Sanél obtained her LL.B degree at the University of Stellenbosch. She completed her contract of articles whereafter she was admitted as an attorney in 2006.
As an attorney she gained experience in Criminal Work, General Litigation, Arbitration and Personal Injury Law. In 2007 she was appointed as Professional Assistant at De Vries Shields Chiat and specialises in Personal Injury Law. She was recently promoted to the position of Associate.