the opportunity to form close connections with her clients, which is a fulfilling and meaningful aspect of her work. Her next professional goal is to become a qualified mediator and conveyancer, so that she can continue to broaden her skills and better serve her clients.

Ryan Burns

Associate Attorney

Ryan Burns joins Simon Dippenaar & Associates as an Associate Attorney, bringing with him a fervent passion for the law and a unique blend of technical acumen and emotional intelligence. Graduating with an LLB from the University of the Free State, Ryan embarked on his legal journey with esteemed firms such as Gillespie & Associates and De Abreu & Cohen Cape Town Inc., honing his expertise in areas like Administrative Law, Civil Litigation, and Family Law.

Beyond his legal accomplishments, Ryan stands out for his commitment to empathy and understanding, especially crucial in the emotionally charged areas of law that SD Law specializes in. His belief in the power of emotional intelligence, combined with his technical skills, makes him a valuable asset to our team. Ryan’s approach to law is not just about the letter of the law but also about the human stories behind each case, ensuring that our clients feel understood and represented in the best possible way.

Outside the courtroom, Ryan’s achievements extend to his personal life, with notable accomplishments like achieving Springbok Colours in Scouting. He is also an avid adventurer, with interests in camping, diving, hiking, and more.

At Simon Dippenaar & Associates, we are excited to have Ryan on board, confident in the fresh perspectives and dedicated service he will bring to our clients and our team.

Eloise Wettergreen

Operations Manager

Eloise is a passionate and dedicated legal professional with a wealth of experience in the legal field. Born in Durban, South Africa, and raised in Florida, USA, Eloise has a unique perspective on both the African and American legal systems.

With a background in hospitality, marketing, and management, Eloise has a well-rounded skill set that has proved invaluable in the legal profession. Prior to pursuing a legal career, Eloise worked for a clothing line in Fort Lauderdale as personal assistant to the Vice President of the company.

Eloise has spent the last 5 years working as a paralegal and office manager at SD Law, honing her skills in legal research, document drafting, and client management. Eloise’s dedication to the clients is unmatched, and is committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for each and every one of them.

Eloise’s adventurous spirit has taken her on some incredible journeys, including living on a yacht and sailing the South African coastline. This experience not only gave her a unique perspective on life, but also honed her problem-solving and adaptability skills.

Anneke Du Toit

Contract Attorney

Anneke is a seasoned legal professional with over 17 years of experience in the field. She earned her LLB degree from Rand Afrikaans University (now known as University of Johannesburg) in 2002, and completed her articles in 2004 with Du Randt Incorporated, where she later became a Director in 2006.

In 2019, Anneke established her own private law firm, Du Toit Attorneys, situated in Bryanston, Johannesburg. With a strong sense of justice and a desire to improve the legal system and the lives of those it affects, Anneke believes that the law touches and changes our lives on a daily basis, governing what we can and cannot do. She is passionate about helping others and sees the law as a tool to achieve this.

Anneke’s extensive experience includes a wide range of general litigation in all courts, but her true passion lies in family and divorce-related matters, evictions, labour and employment law. She chose to specialize in family law due to its dynamic and ever-changing nature, her personal passion for the field, and the high degree of personal interaction involved.

In addition to her expertise in family law, Anneke also has specialized experience in international parental child abduction and the application of the Hague Convention of the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, 1996 (Act 72 of 1996).

Anneke’s personal values of honesty, trust, respect and integrity are at the core of her practice and her life. She holds herself accountable for her actions, successes and failures, and is committed to providing her clients with a high standard and unbeatable legal service. Anneke enjoys the diversity of family law matters and approaches each client with warmth, empathy, and the respect they deserve as unique individuals. She is dedicated to providing her clients with a speedy response and solution to their legal queries and to providing them with the highest standard of legal advice in all areas of the law.

Anneke lives by the following motto: “For those who understand, no explanation is needed. For those who do not understand, no explanation is possible” – Zaid K. Abdrlnour.

Cronje Oosthuizen

Candidate Attorney

Meet Cronje, a budding legal practitioner who spent the majority of his childhood in Germany and a little bit in America before moving to Pretoria, South Africa to pursue his academic and professional goals. He obtained his Bachelor of Commerce in Law (Majoring in Financial Accounting and Taxation) in 2018 and his Bachelor of Law in 2020 at the University of Pretoria.

During his time in university, Cronje was an integral member of the Student Disciplinary Advisory Panel, where he served as Chairperson and procedural advisor, providing assistance to students who faced charges of misconduct. Seeking further legal experience, he joined the University of Pretoria’s Law Clinic in his final year of studies, where he encountered a range of ethical, professional, and practical considerations that proved to be invaluable to his legal career.

With a natural inclination towards questioning, discerning, and advocating ideas and justifications, Cronje found that law was the perfect fit for him. He believes that committing to professional development and accepting that every day is a school day are key to his legal development and practice.

Nia Yu

Candidate Attorney

Meet Nia, our dynamic candidate attorney who has joined our esteemed team of professionals at SD Law, August 2022. With a strong passion for law and a desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others, Nia has worked hard to establish herself as a reputable legal professional with a wealth of experience and knowledge.

Born and raised in Namibia, Nia cultivated a deep appreciation for the complexities of the legal profession. After completing her LLB degree cum laude at IIE Varsity College, Nia gained substantial experience in a wide range of complex legal areas, including Family Law, Property Law, and Commercial Law.

Nia has built her professional ethos on a foundation of compassion, respect, and authenticity, with a relentless focus on prioritizing the needs of the client above all else. By adopting a client-centric approach, she provides tailored legal solutions that are uniquely suited to meet the individual needs of her clients.

Looking forward, Nia’s professional goals and aspirations are to flourish in the areas of Family Law and Litigation. Her commitment to providing exceptional legal advice and representation makes her confident in her ability to deliver the best possible outcomes for her clients while continuing to develop her skills as a legal professional. At SD Law, Nia is a valuable addition to our team and we are proud to have her represent our firm.

Jaylee Feldman

Candidate Attorney

Abraham Nel

Paralegal

As a seasoned professional with a diverse background in finance and legal support, Abraham brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to SD Law. Abraham completed matric in 1980 and served in the army for two years. In 1983, he joined Barclays National Bank, where he built a successful career over the next 21 years. He achieved the Associate Diploma in the Institute of Bankers exams.

After leaving Barclays, Abraham joined an asset management company, becoming a Securities Settlement Officer after passing the South African Institute of Financial Markers Settlement Exam. However, the company faced difficulties and was placed into curatorship, leading to a new opportunity. Today, Abraham offers specialised litigation support services to clients at SD Law.

Marni Michelle Eckard

Legal Intern

Marni Michelle Eckard, our newest Legal Intern, embodies a blend of academic excellence and a strong commitment to legal practice. With a distinguished Bcom LLB graduation, Marni returned to South Africa to further hone her legal expertise at the Law Society of South Africa L.E.A.D Law School, where she completed her course with distinction. Her prior practical legal engagement at Strombeck Attorneys, coupled with her role as a legal researcher for Professor van der Walt, showcases her readiness to delve into real-world legal challenges. Marni’s passion extends beyond the courtroom; her remarkable management skills were demonstrated while overseeing operations for high-net-worth families and royalty, illustrating her capability to handle diverse and demanding environments with grace and efficiency. Her meticulous attention to detail, excellent interpersonal skills, and a results-driven approach make her a valuable addition to the Simon Dippenaar & Associates team. Marni is keen on contributing to our firm’s vision of providing empathetic and effective legal solutions to our clients.