Dr Samantha Smith is STBB's chief Content Writer and Legal Editor, a position she has occupied since February 2024. Samantha graduated with a BSocSci, LLB, LLM, and PhD (Law) from the University of Cape Town. She brainstorms and writes all social media, newsflashes, newsletters, digital and print advertisements, magazine articles, webinar invitations, and podcast blurbs. Furthermore, Samantha creates tenders and proposals, legal updates and presentations, information sheets, content for special projects, and text for various other digital publications and communications. Additionally, she writes or edits biographies, and works on brochures, handouts, and other STBB collateral. Outside of her demanding role, Samantha is a passionate animal and environmental advocate whose comprehensive research has been praised by some of the world's leading animal law experts, including the planet's most published animal law scholar and an Acting Justice of South Africa's Constitutional Court.

Pulse | June 2025 | Edition II

The Legally Speaking podcast: Understanding contracts: Demystifying boilerplate clauses

In this month’s informative and commercially-focused episode, STBB’s chief Content Writer and Legal Editor, Dr Samantha Smith, explains the meaning, purpose, and value of boilerplate clauses. Incorporated in a wide range of commercial, property, and finance-related contracts, boilerplate clauses are central to interpreting and defining the scope of agreements. If you’re a budding entrepreneur, businessperson, or property practitioner interested in deciphering legal jargon, tune in now for a clear and practical explanation!

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Insolvency update: Are a surviving spouse’s life insurance benefits protected from creditors?

Recently, the SCA was tasked with evaluating whether the benefits of a long-term life insurance policy are shielded from creditors following the sequestration of a joint estate.

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Navigating co-parenting disputes during school holidays

The imminent mid-year school holidays provide a perfect opportunity for families to spend quality time together. For divorced or separated parents, disagreements over holiday contact are commonplace, especially in the absence of a formal agreement.

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Deal-making dynamics: Mergers versus acquisitions

STBB’s commercial law specialists regularly handle mergers and acquisitions. Though often grouped together, M&As are legally distinct transactions.

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It’s not too late to register for our next webinar!

In this month’s fascinating webinar, Director and corporate and commercial law expert, Andreas Tsangarakis, explores the contentious and technical process of director removals. Paying specific attention to section 71(1) of the Companies Act, Andreas will explain how and why shareholders can remove directors. Far from straightforward, removing directors is subject to strict procedural safeguards and is increasingly scrutinised by the courts. Whether you’re a director, shareholder, budding entrepreneur, or have an interest in corporate governance, you won’t want to miss out on this engaging and helpful discussion with a premier legal expert. Secure your spot now!

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