Rene grew up in George, and first embarked on her studies with the goal of getting a BSc degree, but after her first year decided that law was her first passion and changed tack. She obtained her BA(LLB) in 2001 from the University of Stellenbosch and during this time was also actively involved in a law clinic and enjoyed tutoring first year students.

After completing her articles at Raubenheimers Attorneys in George, she was admitted as an attorney, conveyancer and is also a Notary Public: a specialist attorney who has an in-depth knowledge of certain Acts, and prescribed processes, and who is legally empowered to officially witness signatures, take statements and certify the validity of documents.

She joined Henkes Joubert Barry Inc (then Henkes Nolte-Joubert Attorneys) in December 2012, as a part of their conveyancing team, but now deals primarily with where her strengths lie as a Notary Public, and has recently become one of the directors of the firm (as of August this year).

“I’m extremely proud to be a director alongside Johnny Henkes and Charlene Joubert, and our dynamic company can only grow from strength to strength as we all work to our strengths within the company,” she said.

Rene’s typical day as a Notary Public could range from assisting clients from any part of the world in ensuring that they have the correct documentation for their property transactions, to assisting couples with the drawing up of their antenuptial contracts – where she feels strongly that couples must understand the choices they make before marriage and how impactful these are. Helping people decide what to include in their contracts is a satisfying part of the job, she says.

Apart from her busy days at Henkes Joubert Barry, Rene also teaches Sunday School and is mom to two active young children, and she enjoys yoga sessions in her (limited) free time.