Attorney Michael de Broglio on: South Africa, Law, Politics, Attorneys, Sport, Photography, Technology, Gadgets, Media, Crime, Road Accidents Fund,
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Today’s blog is aimed largely at my staff, but it could apply to anybody who reads this blog. It is about asking you what you have learnt working at the company where you work right now? Not so much about, for example in my firm’s case, what you might have learnt about the law and Road Accident Fund cases, but what you have learnt about business, how to run a business and the insight you have obtained?
We can all experience the same thing, we can all be part of the same system – and I am not just talking about work now – but just as the witnesses to a crime, we all tend to see and learn different things and I would be very interested in your perspective.
Posted by Michael de Broglio on Friday 29-Sep-17
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Comments
Helen said:
on Monday 16-Oct-17 08:23 AM
It is been so interesting to read everyone's comments and note how much experience we all accumulate over the years working for De Broglio Attorneys. I have been always saying that I am blessed to be part of the strongest team in this country, not even one day pass I will learn something new! Learn from Mr De Broglio or learn from staff member from my team. I will agree with so many people who commented below that how educated and cleaver person can be there will not be great results if all are working as a team and learning skills like these does take time!
Michelle said:
on Monday 09-Oct-17 07:55 AM
Never to point fingers and blame someone, having managers for the different departments in the company to take control when needed etc. The list is just so long but I think that all of us have learnt a lot and are continuing to learn everyday is the most important thing.
Tamaryn said:
on Wednesday 04-Oct-17 04:51 PM
I've learned that in order to run a business you have to concentrate on what is important against the backdrop of the bigger picture- ignore pettiness and anything else that will waste time, or not serve a purpose. I've learned the value of time! I've learned that each situation and person requires a different approach. I've learned that not all people will want you to succeed, and that is ok! I have learned that people who don't want to learn, wont- so don't try. And those who do, appreciate knowledge and guidance- so give it. I have realized that not everything can be micro-managed, you cannot control everything, and you cant do it all on your own. A business/team is made up of its parts- make sure you have the right ones.
Jolene said:
on Wednesday 04-Oct-17 09:47 AM
This was a very nice blog, it was interesting to see what people have learned, like many other staff said there are so many things it is hard to keep it short. One thing I have learned recently is that the nicest clients can turn into your worst nightmare as soon as it gets to the money part! I’m normally a good judge of character and you can easily tell after the first consultation if the client will be difficult or not, but oh boy was I wrong when it got to the money part! Money is the root of all evil.
Jessica M said:
on Monday 02-Oct-17 04:17 PM
Well the question is what haven't I learnt LOL. I have learnt that you have to be willing to learn and try on your own to do things. If you rely on others problems will arise. I have learnt in my department, that happiness does count too in to keep people that are worth keeping. I love helping people and seeing the end result. I also learnt that without a great team, you will get nowhere no matter how great you think you are. You need to work as a team. Each person brings in an important part into a claim and that is how you succeed.
Nicolle said:
on Monday 02-Oct-17 01:59 PM
I must admit that there are lessons that I carried from the previous law firm where I worked, namely:
1. Client is king;
2. Always cover yourself.
These have been the very foundation upon which I have gone forward and built a career.
Liesl said:
on Monday 02-Oct-17 10:12 AM
The list is long and I'm sure as you leave your mind to ponder on this subject you will keep coming up with more and more examples of things learnt. Experience no one can take from you, if you can land up with a firm that gives you first hand experience you have obtained something invaluable and that is something that De Broglio can boast with. You feel stretched here and sometimes feel pushed to hard but the knowledge and experience you gain through persevering will stay with you forever.
Jadine E said:
on Monday 02-Oct-17 09:32 AM
What I have learnt is that no matter how a client is wrong try to your utmost to assist them wherever possible and to be courteous to them as we are also there to render our services to them. Teamwork is essential if one slows down the pace try to assist as much as possible
Liz said:
on Monday 02-Oct-17 09:30 AM
I have learned so much working at de Broglio even though I have only been here a few months. Like many of the candidate attorneys said, what we have learnt here is so different from what we learnt at university. We have truly gained the absolute best experience when it comes to High Court litigation.
Secondly, I have learnt that there is little chance of success if you cannot work in a team, it is so important to be able to work as a team in order to get the best results. I have learnt so much from my principal, Tamaryn, not only about court procedures but also about professional relationships with defendant attorneys, clients and every other person involved in the process. We are able to meet so many different clients and other experts on a daily basis and it is a skill to learn how to deal with each and every different situation professionally.
