Good day sir,
I obtained an engineering degree in 1980 at RAU, now the University of Johannesburg. I first obtained a B.Proc. law degree in 1985. I then obtained a LLB law degree 1990. I passed the Pretoria Bar exam and became a member of the Pretoria Bar or Pretoria Society of Advocates in April 1991. I practiced as an advocate for 24 years. I did the same course that patent attorneys do to qualify. I did several patent cases as part of my practice. I was also involved in a wide range of criminal and civil cases over the period of 24 years. I also have experience in Labor Law. I appeared several times at the Council for Conciliation Mediation and Arbitration and the Labor Court. I did a course in alternative dispute resolution. This course included arbitration, mediation and facilitation. At the end of the course, I wrote the exam and passed. I was subsequently awarded a certificate in alternative dispute resolution. I was also involved in several mediation and arbitration cases awarded to me. I did a lot of work related to business rescue. I have drafted several patents of which 3 were granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. I gave several international legal opinions. I recently assisted a client in California in an action of Strategic Litigation Against Public Participation (SLAPP) against him. I also drafted a contract regulating commonly owned property.
Regards,
Deon P Hugo.