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BENITA ARDENBAUM

enita Ardenbaum, the dynamic managing children, a voice and enable them to have a choice,” are highly sought after, and she has reshaped the
director of Benita Ardenbaum Attorneys, is she explained. discourse around family law by advocating for a
a formidable presence in KwaZulu-Natal’s more strategic, results driven approach to resolving
Bbusiness landscape. With nearly three decades As a female leader in the competitive world of family disputes.
law, Benita’s approach is anything but conventional.
of legal expertise, she has not only shaped the field
of family law but has also emerged as a powerful She has redefined the practice by viewing law as Benita added that she is inspired by people’s stories.
a strategic tool for achieving justice and setting
force in the province’s business community. “I feel incredibly grateful when I can actually help
new legal precedents. This innovative mindset has people, and I can see the tangible results where, for
Born into challenging circumstances, Benita’s jour- propelled her firm to the forefront of the industry, example when children or people are not caught up
ney from humble beginnings to becoming a leading setting benchmarks in both legal excellence and in conflict any longer. Communicating with people,
legal figure is a testament to her resilience and business acumen. helping them to try and resolve the issues that they
strategic foresight. have, is what inspires me, because without people to
Commenting on her practice, Benita elaborates, help we wouldn’t have this business.”
Adopted at birth, her early life involved a move “If I can help one person in a family, it impacts
overseas with her family at age 12, where she faced the children. They then grow up in a more stable Her influence extends beyond the legal community,
significant challenges, including the decision to leave environment, creating a ripple effect that makes inspiring a new generation of business leaders and
school and support herself at 15. a difference. I think families are the backbone of lawyers to adopt a more feminine and effective
society. People often think of family law as ‘soft law,’ approach in their fields.
Her experiences of working day and night but it is extremely complex, as you’re dealing with
enabled her to travel across Europe at 16, honing people’s emotions.” A COMPELLING EXAMPLE
her communication skills and fostering a deep
understanding of diverse cultures. This early POWER OF THE LAW For KwaZulu-Natal’s top business leaders, Benita’s
exposure prepared her for the complex world of legal journey serves as a compelling example of how
and business leadership. For business leaders in KwaZulu-Natal, Benita’s strategic pivoting, resilience, and a clear vision can
story offers a blueprint for success. Her ability to align business success with a higher purpose. Her
Reflecting on those formative years, Benita says, transform a legal practice into a thriving enterprise ability to blend empathy with business acumen
“Traveling and working so young gave me a unique that not only delivers top-tier legal services but also has earned her respect in the legal community and
perspective. It taught me to respect different view- influences broader societal change is a testament established her as a model of purposeful leadership
points and to see challenges as opportunities. That to her visionary leadership. Benita Ardenbaum in the broader business world.
perspective has shaped the way I approach the law.” Attorneys is not just a legal service provider; it is a
beacon of innovation in the legal field, driven by Benita’s story is a powerful reminder of how one female
After receiving life-changing advice, Benita returned a clear strategic vision that prioritises both client leader’s vision and determination can transform an
to her education and later pivoted from a BCom outcomes and market expansion. industry, inspire a team, and create lasting impact.
degree to pursue law, earning both a BA and LLB. This Her legacy is one of innovation, leadership, and an
strategic decision set the stage for her to establish Under her leadership, the firm has grown from a unwavering commitment to excellence, making her
one of KwaZulu-Natal’s most respected family law small practice to a powerhouse in the South African not just a leader in family law but a pioneering figure
practices. Her firm quickly gained a reputation legal landscape, recently expanding into Cape Town in KwaZulu-Natal’s business community.
for handling some of the most challenging cases, with plans for further growth in KwaZulu-Natal and
from international child abductions to high-stakes beyond. Her vision is clear: to continue expanding its In conclusion, Benita encourages others to embrace a
purpose beyond themselves. “At our firm, we believe
divorces, underpinned by her commitment to justice influence and market share by leveraging the power
and advocacy for the vulnerable. of the law to drive business success and societal in the power of connection, it’s never just about one
impact. person, but about the collective impact we can have.
FINDING JUSTICE My team and I live by the principle that staying true
to our core purpose and values is what drives us. We
A THOUGHT LEADER
Benita’s personal history steered her toward family often remind clients of the importance of gratitude,
law. “There was this fiery passion within me to find Beyond her immediate business achievements, which helps them find resilience through life’s
justice for people and to defend the underdog. Benita has emerged as a thought leader in the legal transitions. It is about appreciating what we have and
My whole purpose was to give people, especially industry. Her insights on complex family law issues finding growth, even in the midst of adversity.”
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