Lastly, I've come to appreciate how important it is to love what you do. It would be very difficult to wake up every morning and go to work if you did not truly enjoy what you do.
Cornelie said:
on Monday 02-Oct-17 09:13 AM
Every day i'm learning something how to run a successfull bussiness, cost cutting the last few months is essential.
Ashleigh said:
on Monday 02-Oct-17 08:50 AM
There are so many things that I have learnt and this comment would turn to be an essay when I am done. One of the things that I've learnt is that being good to your colleagues and treating them with respect will earn you a fabulous team that can bring the greatest results for our clients that desperately need it. What you put in is really what you get out.
Zindy said:
on Monday 02-Oct-17 07:50 AM
One thing I have to say that is important is teamwork. Without each staff member doing there part it would make things a lot more complicated. If a company can stick together and be ethical in the work place, if they can work hand in hand do there part things work well. Happy staff = Happy clients. I think everyday we learn new things depending on situations and clients we encounter which builds our character.
Joyce said:
on Friday 29-Sep-17 05:00 PM
I have learnt a lot at De Broglio Attorneys 19 years been in the firm, and to mention a few I have learnt that a business can start small and grows Wow!
I have learnt that even if you owns a successful huge business can still look down and take care of your employees
I have learnt that to success in business you need to be a champion, to be patient, to have passion, be a hard worker, to be disciplined, etc.
I have learnt that it is very important to have a legal representative on your side when claiming from the RAF, so to be fairly compensated by raf and if not, the person’s case would be handled negligently by the raf until it prescribes and at the end, the person would be told by the same raf that their case has prescribed and or get unfair compensation
I have learnt communication skills, sales skills, counselling skills, interpreting skills, working with people of different race.
I have learnt that hard work pays off.
Daniella said:
on Friday 29-Sep-17 04:59 PM
I have learnt a lot working here. I have learnt How to get RAF forms and hospital records from hospitals and doctors that are extremely difficult and hardly work. I have also learnt a lot about the Road Accident Fund and claim processes. Now that I am actually thinking of everything there is too much to mention. but i must say whenever i think i know it all, i learn something new.
Thabitha said:
on Friday 29-Sep-17 04:58 PM
I have learned from our clients that when money is involved there is no trust and you always need to be professional, business is not good all the times there are good and bad times.
Nikita said:
on Friday 29-Sep-17 04:54 PM
I have learnt that you need to be patient with people. Especially in this profession. You may have a matter with an opponent today and end up in a big fight but that will definitely come back to bite you in the future when you have another matter with this same person. I have also learnt that you have to work as a team. Without your team you cannot get much done.
Nicky said:
on Friday 29-Sep-17 04:44 PM
I have learnt empathy and to see each person as an individual-what may seem like a normal headache to one person could be life altering for another person,. I've also learnt that colleagues, clients and people in general should be treated cordially and with respect because we always work together and do need each other.
Prishani said:
on Friday 29-Sep-17 04:23 PM
I have definitely learnt that teamwork is key! If everybody does their part it creates a wonderful working environment, you know that you can rely on everybody doing their part, it also makes every staff member feel important, like they have a purpose and important role to play in the company. As a candidate attorney, learning and being exposed to High Court ligation is definitely one of the key things I have learnt and am still learning. Every matter is different and the reports of experts are different, the injuries and merits are different and I definitely think that this is what makes this kind of law interesting! I have also learnt that there is always something new you can learn from a colleague, whether it is a simple admin trick or learning how to draft a complicated document! Liaising with client’s, advocates and experts is also a skill that I am sure everybody is learning, it is also interesting because you have to learn how to deal with people in different ways and in many different situations!
lucretia said:
on Friday 29-Sep-17 02:10 PM
If I had a business, I would make sure I employ people who want to work and who are excited to work for the betterment of the company. These people generally give of their best. I would maintain a professional relationship with the staff. I am not saying that one cannot be friendly with staff but, I have noticed, the moment you cross the employer / employee line, staff tend to think they are owed something by the company - not the case!
