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Christen Martin joined VDH in 2025, bringing several years of post-admission experience across civil, criminal, family and labour law. Her broad litigation background, courtroom experience and interest in the National Credit Act provide a strong foundation for her work within VDH’s specialist debt review practice.
Biography
Christen Martin holds an LLB from the University of KwaZulu-Natal and was admitted as an attorney of the High Court of South Africa in 2021.
Before joining VDH, Christen began her legal career in Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal. It was there that she developed her courtroom experience, appearing in both District and Regional Courts and gaining exposure to a diverse range of legal matters, including civil litigation, criminal law, family and matrimonial disputes, labour law and property-related matters.
From trials and bail applications to settlement negotiations, mediations, rescission applications and eviction proceedings, her early years in practice taught her that no two legal matters are ever quite the same. More importantly, they reinforced her belief that behind every legal dispute is a person seeking guidance, reassurance and a practical way forward.
Christen joined VDH in 2025 after relocating from Ladysmith to Cape Town, marking a deliberate move into the specialist field of debt review and National Credit Act litigation. She brings with her an established courtroom background and a strong interest in developing further expertise in a focused area of law.
Having worked across different areas of law, Christen appreciates the importance of adaptability and perspective. She welcomes a challenge, enjoys expanding her legal knowledge and believes that some of the most valuable professional growth comes from stepping outside one's comfort zone.
Christen values personal growth and meaningful relationships. Outside of practice, she is an avid reader and enjoys experimenting with new recipes in her spare time.
Our Attorneys
The People Behind the Process
VDH's legal team brings together attorneys with extensive experience in debt review litigation, court appearances, opposed proceedings, legal research, regulatory matters and the practical application of the National Credit Act.
Our attorneys operate across the Western Cape, Gauteng and Limpopo and are supported by specialised litigation, court-management and administrative teams.
Some members of the firm have spent the majority of their legal careers working in debt review. Others bring experience from general litigation, prosecution, the Magistracy, advocacy, regulatory work and other areas of legal practice.
That combination is deliberate.
Debt review litigation does not happen in isolation. It requires an understanding of civil procedure, consumer-credit law, evidence, enforcement, court practice and the practical financial circumstances underlying each application.
Meet the people responsible for the legal work behind VDH.
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Fransie van der Hoven
Managing Partner
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Stephan van der Hoven
Managing Partner
Magda Cloete (née Birkholtz)
Managing Partner
Lionel van Huyssteen
Managing Partner
Stefan Snyman
Managing Partner
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Andre van der Kooi
Managing Partner
Robyn Berry
Managing Partner
Petronette Lombard
Managing Partner
Christen Martin
Managing Partner
Suné van Wyk
Managing Partner
Dominic Horne
Managing Partner
Herman Mynhardt
Managing Partner
Lauren le Grange
Managing Partner
Tshephisho Somo
Managing Partner
Henri Uys
Managing Partner
Careers
Build a Career in Specialist Litigation
VDH operates at the intersection of law, litigation, technology and legal process design built around a specialist field.
For attorneys, candidate attorneys and legal professionals, that creates an environment very different from a traditional general practice.
Our team works with high volumes of litigation, but the work is not simply administrative. Attorneys are exposed to court appearances, opposed matters, developing questions under the National Credit Act, legal research, drafting, negotiation and the practical challenges that arise when legislation is applied across courts throughout South Africa.
We are particularly suited to people who are:
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intellectually curious;
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practical problem-solvers;
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comfortable taking responsibility;
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interested in litigation and legal argument;
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willing to question inefficient processes;
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able to work accurately at scale; and
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committed to maintaining professional standards in a highly specialised practice.
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VDH has grown by developing people internally and giving talented individuals the opportunity to take ownership of meaningful work.
If specialist litigation, legal technology and the continuing development of South African debt review law interest you, we would like to hear from you.
Junior Attorney