The Team - Malcolm Lyons & Brivik Inc

TZVI BRIVIK

Director

Tzvi Brivik completed his Bachelor of Commerce Degree (BCom) at the University Of Witwatersrand in 1993. He majored in law and economics. He completed his Bachelor Of Laws Degree (LLB) in 1995 at the University of Witwatersrand. After completing his articles he commenced practice in Johannesburg before he relocated to Cape Town.

In the Labour law field, Tzvi has been involved in groundbreaking cases. He handled the first urgent application in South Africa to protect the rights of a whistleblower employed by a major bank. He was also responsible for the first application to court alleging discrimination in terms of the Protected Disclosures Act. He has further campaigned for the rights of unions to be registered and recognised within the workplace.

His approach on behalf of various unions was accepted in the Labour Appeal Court. He recently also won a major victory against the Western Cape Provincial Government on behalf of a partially-sighted client who had suffered unfair discrimination. In the field of personal injury, Tzvi has had numerous multi-million Rand judgments and settlements for injured clients and has litigated extensively in Johannesburg,
Durban, Pretoria, Kimberley and Cape Town.

He has substantial experience in medical malpractice claims and his most recent success was a wrongful birth claim for damages against two gynaecologists who failed to observe the evidence of birth defects.

AFFILIATIONS & COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS

• Executive Committee of the Cape Town Association of the Physically Disabled
• Former Executive Committee Of The Glendale Home For The Mentally Handicapped

PROFESSIONAL ORGANISATIONS

• Member of the Cape Chamber Of Commerce
• Former President of the South African Labour Lawyers Association
(SASLAW) (Cape Town Branch) 2001 – 2003
• Member of the South African Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (SAAPlL)
• Current Liaison Officer for the Jurisdiction of South Africa and Member of the Governing
Committee of the Pan European Organisation of Personal Injury Lawyers (PEOPIL)
• Member of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers United Kingdom (APIL)
• Member of the American Association for Justice (AAJ)
• Member of the South Africa Spinal Cord Association (SASCA)
• Member of the South Africa Neuropsychological Association (SACNA)

HAYLEY GALGUT

Senior Attorney

Hayley completed her Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Laws (LLB) Degrees at the University of Cape Town in 1996 and 1999, respectively. She later went on to complete a Masters Degree (Mphil) in the United Kingdom with a thesis entitled Neither Seen Nor Heard: The Legally (In)visible Condition of South African Domestic Workers Sexually Harassed In The Homes In Which They Work.

Hayley has substantial experience in successfully litigating high profile, precedent-setting cases in the South African High Court, Labour Court, Supreme Court of Appeal and Constitutional Court.

She has also:

co-authored and/or presented numerous law reform submissions to the South African Law Reform Commission and Parliamentary Portfolio Committees;
contributed to law-related academic research projects;
conducted legal training seminars for private companies, CCMA Commissioners, Magistrates, other lawyers, civil society and social justice advocates; and
lectured at several universities in South Africa and overseas on a variety of human rights, labour law, gender law, personal injury and transitional justice-related topics.

LIZANNE VAN HUYSSTEEN

Senior Attorney

Lizanne completed her Bachelor of Commerce Degree (BCom) in 2011 whereafter she completed her Bachelor of Laws Degree (LLB) in 2012. She completed both degrees at the University of Johannesburg.

After completing her articles and being admitted as an attorney, she joined Malcolm Lyons & Brivik Inc at the Johannesburg office in July 2015 where she has been heading up the Johannesburg office since joining the firm.

She has gained over five years’ experience in Medical Malpractice, Personal Injury and Road Accident Fund claims. Lizanne has had many successful results in the recovery of damages on behalf of clients, either by way of a settlement agreement, Judgment or Order of Court.

She enjoys the challenges that Medical Malpractice and Personal Injury claims bring and always strives to get the best possible results for her clients.

Lizanne is also a member of the South African Medico-Legal Association (SAMLA) and has completed many courses presented by SAMLA.

Her interests include travelling and spending time with her friends and family.

SANDILE MNGUNI

Attorney

Sandile Mnguni is a skilled labor law attorney admitted to the High Court of South Africa in May 2022. With a practical vocational training background, he excels in civil litigation and has a keen focus on unfair dismissals, collective bargaining, and compliance matters. Based in our Johannesburg office, Sandile is a frequent presence at the CCMA, bargaining councils, and the Labor Court. He’s determined to bring balance to the negotiation table, advocating passionately for his clients. Beyond his legal prowess, Sandile is an avid reader and sports enthusiast, especially soccer. He aspires to combine his passions for law and sports as a sports agent, furthering the interests of his clients in the field.