Angelique Jurgens said:
on Friday 29-Sep-17 01:36 PM
I have learned a lot and continue to learn working at the firm for just over 7 years. A business is only successfully run when you work as a team - If one person doesn't carry their weight or do their part it becomes impossible for you to do your job to the best of your ability. I have also learned that looking after your staff in turn makes sure the employer and the business interests are looked after - if a client complains then a thorough investigation should take place to find out the truth. Another important thing that I have learned, in terms of how to run a business is that "If no-one owns a project, it won't get down". Having heads of departments ensure that someone has to take responsibility for something that goes wrong and ensures things get done within specific time frames as well as on demand. Respect should always be given whether the person has multiple degrees to the person cleaning your office - you never know when you may need them and besides that it is just good manners to do so. Not everyone can be pleased all the time so I have learned that you also have to have tough skin and learn to deal with criticism by trying to learn from it.
Sarah said:
on Friday 29-Sep-17 09:29 AM
I have learned so much working here, I learned working as team is very important. Clients can change so quickly and that hard works pays off. When i started here I knew nothing about RAF , but now I know so much .
Brenda Du Toit said:
on Friday 29-Sep-17 09:16 AM
I have learnt a lot in the past 3 years.When i stared at De Broglio it was not easy at all to learn everything step by step , Jessica and Ashleigh gave us training and the best training i must say.If my work is up to date i will assist other staff . Medico Legal departments work well together as a team There is not one day that i am not still learning.
Brenda Du Toit said:
on Friday 29-Sep-17 09:16 AM
I have learnt a lot in the past 3 years.When i stared at De Broglio it was not easy at all to learn everything step by step , Jessica and Ashleigh gave us training and the best training i must say.If my work is up to date i will assist other staff . Medico Legal departments work well together as a team There is not one day that i am not still learning.
Alexis said:
on Friday 29-Sep-17 08:55 AM
I can say that what i have learnt is that everything is not what it seems. I have learnt not to get to close to people as it will always come back and bite you. There is a lot of things in this place that you learn, from double checking to keeping everything to just making sure before you move forward. Work wise, I have learnt how to deal with clients. I cannot list everything as that would be too much - but in all honestly - i am still learning everyday and still make stupid mistakes - but that is one thing you learn t from
Melissa van Tellingen said:
on Friday 29-Sep-17 08:47 AM
Where do I begin. As a candidate attorney in any firm I believe you come in knowing only what you studies and you have minimal if any practical experience. For example what we learnt in university about RAF matters was about a paragraph or 2 and now working with it every day it just shows you that practical experience is worth a lot more that what yu studied in university. I know one of the first things my principle, Nikita taught me was to keep a good relationship with all the defending attorneys as you have to work with them again. You have to have mutual respect for each other in order to stay in their "good books" and ensure that you get a good settlement the next time around. What I have learnt up to date about RAF matters are endless, but like Jessica stated that it is of vital importance to be prepared for your matters at all time. My favourite part of our job is meeting the clients and consulting with them. I love putting a face to a client after reading all the reports. One thing I also learnt is to stay completely professional and try to be sympathetic without crying because it can get very sad sometimes.
What I've learnt about the court procedure and where to go for what is also endless. I feel like if you get experience in a firm like De Broglio you can call yourselves litigation experts. We know the ins and outs of the high court as if it is our second homes.
I can go on forever when thinking about what I've learnt at De Broglio. I'm just so thankful for the experience and the chance to prove myself.
Although I've learnt a lot I still learn new things every day and as Jadine stated below learning is an ongoing process.
Melissa van Tellingen said:
on Friday 29-Sep-17 08:47 AM
Where do I begin. As a candidate attorney in any firm I believe you come in knowing only what you studies and you have minimal if any practical experience. For example what we learnt in university about RAF matters was about a paragraph or 2 and now working with it every day it just shows you that practical experience is worth a lot more that what yu studied in university. I know one of the first things my principle, Nikita taught me was to keep a good relationship with all the defending attorneys as you have to work with them again. You have to have mutual respect for each other in order to stay in their "good books" and ensure that you get a good settlement the next time around. What I have learnt up to date about RAF matters are endless, but like Jessica stated that it is of vital importance to be prepared for your matters at all time. My favourite part of our job is meeting the clients and consulting with them. I love putting a face to a client after reading all the reports. One thing I also learnt is to stay completely professional and try to be sympathetic without crying because it can get very sad sometimes.
What I've learnt about the court procedure and where to go for what is also endless. I feel like if you get experience in a firm like De Broglio you can call yourselves litigation experts. We know the ins and outs of the high court as if it is our second homes.
I can go on forever when thinking about what I've learnt at De Broglio. I'm just so thankful for the experience and the chance to prove myself.
Although I've learnt a lot I still learn new things every day and as Jadine stated below learning is an ongoing process.
