MDA Attorneys is a specialist construction and technology law firm advising clients across the construction, engineering, infrastructure and mining sectors. Four women from the firm share the leadership philosophies, career milestones and personal values shaping their professional journeys. 

Odette Potgieter | Director 

After more than a decade at MDA Attorneys, Odette Potgieter's appointment as a director stands alongside raising her two daughters as one of her proudest achievements. An LLB graduate, she believes leadership is about empowering people through ownership, guidance and support rather than control. Her collaborative, people-centred approach has helped foster a culture where individuals are encouraged to grow and succeed. Inspired by English primatologist Jane Goodall's belief that every action makes a difference, Potgieter focuses on leading with purpose and creating a positive impact. She also believes everyone has something valuable to teach, making every interaction an opportunity to learn. Her advice to women is to lead with authenticity and confidence, never underestimate the value of their perspective, and actively support and encourage the next generation of women entering traditionally male-dominated industries.

Clairize Malan | Senior Associate 

Senior Associate Clairize Malan combines legal expertise with a collaborative leadership style that encourages both independence and teamwork. Holding BSocSci and LLB degrees, she counts building her legal career at MDA Attorneys and completing the Amsterdam Marathon among her proudest achievements. Malan believes effective leadership is rooted in accessibility, maintaining an open-door approach that helps colleagues develop professionally while working together towards shared goals. She draws inspiration from Professor Thuli Madonsela's integrity and courage in exposing political corruption, qualities she admires in leadership. Guided by a philosophy of treating others with kindness and compassion, Malan believes success should be measured not only by professional results but also by the opportunities leaders create for others. She encourages women in leadership to set that example by investing in those who follow.

Shirley Mann | Associate 

Associate Shirley Mann believes strong leadership begins with trust. Rather than micromanaging, she gives colleagues ownership of their work while expecting high standards and accountability. An LLB graduate, Mann considers building an intellectually rewarding legal career while maintaining a healthy family life one of her greatest accomplishments, alongside earning the trust of clients who repeatedly seek her advice. She admires comedian Larry David for his ability to expose truths about human behaviour through humour, reflecting her own preference for honesty and practicality. Her philosophy is simple: avoid unnecessary drama, focus on practical solutions and enjoy the journey. Mann encourages women not to limit themselves by focusing on gender, but instead to build careers founded on competence, integrity and balance, without feeling they must sacrifice one part of life to succeed in another.

Sandisiwe Scott | Candidate Legal Practitioner 

For Candidate Legal Practitioner Sandisiwe Scott, earning articles at a leading law firm within a year of graduating marked an important milestone in a promising legal career. Holding an LLB and having completed the Practical Legal Training programme, Scott believes healthy workplaces are built on recognising that wellbeing supports performance. Although early in her leadership journey, she advocates for work environments where employees feel able to rest and recharge when needed. She admires entrepreneur and television personality Nonku Williams for her determination and drive. Guided by the belief that honesty and clear communication create opportunity, Scott encourages women to embrace what makes them different rather than trying to fit established expectations. She believes individuality is a strength, inspiring others simply by remaining authentic and demonstrating that success comes from confidently embracing one's unique qualities.