Men in Business: David Campbell

Outside of practising as an attorney, I am first and foremost a family man, fortunate enough to share my life with my beautiful wife Jessica and our three-year-old daughter Madison. While I used to spend the majority of my free time outside of work and family life on the roads and trails as an avid runner, I have recently traded my running shoes for cycling cleats and more Lycra than I ever expected to own.

Although I live in Kloof, I love working in Umhlanga, a place which somehow perfectly balances the energy of a modern, fast-growing business hub with the relaxed atmosphere and coastal charm. I am a Director in the Commercial and Property Law Departments at Livingston Leandy Incorporated, a respected South African law firm with over 135 years of expertise in property, commercial law, litigation, estates, trusts, and maritime law. Livingston Leandy has built a strong reputation, tracing its history back over 130 years, and I feel privileged to play a role in continuing and building on that legacy.

Challenges

A major concern we face is the impact of global instability on market confidence. It often feels as though there is always a new international or economic crisis affecting industries across the board, and the commercial sector is certainly not immune to this. In a legal environment, this uncertainty can influence everything from investment decisions to business growth and transactions.

My business philosophy

Understanding that client service and client satisfaction are paramount in a profession such as law. I believe that consistently placing the client’s interests first, communicating honestly, and delivering practical, commercially sound legal advice builds trust and lasting professional relationships.

Advice

My passion for the profession extends to my involvement in legal education, where I am often asked this question. My honest advice is that a career in law can be incredibly rewarding, but only if you genuinely enjoy the profession and the work that comes with it. The practice of law demands long hours, dedication and many sleepless nights, so it is important to truly enjoy the work and the challenges that come with it. If someone is entering the profession solely for financial gain, they may ultimately find it far less fulfilling than expected.