Compliance, Ethics, and Community: Why Law With Heart Matters

October 2025

  |  
Mc Naught and Company Inc

For many people, compliance feels like red tape, fines, and frustration. But at Mc Naught & Co, we see it differently. Compliance, when practised with integrity, is about protection, fairness, and building trust. And sometimes, compliance and ethics meet in the courtroom in powerful ways that remind us why we do what we do.

Compliance Without the Panic
Compliance is more than ticking boxes. It’s about aligning with South Africa’s laws to ensure:

  • Businesses operate fairly
  • Employees are treated justly
  • Consumers are protected
  • Property transactions remain secure

Done right, compliance doesn’t limit you – it empowers you.

Case Study: The Running Mann Defence
In June 2025, Mc Naught & Co stood alongside pro bono client Stuart “The Running Mann” Mann, a well-known running blogger, in a defamation case brought by the Two Oceans Marathon and its chairperson.

The Gauteng High Court dismissed the case, ruling that the applicants failed to prove the publications were defamatory. TOM was ordered to pay legal costs, including R86,000 in fees owed to Mc Naught & Co.

Instead of accepting those fees, we donated the full amount to the Comrades Marathon Amabeadibeadi Charity Foundation. Because justice isn’t just about winning cases – it’s about serving people and uplifting communities.

This case highlighted three things we stand for:
✔️ Defending clients with integrity
✔️ Upholding ethical standards in law
✔️ Turning success into positive community impact

Shortcuts vs. Responsible Law
With the rise of “Google law” and AI-generated answers, it’s tempting to rely on quick fixes. But as the Mann case shows, real law is about nuance, strategy, and accountability – things you can’t get from a search engine.

Responsible law means:

  • Tailored advice
  • Transparent communication
  • Ethical practice that prioritises people

How We Simplify Compliance
From conveyancing to estates to litigation, our team helps clients navigate compliance with clarity and confidence. We:

  • Break down complex steps
  • Handle documentation with precision
  • Keep clients informed
  • Provide people-first solutions


Compliance and ethics are not just obligations – they’re opportunities to protect, uplift, and build trust. At Mc Naught & Co, we’re proud to practise law with a personal touch: simplifying compliance, defending truth, and reinvesting victories into our communities.

Take the Next Step
📞 +27 (0)87 021 0123
🌐 www.maclaw.co.za
Mc Naught & Co
Attorneys | Conveyancers | Notaries
Law with a personal touch.

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