Professional background and experience:

Herman has been practicing as an advocate of the High Court of South Africa since 1996, with an initial background in occupational health and applied physiology. He spent over ten years working as a researcher in this field before transitioning to law. Over the last 25 years, his legal practice has focused on personal injury, medical negligence and malpractice law. Herman is frequently appointed by the Court as curator ad litem, assisting patients who are incapable of managing their own affairs in the conduct of litigation. In this capacity, he thoroughly reviews the facts and legal aspects of each case to provide instructions to the patient's legal team and reports to the Court on the need for protection of the patient's estate or compensatory award. Herman has also held acting appointments as a Judge in the Johannesburg High Court. He holds a BMedSci and MSc (Physiology) from the University of Pretoria, as well as an LLB from the former Rand Afrikaans University (now the University of Johannesburg). 

Mediation experience and style:

Herman has extensive experience as both a sole and co-mediator in commercial, family, divorce, and personal injury matters. Initially, his approach to mediation is formal and cordial, establishing a respectful atmosphere and familiarising parties with the process of mediation. While his preferred style is facilitative, encouraging relaxed and open dialogue and guiding parties to arrive at their own solutions, Herman is also trained to take an evaluative approach, when requested by all parties, ensuring the process moves along effectively. Throughout, Herman maintains impartiality, confidentiality and a calm presence, and first and foremost, prioritises the dignity and well-being of those involved.

Comments from clients:

“We were surprised to find that, once we had committed to the process as explained by Herman at the outset, we were able to engage constructively with the opposing side within a ‘safe space’, and we could eventually work out a solution which was acceptable to both parties.”

“His presence had a calming influence on the proceedings, which actually allowed me to separate emotion from the real causes of the dispute, and to gain a better understanding of where the other party was coming from. I am confident that our settlement agreement has resolved the dispute.”