An opportunity to work as a manager at Chilli’s steered my life in a different direction when the owners offered me a crash course in bookkeeping, allowing me to eventually apply for a job as a Debtor’s clerk at Protea Hotels where I met my now bookkeeper and dear friend Marisa.

Marisa taught me everything I needed to know to eventually become an Assistant Financial Manager but without the necessary qualification to further my career, I realised I had to consider studies in finance. At the time, the Oscar Pistorius trial swayed me into an impulsive decision to rather enrol for my LLB degree at the age of 30 in 2014. 

After completing my first year of studies I got the opportunity to commence my articles at Bennie Reynders Attorneys and left the hospitality industry behind. I gained valuable experience from a seasoned practitioner in Family Law and General Litigation whilst learning the ropes of the court systems and administrative procedures.

Sharing in the office space was Nicole Mitchell, a specialised Defence and seasoned Litigation Attorney who made me realise early on how it is possible to remain true to yourself whilst navigating a successful career in this cutthroat environment. I continue to have gratitude for the long-term relationship I maintain with my colleague who remains a friend, mentor and inspiration to this day.

After serving two years of articles, I received an offer to cede to a specialised Family Law practice in Johannesburg. Helen Mattisson was a valuable mentor with who I have maintained a close relationship and often assist with in matters in the Pretoria region.

The daily commute to and from Johannesburg placed tremendous strain on my ability to attend to my part-time studies and fulfill my responsibilities as a wife and a parent. This led to a move back to a Pretoria firm, where I completed my articles at Taute, Bouwer & Cilliers Incorporated.

I served the remainder of my articles under Carel Taute, a seasoned Defence Attorney and erstwhile Prosecutor who gave me my first real taste of practising Criminal Law that ended up becoming my biggest passion. I was also blessed to receive training in the winding up of Deceased Estates from fellow Director Philip Cilliers, the author of Meyerowitz on Administration of Estates and their Taxation and a valuable colleague I still reach out to when faced with a complex Estate matter.

During this time, I completed my Practical Legal Training through LEAD (Legal Education and Development) and wrote my four Admissions Examinations to meet all the requirements for admission as an Attorney upon completion of my LLB degree.

I completed my studies at the end of 2018 and got admitted as an Attorney of the High Court in May of 2019. I stayed on at the firm as a Professional Assistant whilst completing my Practice Management training in the second half of 2019. During this time I obtained my Right of Appearance in the lower courts, I attended to various matters and gained valuable experience allowing me to represent my clients in court.

I continued my employment as a Professional Assistant until May of 2021 when Riana Brown Attorneys was established.

I obtained my Right of Appearance in the High Court in August of 2022 allowing me to also represent my clients in the Superior Courts, especially those who cannot afford the appointment of an Advocate.

I am an accredited Criminal Law practitioner with Judicare, a system where Legal Aid South Africa procures the services of private practitioners to represent individuals who does not have the financial means to obtain legal representation. In addition to my private practice, I have been representing the less fortunate in the District, Regional and Specialised Commercial Crimes Courts since 2023.

Albeit that Criminal Law is my passion, I also attend to the winding up of Deceased Estates, Family Law and general Litigation in the Magistrate and High Courts.

I have a specific interest in Domestic Violence and Harassment matters and advocate strongly for the rights of the much-underreported male victims of Domestic Violence

I am also a certified Mediator, striving to curb the costs of litigation and guiding clients to resolve disputes where it is appropriate and sometimes necessary to rather settle.

I believe in always being collegial which has resulted in many long-term relationships built with colleagues over the years. This allows for a healthy environment to practice in and promotes resolving disputes outside the court room in many instances whilst still acting in the best interests of our respective clients.

My firm structure allows me to be personally invested and involved in all my clients’ matters for who I strive to create an environment where they can feel safe to share and seek assistance for really any legal predicament they may find themselves in.