After completing his LLB. degree from the University of Stellenbosch, Ettienne joined Legal-Aid South Africa where he completed his articles, spending most of his time in criminal courts. Ettienne also completed an NPA Prosecutors program but quickly decided that criminal defence is where his passion lies. Since then, Ettienne has gained extensive experience in criminal matters as a criminal defence attorney. Ettienne is well familiar with the role players in the industry and is well known to the various courts over the Western Cape.