Angela has been with Malcolm Lyons and Brivik Attorneys since 2008 and oversees both the accounting and management of our Cape Town and Johannesburg offices.

In her spare time, Angela enjoys travelling and exploring Cape Town’s beautiful sights with her husband and two sons.

JULIA BUSWELL

Candidate Attorney

Julia obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Law with Distinction in 2020, and her LLB (cum laude) in 2022, both from the University of Cape Town. She commenced her articles of clerkship with Malcolm Lyons & Brivik Inc. in January of 2023. Whilst at the University of Cape Town, Julia was awarded the Eric Axelson Prize for the highest achieving third year History student at the University. Later, Julia volunteered at the UCT Law Clinic and gained hands-on experience with clients who may otherwise have been unable to access legal assistance. With a passion for integrity and empathy, Julia aspires to be come a qualified attorney and provide comprehensive and practical legal solutions. Outside of work, Julia enjoys time spent outdoors and with friends and family.

Whilst being a theatre nurse, she pursued a Bachelor of Law degree at the University of South Africa and which she obtained in 2020.

She is currently completing her PLT with L.E.A.D (Law Society of South Africa) as well as participated in the South African Chapter of the International Association of Women Judges Gauteng Branch. She is also a member of SASLAW. Saney’s hardworking spirit, dynamic and unique attitude enables her to expand the firm’s services and capabilities.

BRADLEY LOUIS

Candidate Attorney

Bradley Louis is a formidable addition to our team at Malcolm Lyons & Brivik Attorneys Inc. With 22 distinctions, he graduated with a Bachelor of Laws Degree (LLB) from the University of South Africa, showcasing his unwavering dedication to excellence. Before venturing into law, Bradley pursued his childhood passion for sports and nutrition, highlighting his diverse background and determination to follow his dreams. With an indomitable spirit, Bradley embraces challenges head-on, consistently surpassing expectations in every task he undertakes. Fuelled by boundless ambition, a healthy body, and a sharp mind, he aspires to be a trailblazer in the legal sector, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.

During her time at Stellenbosch University, Julia participated in various societies and fulfilled multiple leadership roles which ultimately assisted in the development of her critical thinking and thought leadership skills.

Julia is a passionate creative with a love for watercolour painting and design. She has a keen interest in all things history and enjoys watching documentaries. She is somewhat of a coffee addict and enjoys spending quality time with her friends and family.

MALBONE HLAKO

Candidate Attorney

Malbone, preferably known as Melba, holds a National Diploma in Legal Assistance obtained from Tshwane University of Technology in 2017. She started off her professional career working as a Legal Secretary at a boutique law firm, where she gained legal experience. Through her eagerness to learn, Melba won the Culture Ambassador Award and Nail-Breaker Award as the best Legal Secretary. She has gained interest in pursuing her law career by studying a Bachelor of Laws part-time with the University of South Africa which she obtained in 2021. Melba joined the MLB family in January 2023 as a Candidate Legal Practitioner, assisting with Personal Injury Claims, Medical Negligence, Labour and RAF Claims and and looks forward to a brighter future.

In her final year at the University of Johannesburg she was a legal consultant at the Wits Law Clinic working closely with the refugee unit. She was also a legal intern in 2019 at Cheandle Thompson and Haysom Attorneys where she was introduced to Labour law. Millicent was a researcher at the Constitutional Hill Trust under the leadership of former constitutional court Judge Albie Sachs. She has since joined Malcolm Lyons and Brivik Inc. as a Candidate Attorney and looks forward to a brighter future.

BOMI DLOVA

Candidate Attorney

Meet Bomi, a dynamic legal professional with a BA Law International Relations degree and an LLB from the University of the Witwatersrand. Having completed her practical legal training with the University of Pretoria, she’s armed with a versatile skill set. During her time at university, Bomi’s leadership acumen shined as the Academic Officer and Vice Chairwoman of her residence. These experiences instilled in her a proactive approach and fearlessly expressive communication style. Joining Malcolm Lyons and Brivik attorneys as a second-year candidate attorney, Bomi brings with her a year of valuable experience in commercial law and litigation from her previous firm. Her diverse exposure has honed her legal expertise. Beyond her legal pursuits, Bomi finds joy in reading, exploring new restaurants, and cherishing quality time with her family. Get ready to be inspired by Bomi’s energy and passion for the law.

