Partners & associates

In March 1998, he started his own thriving practice. In 2018 Paul Farinha Attorneys became Farinha, Ducie, Christofi Attorneys (FDC Law) after the addition of Justin Ducie and Chantal Christofi-Brites as partners.

During Paul’s years of practice, he has been involved in a number of different matters and dealt with a variety of issues. The practice centres around a core client base that he has retained for more than 20 years, ensuring their every legal need is attended to speedily and with the best possible advice. The firm supported and guided by Paul’s experienced hand is involved and has been involved in numerous litigation matters, both as Plaintiff and Defendant.

Paul has a passion for gaining knowledge in all spheres of life but especially in legal theories. He has concluded many courses over the years to keep abreast of new developments in the legal fraternity. He is able to advise clients on Business Rescue Proceedings in terms of the Companies Act 71 of 2008, as well as insolvency and liquidation matters. Guidance is given in these areas as to the viability of proceedings taking into consideration the current status and economic standing of the entity involved. In addition, Paul has completed the course required to assist with Court Annexed Mediation and is a firm believer that most opposed matters can be resolved by way of mediation and/or arbitration. This is important to consider before delving into costly and time-consuming litigation. Paul has a keen interest in commercial law and has attended many courses keeping him up to date on changes in the law enabling him to draft lengthy agreements with ease.

With the knowledge that we cannot be expected to know all areas of the law, we will guide clients to our network of professionals in the area who we know can assist to ensure that clients are always provided with the best advice.

Justin focussed on and advised multinational clients on various areas of Tax including but not limited to: expatriate tax, corporate tax, tax audits, employment taxes, CGT, share schemes and the like.

In 2009, Justin left PWC in order to pursue his legal career and commenced articles in a Boutique Law Firm in Houghton, Johannesburg from 2009 to 2012. During his articles Justin was exposed to high level commercial drafting in the form of contracts including but not limited to: sales of business, sale of shares, sale of land, sale of assets, memoranda of incorporation, shareholders agreement, non-disclosure, employment, restraint of trade, non-compete and non-circumvent, agency, cession, partnership and the like. During the time, Justin also developed his passion for litigation wherein he was responsible for alternate dispute resolution, arbitration, District, Regional and High Court litigation in the form of trials and motion court proceedings, almost entirely in the commercial field.  

In 2012 Justin opened his own law firm and practised as such until 2017. In this period Justin primarily focused on commercial litigation and drafting but also developed a significant Criminal Law Practice dealing with DUI, assault, rape, fraud and the like with an emphasis on white collar crime. The Family Law practice also grew significantly focussing on divorce, parental rights and responsibilities, contact, access and maintenance. Justin developed a particular interest in the rights of unmarried parents and has had great success. In this field.

In 2017, Justin joined Paul as his Litigation Partner. This has allowed Paul to grow and expand his passion in corporate/commercial advisory and drafting services whilst Justin pursues his passion in Litigation. The practice has gone from strength to strength with expertise in a wide array of legal fields which has enabled the firm to offer cost effective bespoke legal solutions to our well established and growing client base.

Qualifications
Bachelor of Commerce (Rand Afrikaans University – 2004)
LLB (University of Johannesburg – 2006)

She then went on to study an LLB degree at the University of Witwatersrand (Wits) and graduated in 2017 with cum laude. Mariana was also invited to join the prestigious Golden Key society where she obtained the Golden Key Award. She completed a trial advocacy course in 2018 and started her articles of clerkship at a small firm in Germiston where she worked on numerous cases in various areas of the law.

Mariana was admitted as an Attorney of the High Court in July 2020 and is a keen and conscientious member of staff who thrives on deadlines and manages her workload with ease. She is currently assisting at the firm with commercial work which is where her passion lies as well as working on litigation matters at the High Court and urgent applications. Mariana is also dealing with the deceased estates at the firm and is keen to learn.

Mariska started her articles of clerkship at a firm situated in Roodepoort where she mostly worked on general litigation.

Mariska was Admitted as an attorney of the High Court in March 2020. She obtained experience in commercial law and labour law at a boutique law firm situated in Fourways whereafter she joined our team in October 2020. She is currently assisting the firm with the general litigation and deals with all aspects of Magistrate’s Court and High Court litigation, as well as Family Law. Mariska is a diligent and passionate member of FDC Law who strives to pursue her passion and love of law in all matters.