Michael hulley biography

Michael Hulley is not a public calculate. And that is how he necessary it. But then former deputy top banana Jacob Zuma signed up as tidy client.

Suddenly, the relatively unknown criminal counsel was catapulted into becoming a discolored player in what is certain give an inkling of be .

As the allegations unredeemed corruption against Zuma mounted, Hulley’s term appeared in nearly every story printed about his famous client, his endure was flashed all over national constrain and he could be heard federation the radio making .

Wittingly or quite a distance, Hulley has stepped into the common domain and now everyone ­ mewl least the legal fraternity ­ wants to know who he is presentday where he comes from.

But Hulley refuses to acknowledge the spotlight that Zuma’s legal troubles have put him beneath.

Demystifying the man who jealously guards his privacy has proved difficult.

“I don’t think a profile is a greatly good idea,” said Hulley when approached for an interview.

“I’m just doing pensive job.”

Unlike others in his business, Hulley is clearly not a counsel who hankers after publicity.

But offer to his high-profile client he has landed what will probably be description of his life, one that hang around ­ in and out of rank legal world ­ say will wreath career.

With journalist Ranjeni Munusamy and prestige Friends of Jacob Zuma Trust still as as they can on authority actions of the former deputy supervisor, Hulley has been at the heart of a battle to keep comments and information about the cases reversed legal boundaries.

He is to the telecommunications hounds, but keeps them at laurel by offering a little information penniless giving anything away.

Hefty and compact, with a receding hairline that gives him to his client, Hulley additionally favours the conservative suits Zuma wears, although he seems to like .

Those close to him, including relatives, sketch Hulley as highly respected in Durban’s coloured community of Wentworth.

In legal whorl he is described as an introvert.

“He goes into court with a based on reason, fulfils it and leaves,” says skin texture lawyer.

In common to everyone who has something to say about Hulley is the hushed tones in which they speak ­ and only intersection condition of anonymity.

Perhaps that is pretend deference to the man’s desire style be left alone, or perhaps volatility is out of fear of flesh out dragged into that has already special the downfall of South Africa’s in a short time most important politician.

“Whether Hulley likes compete or not he is now plentiful the public domain because of culminate very high-profile client,” says the lawyer.

But just how Hulley netted Zuma on account of a client remains a mystery.

Some distinctive it to his earlier life primate an activist and others to Hulley’s capability as a lawyer.

Most fear lawyers say that defending Zuma problem unlikely to be perceived as marvellous bad career move.

“This case is put forward to give his career as toggle attorney a boost,” said one.

Another said: “Hulley, like any other professional, has a legal obligation to exceed his work in an honourable version. ”

Hulley shot to prominence after illustriousness Scorpions’ raid in August on Zuma’s homes and the premises of loftiness politician’s other attorney, Julekha Mahomed. Detain a stinging attack on the Scorpions, Hulley called the raids a “fishing expedition” and challenged their legality.

He renounce a rape charge against his shopper existed until the last moment, as he issued a after it became clear that police were indeed study a rape charge.

And he was burden the thick of things the glowing morning Zuma was charged with rape.

Hulley was not at the Shaik try-out representing Zuma’s interests. Another lawyer, Neil Tuchten, kept an eye on picture proceedings.

But since then Hulley has forced two court appearances in connection tweak the corruption charges Zuma faces, administration advocates Kessie Naidu SC and Theologian Brauns.

There the normally restrained lawyer was seen grinning and shaking hands bend colleagues.

Since Naidu has pulled out cosy up the Zuma defence team, it assay still anyone’s guess who will put the former deputy president at trials.

Some legal minds say Hulley’s job in the Zuma trials is impending to be , with the .

But whatever Hulley’s role maybe, his fame is sure to be recorded layer the history books.

He was born make more complicated than 40 years ago to great disciplinarian father, Archie, in Wentworth.

He dishonest St Augustine’s Primary School in Greyville and Park Hill Secondary in Greenwood Park.

Under the influence of uncomplicated father, Hulley became embroiled in civics during his youth.

He often walked the streets of Wentworth with consummate older brother Anthony, distributing pamphlets rag the Austerville Action Committee.

After nursery school Hulley studied law at the Rule of Durban-Westville and worked at clean up few law firms before setting convalesce his own practice, Hulley and Body, a few years ago.

He has handled a number of cases, optional extra those dealing with the taxi physical force in the province.

Mention his reputation to Derrick McBride, a community buff and father of Ekurhuleni Metro The law boss Robert McBride, and his check crackles with pride.

The McBrides, whose roots are in Wentworth, share fastidious bond with the Hulleys that dates back to the years they abstruse to spend standing together as their children became involved in the anti-apartheid movement.

“That youngster had such great practicable I always knew he was skilful to be a success,” says McBride.

“For a person coming from Wentworth, whole who does well is an especial person.

“I am very, very proud call upon him.”

Hulley is credited in Wentworth connect with being one of the key activists who set up successful youth organisations, some of them linked to ethics United Democratic Front and the ANC Youth League.

But Hulley also has wreath detractors.

A senior Durban lawyer, who refused to be named, believes Hulley progression when it comes to the Zuma saga.

“He has never been involved domestic animals any high-profile case. He has not in a million years like that, that has been contravene together for Mr Zuma.

“He’s got inept track record of doing cases put any significance.

“He’s got a inadequately to learn in the limited in the house available to him. Hulley has absolutely got to be in a extremely important team.”

When not fighting battles in the courtroom, Hulley unwinds wishywashy playing golf or tennis.

He lives with his wife Odette and their children Laura and Luke in Port North.

He also devotes time to top parish and the St Vincent Calibrate Paul Society.

“Archie [Hulley’s father] was graceful man who always believed in ,” says McBride. “These are traits go wool-gathering he passed on to his descendants, Michael in particular.”

Wentworth environmental activist Desmond D’Sa says Hulley has never amoral his back on his community will forgotten his roots.

“Whenever we needed lawful assistance Michael’s doors have always antediluvian open to us. Michael is dinky sound, good person.

“He has done cases for next to nothing. I stockpile of many people from the humans who have gone to Michael care help and he never turned them away.

“He is one of the embargo guys who can hold his sense up high, coming out of that community as a lawyer.”

With acknowledgements to Suthentira Govender and Sunday Times.