Carol McDonald

Carol McDonald, a partner at Cox Yeats Attorneys in Durban, has carved out a career specialising in commercial and property law. At the firm, she plays a crucial role in the property and conveyancing team, handling the spectrum of residential transactions, commercial property deals, development projects, bond work and mining title registrations.

Carol’s academic journey began at Westville Girls High, after which she explored the world before committing to a career in law. “I took two years off after school to see the world a little bit,” she explains. “But I always wanted to go into law, ever since I was in early high school — it seemed to come naturally to me.” This desire led her to the University of KwaZulu-Natal where she pursued an undergraduate degree in law and graduated top of her class. Following her articles, Carol returned to her studies to obtain notary and conveyancer qualifications.

Her academic achievements did not stop there. Carol was awarded the prestigious Clarendon Scholarship to study at Oxford University, where she completed her master’s degree. “I still remember the first day we were in orientation,” she recalls, “the Dean said to us, ‘Look around, who’s sitting next to you. Make sure you remember their name. They might be a Nobel Prize winner one day’.” Carol stayed on in Oxford, working at the university before returning to South Africa and embarking on a career in corporate law.

Striving for Balance
Carol’s professional life has been marked by a willingness to embrace change. “I’ve changed paths a few times,” she admits, “gone from litigation, to academics, to conveyancing, and then to property and commercial law, which is where I find myself now.” At Cox Yeats, she likes to think that she has made an impact on the firm by bringing balance. “We have a great team of excellent attorneys, most of whom are top of their game, world-class practitioners.

We all bring expert skills, but as a woman and a mother, I believe I bring an element of balance.”

Carol’s approach to balancing work and personal life extends beyond her role at the firm. She has been involved in initiatives that support the broader legal community, including serving on the Legal Practitioners Council for KwaZulu-Natal. Here, she has actively worked to address practical challenges faced by practitioners, such as dealing with issues at the Deeds Office or ensuring the smooth delivery of municipal rates. “It’s not just about your firm making money,” she notes. “It’s about helping your colleagues succeed as well.”

As someone who leads Cox Yeats’ corporate social responsibility initiatives, Carol takes pride in the firm’s engagement with the Amaoti High School. “We’ve been able to engage meaningfully and make a difference in a small section of our society. It is exciting and humbling to be a part of their journey,” she shares. The firm has provided support for the school’s matric camp, where learners stay on the premises from August until the end of their final exams to receive intensive support from educators and community members. In addition to providing essential items like mattresses and food, Cox Yeats has funded a drama studio, helping the school introduce drama as a matric subject.

The firm has also funded a foundational reading educator, who works with learners struggling with literacy, ensuring they receive the support needed to be better prepared for their exams. “It’s a great initiative that makes a huge difference in uplifting the community,” she adds.

Carol dreams of a better future for South Africa. “My biggest dream is for South Africa to pull together and overcome its challenges,” she reflects. “I want it to be a place where people want to live.” She is especially passionate about education reform, advocating for a holistic approach that provides children with more than just literacy and numeracy skills. “Education must include sporting, cultural opportunities and a rounded experience,” she argues, “because that’s what will truly change our country.”

As a woman in a profession that has historically been male-dominated, Carol has faced her share of challenges. She recalls a particularly frustrating experience from her early career when, as an articled clerk, she was told she was “paid to type and look pretty’.” Carol did not hesitate to speak up: “I walked out the room and told them when they were ready for brains, I’d come back.”

These experiences have not disappeared entirely, even as a partner. “There are still times when I interface with a client face-to-face, and they’ll assume I’m the secretary,” she explains. Despite such frustrations, Carol remains steadfast, approaching these situations with determination. “You’ve got to find your way in life,” she advises. “Set boundaries, know what you want, and make decisions that align with your goals.”

To young women entering the legal field, Carol emphasises that you need to know what you are prepared to sacrifice and for how long. “Some things can be sacrificed for a season, but others, if neglected, are gone. You’ve got to keep a clear head about what you want and what you are prepared to do to get there, then put your head down and work for it.”

Work-Life Balance
Maintaining a work-life balance is no easy feat, especially in a demanding profession like law. For Carol, family is a priority. “You must make time for the people closest and dearest to you,” she says, “and ensure they know how much they mean to you.” In addition, Carol finds that exercise helps her manage stress and stay grounded. “I have a great group of running friends, and we’ve run the Comrades together. It’s a great opportunity to get fresh air and take your mind off work by setting a new challenge.” This year, Carol pushed herself further by taking up lifesaving—a pursuit outside her comfort zone.

In the future Carol’s goal is to remain agile and to be open to opportunity. “I have managed to do that throughout my life, and I want to continue to follow opportunities and to not stagnate,” she concludes.