Gabriella Schafer

Associate

Gabriella Schafer is an Associate in our Dispute Resolution practice.

Gabriella Schafer

About Gabriella

Gabriella joined Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr as a candidate attorney in 2022 and was retained as an Associate in the Dispute Resolution practice in 2024, where she continues to practice.

Areas of expertise

Experience

  • During her articles Gabriella gained experience across the firm’s Employment Law, Corporate & Commercial, and Dispute Resolution practice areas.
  • Gabriella has been involved in a broad range of general commercial, property, and mining-related disputes heard in various divisions of the Superior Courts, as well as in the lower courts. Her experience includes both motion and trial proceedings, and she has assisted in the preparation and management of complex litigation matters. She is also experienced in settlement negotiations and alternative dispute resolution processes.

Credentials

Education

  • Registered with the Legal Practice Council
  • BA Law; University of Johannesburg
  • LLB (cum laude); University of Johannesburg
  • Year of admission as attorney: 2024

LANGUAGES

  • English

News

From vine to verdict: Rule 46A execution against trust-owned farmland serving both commercial and residential purposes
Dispute Resolution

From vine to verdict: Rule 46A execution against trust-owned farmland serving both commercial and residential purposes

When a borrower defaults on a loan secured by a mortgage bond over agricultural property, a lender’s instinct is to enforce its security. In practice, however, execution proceedings...

When protest payments pay off
Dispute Resolution

When protest payments pay off

In KwaDukuza Municipality v Consolidated Aone Trade and Invest 6 (Pty) Ltd and Others (1273/2023) ZASCA 86 (11 June 2025), the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) was called upon to decide...

When property deals turn sour: the role of the conveyancer
Dispute Resolution

When property deals turn sour: the role of the conveyancer

Property transactions do not always go as planned. Disputes may arise, leaving both the seller and the purchaser in a difficult position. In these circumstances, the role of the conveyancer...

Settlement agreements: Creditors, secure your victory and don’t stop half way, debtors beware
Dispute Resolution

Settlement agreements: Creditors, secure your victory and don’t stop half way, debtors beware

Before a court decides on the outcome of a case, parties involved may agree to settle their dispute. However, it’s important to understand that when a settlement agreement is made...

It’s not always greener on the other (jurisdictional) side
Dispute Resolution

It’s not always greener on the other (jurisdictional) side

Enforcing a judgment in South Africa that has been obtained in a foreign jurisdiction is not always as simple as a judgment creditor may expect. A litigant ought to consider the enforceability...

Another bite at the appeal cherry? Section 17(2)(f) of the Superior Courts Act
Dispute Resolution

Another bite at the appeal cherry? Section 17(2)(f) of the Superior Courts Act

Former President Jacob Zuma launched a reconsideration application earlier this year, which was subsequently dismissed by the President of the Supreme Court of Appeal. Pursuant to...

From vine to verdict: Rule 46A execution against trust-owned farmland serving both commercial and residential purposes
Dispute Resolution

From vine to verdict: Rule 46A execution against trust-owned farmland serving both commercial and residential purposes

When a borrower defaults on a loan secured by a mortgage bond over agricultural property, a lender’s instinct is to enforce its security. In practice, however, execution proceedings...

When protest payments pay off
Dispute Resolution

When protest payments pay off

In KwaDukuza Municipality v Consolidated Aone Trade and Invest 6 (Pty) Ltd and Others (1273/2023) ZASCA 86 (11 June 2025), the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) was called upon to decide...

When property deals turn sour: the role of the conveyancer
Dispute Resolution

When property deals turn sour: the role of the conveyancer

Property transactions do not always go as planned. Disputes may arise, leaving both the seller and the purchaser in a difficult position. In these circumstances, the role of the conveyancer...

Settlement agreements: Creditors, secure your victory and don’t stop half way, debtors beware
Dispute Resolution

Settlement agreements: Creditors, secure your victory and don’t stop half way, debtors beware

Before a court decides on the outcome of a case, parties involved may agree to settle their dispute. However, it’s important to understand that when a settlement agreement is made...

It’s not always greener on the other (jurisdictional) side
Dispute Resolution

It’s not always greener on the other (jurisdictional) side

Enforcing a judgment in South Africa that has been obtained in a foreign jurisdiction is not always as simple as a judgment creditor may expect. A litigant ought to consider the enforceability...

Another bite at the appeal cherry? Section 17(2)(f) of the Superior Courts Act
Dispute Resolution

Another bite at the appeal cherry? Section 17(2)(f) of the Superior Courts Act

Former President Jacob Zuma launched a reconsideration application earlier this year, which was subsequently dismissed by the President of the Supreme Court of Appeal. Pursuant to...

From vision to fruition.