Love My Bay chatted to Kristin McMullan, local Bay Conveyancing Attorney and Managing Director of her own, newly established practice, McMullan & Associates.
Kristin McMullan has always had a passion for people and property. She graduated from NMU with a LLB law degree in 2010 and was admitted as an attorney by the Grahamstown High court in 2012. She then proceeded to write the conveyancing exam in 2017 and was admitted as a conveyancer soon thereafter.
LMB recently had a little catch up with Kristin – we asked her a few questions, and here is what this dynamic Bay Boss Babe had to say:
LMB: What drives you daily to do what you do?
KM: Helping people as well as been able to share in the joy of purchasing a new property. My goal is to always provide excellent and efficient service as far as possible. Buying and selling a property is already a very stressful time for most people, my aim is to make it a smooth an easy transaction for both parties.
LMB: Has law and conveyancing always being a passion for you?
KM: Yes, I have been surrounded by property for as long as I can remember. My mother has been a real estate agent for over 20 years. Her passion for people and property definitely rubbed off on me at an early age.
LMB: How have you adapted personally with the current times we are living in?
KM: Well, I decided to start my own law firm, so we will see…It’s still too soon to determine if it was a good or bad idea haha.
LMB: What made you take the leap of faith and open your own practice?
KM: The main reason I studied law in 2006, was always to end up as a conveyancer, working for myself. (I seem to be pretty good at achieving my own personal goals) . I am a very motivated and determined person by nature.
As Will Smith said, “The road to success is through commitment.” You just have to keep moving forward and not give up on your goals. The road is not straight, it is windy and full of obstacles.
You have to make sure you learn from every failure and obstacle and try your best to keep looking ahead and focus on your goal.
LMB: What does McMullan & Associates specialise in?
KM: We specialise in conveyancing and all property related matters. However, I will always try my best to assist my clients with any legal problems that they may be faced with.
LMB: Tell us something interesting about conveyancing that most may not know?
KM: The history of land registration in South Africa started in 1652. Today, South Africa has one of the best land registration systems in the world. With a few exceptions, every “piece” of land in SA has been measured and surveyed by a Surveyor General and plotted on a ‘diagram’ or ‘general plan’.
The deeds office will not allow transfer or any other dealing, of land for which a diagram does not exist.
LMB: Who inspired you growing up?
KM: My parents. Firstly my mother, witnessing daily, her passion for people and property, had a major influence on me becoming a conveyancing attorney.
My love for property grew bigger and bigger over the years, as I was continuously surrounded by the excitement and joy she would have when she sold a property. It is such a joyous occasion and I love being a part of the happiness and excitement that follows after purchasing a new home.
I am also very grateful for my dad, who is a very kind and generous man. He was the one who put me through varsity. I realise I was very fortunate to have that opportunity. Hence, the pressure to not let it go to waste.
LMB: What is your get up and go song?
KM: Thanks to my dearest friend, Mel, it is currently “XO” by Beyonce. Even if you are not a Beyonce fan, you can’t help but move to this catchy song.
LMB: Do you have a memory or motivational moment when doing your articles that will stay with you within your business today?
KM: We made many mistakes during our articles, whether it’s filing documents at the incorrect firm, forgetting your robe at the office and realising when you’ve just arrived at court, or calling the magistrate “your honour” (my personal favourite), it was a fun learning curve for all of us.
Don’t be too hard on yourself, we all make mistakes. Strive to be better than you were yesterday by learning from those mistakes.
LMB: As a young conveyancing attorney, what advise can you give to school leavers looking to study law?
KM: It is always darkest before the dawn – studying law can seem like a long and treacherous journey, however, it will certainly pay off and be worth all the time you invested in it.
Don’t stop looking ahead toward your goals, always remember why you started studying law. We all have big dreams, never give up on yours.
LMB: Your favourite motto?
KM: Create your own happiness – happiness is created not found. Strive to do something that makes you happy everyday.
LMB: Name a book that has changed you life?
KM: Definitely, by far, “The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari” by Robin Sharma. It really taught me how to focus and actually achieve my goals.
LMB: Do you know any good lawyer jokes you can share with us?
KM: This one seems rather appropriate.
A young lawyer, starting up his private practice, was very anxious to impress potential clients. When he saw the first visitor to his office come through the door, he immediately picked up his phone and spoke into it,” I’m sorry, but my caseload is so tremendous that I’m not going to be able to look into your problem for at least a month. I’ll have to get back to you then.” He then turned to the man who had just walked in, and said, “Now, what can I do for you?” “Nothing,” replied the man. “I’m here to hook up your phone.”
LMB: What can The Bay expect from McMullan & Associates?
KM: We pride ourselves in delivering personal and efficient service to all of our clients and we strive to build and maintain life long relationships together. Every client and every matter is treated with the same priority.
You are more than just a client to us, we look forward to working with each and every one one of you.
We are delighted at the opportunity to become your legal partner and share in the joy of purchasing your first dream home.
You can find out more about McMullan and Associates on their website or find them on Facebook.
Kristin, we wish you all the success possible in your new venture. You are truly inspiring and we loved chatting to you. People of the bay – this woman is a dynamic force – so watch this space. For all things relating to property and conveyancing you know where to find her.
Also read our interview with Bay Boss Babe – Megan Coetzee, owner of Meg Enterprise