Clare said:
on Friday 29-Sep-17 08:44 AM
I must say that I have learnt a lot working here, I mean I learnt that you have to have a positive team because without positivity you will become so sad and not enthusiastic about your Job and nothing can make you love it. I have learnt that you need to have a team that can work will together and work like a Team because after all there is no "I" in team.....
I love working with the Medico Team we mite be a loud group but we do a great Job and we do our Job hard we always have each others backs. Team Medico you all rock.
Nina said:
on Friday 29-Sep-17 08:42 AM
I have learned that the sweetest clients can change in a blink of an eye and become very unreasonable very quickly. People skills are extremely important in any industry, but especially in this industry. You need to know how to keep your cool in unpleasant situations and make sure you keep the client happy as far as reasonably possible.
I have also learned that it is so important to enjoy the work you do. I am not very fond of sitting in an office day in and day out, but when you love your work, it makes it a lot easier.
Bianca R said:
on Friday 29-Sep-17 08:18 AM
I can certainly say that I have gained invaluable experience, life skills and all around working skills from working at de Broglio Attorneys Inc for many years. It really is quite challenging to summarize or cover every aspect but I can without a doubt say that I have learnt time management, how to deal with pressure, to prioritize and grow in knowledge and also as a person. Working and gaining experience is not only about growing in your working environment but I have also gained the skill of growing myself and applying skills that I have learnt at work into my own personal life. I cannot express the gratitude that I have for all of the experience and knowledge I have been exposed in my working sector and environment. Knowledge is honestly forever and skills stay with you for as long as you exercise them. What really stands out for me is the ability to deal with clients, learning to apply empathy when needed and be considerate of the situations that they are in or have been through.
When I started at de Broglio at a young age of 19, I had minimal exposure to a working environment and each and every skill, I can thank working at de Broglio.
patrick said:
on Friday 29-Sep-17 08:04 AM
that is not easy to run a business as sometimes you have to become a bad person to safe the firm. That clients can change from calling you a good person to a bad person when things does not go well in court. that always respect your opposing parties because tomorrow you need them to safe your face
Jessica Apfel said:
on Friday 29-Sep-17 07:58 AM
It is difficult to state categorically all that I have learnt in my 2 years at de Broglio because as Jadine says below - 'learning is an ongoing process'. Just yesterday Nicolle and I learnt how the courts apply the doli incapax maximum to civil litigation. By and large, I have learnt from my principle that collegiality goes a VERY long way within this industry. Sure, there are times when you have to be tough but for the most part if we treat our opponents with a degree of respect and kindness - that degree of respect and kindness will be repaid in one way or another!
I have also learnt that it is imperative to plan accurately before hand - good preparation makes the world of a difference. As soon as I am allocated a matter I try do a thorough investigation and iron out any problems that may have already arisen.
Moreover, I have learnt that litigating against the RAF isnt without its challenges, but in saying that I am grate%*$ for the vast amount of court exposure and grateful for the networks I have formed thus far.
I could go on for quite a while about all that I have learnt - but the few listed above are exactly that, a few!
I aspire to continue learning from the wonderful people that work around me!
Jadine Richards said:
on Friday 29-Sep-17 07:43 AM
I have learned that learning is an ongoing process. Never assume that you know something because chances are that you don't and that University in no way prepares you for the working world. However, most importantly I have learned that you have to enjoy what you do. You spend most of your life at work and if you are miserable at work then you are just miserable in life in general...one cannot live for the weekends.
Melissa said:
on Friday 29-Sep-17 07:39 AM
I have learnt a lot of stuff in the past 5 years that I have been with the firm. The important part is that you have to treat people the way you want to be treated. We all have to work together as a team to make the company even better. To assist other staff when your work is done, isn't going to kill you but it's going to give you more knowledge. I can't sit and do nothing when my work is done. I have to help other staff members in need. Every staff member in this firm can ask me for help or whatsoever I will never say no. I will rather give up my lunch time so that the work gets done! Working hard and learning new stuff each and every day is the key to success.
Celeste said:
on Friday 29-Sep-17 07:31 AM
I have learned how to work on e-file and MDB, and send reports . and I knew already how to send a email. learned how to scan. leaned to checked for inactive files.
Johannesburg based attorney specializing in personal injury matters including Road Accident Fund claims and medical negligence matters. My interests include golf, reading and the internet and the way it is constantly developing. I have a passion for life and a desire for less stress!