Shabnam is a hardworking, diligent and meticulous person who excels in both individual and team settings. She thoroughly values working and engaging with people of all ages and cultures and is also a very eager, humble and fast learner.

Being an enthusiastic individual with commendable work ethic, she prides herself on integrity, reliability, consistency and success. She regards herself as a “people’s person” with a keen sense of interpersonal skills and a rather relatable personality which enables her to communicate effectively with individuals of all ages and stature.

Shabnam’s interests include reading, music, exploring human diversity like cultural aspects as well as travelling.

LUCILLE PARIES

Receptionist and Legal Secretary

Lucille joined Malcolm Lyons and Brivik Attorneys in 1989 as a legal secretary and personal assistant. She is currently employed as a receptionist and legal secretary working directly under Mr Brivik.

Lucille obtained a diploma in administrative and secretarial studies and regards herself as a conscientious, sincere and reliable person who is always eager to learn. She enjoys working with diverse clients from different backgrounds. She strives for excellence in everything that she does and equally tries to execute it in a professional manner.

Her interests include outdoor activities and reading.

SHABNAM EBRAHIM

Legal Secretary

Shabnam joined Malcolm Lyons & Brivik Attorneys in 2004 as a legal secretary working directly as the assistant to Mr Tzvi Brivik. She obtained a Diploma in Paralegal Studies in 2009 and subsequently offered an opportunity by the firm to complete a bookkeeping course in 2010.

Shabnam’s interests include reading, music, exploring human diversity like cultural aspects as well as travelling.

AVIWE LWANA

Legal Secretary

Aviwe is an integral part of Malcolm Lyons and Brivik Attorneys. She is a legal secretary working directly under Mr Brivik. Aviwe applies her specialised knowledge of legal terminology and procedures in providing support to MLB’s lawyers. Aviwe successfully manages internal co-ordination activities across MLB’s law offices. Aviwe enjoys her spare time in the company of family and friends.

Her interests include outdoor activities and reading.

IN MEMORIAM: MALCOLM LYONS

Founder

Photo: Malcolm Lyons with Erin Brockovich in the USA

In 1965 and with just a few files, our founder Malcolm Lyons envisaged a practice solely devoted to assisting plaintiffs in their litigation to recover damages for injuries they sustained at the hands of negligent third parties.

At the time this was a completely novel idea. There were various firms that practised insurance litigation but did not do so exclusively on behalf of plaintiffs. Those firms at that time had not considered a fee agreement contingent on success in order to provide access to justice and access to the courts which would otherwise have been unavailable to the ordinary man in the street.

Mr Lyons on the strength of his own conviction pursued claims where he thought there was merit on behalf of plaintiffs and was determined to rectify any injustice when he could. The claims were varied. Although a large part of the practice grew to include recovery of damages against the Motor Vehicle Fund and its successor for the Road Accident Fund arising out of injuries which clients sustained in motor vehicle accidents, this was by no means the sole purvey of the practise.

Within a short time, he recognised that doctors were not impervious to mistakes and that their conduct could be below the standard and duty of care which was expected of them.

In the early years, it was not easy for a patient to question the conduct of the treating doctor who may have been negligent, and to pursue a claim against that doctor. A mindset of the “doctor is always right” persisted.

Obtaining medical opinion from practising doctors was also extremely difficult. At first, it was difficult to obtain co-operation from within the medical profession. Doctors closed ranks around their colleagues and it was almost impossible to obtain an opinion regarding the treating doctor’s conduct.

Mr Lyons over time was able to solicit opinions from the medical profession. It was the appeal to a sense of justice and of the undoing of a wrong which prevailed.

Attending various conferences abroad to educate himself not only on how such litigation has been conducted in Europe and in the United States of America but also by attending Medical conferences to better understand and equip himself medically to pursue claims on behalf of quadriplegics and patients with a brain injury. He imported this knowledge into the legal and medical fraternities of South Africa.

He applied this knowledge, to his many successful matters often having to educate not only persons within the medical profession but also experienced litigators and judges on what would be negligent conduct and also what the day to day lives of the severely injured entailed.

It is this broad-minded and innovative approach to the practice of law with the infusion of medicine that enabled him to successfully build his practice and the brand and to assist thousands of victims of personal injury during his career.

He has been described as an astute attorney with real class and style, a legend, a great teacher, dignified and generous.

The way in which you are remembered reflects the way in which you have conducted yourself in life.

We appreciate all your support, and kind words, and look forward to working with you in the future.