We’re Changing Law
for Your Business
in a Changing World
Quick Service Query
Barnard is a business-focused law firm based in Pretoria, serving clients across South Africa and beyond.
We help companies and their leaders make confident decisions on corporate and commercial matters, property and conveyancing, mergers & acquisitions, dispute resolution and litigation, mediation and arbitration, insurance and competition law, intellectual property and data privacy, data protection, employment law, family law, trusts and estates, and wealth protection.
Our teams combine practical advice with fast, reliable execution – whether you’re closing a deal, resolving a dispute, or safeguarding your assets.
Ready to speak to the right lawyer? Complete the enquiry form above, or select a service below to contact the relevant team member directly.
BARNARD LEGAL SERVICES
BARNARD NEWS & INSIGHTS
Pausing an Execution to Protect your Business Operations
When a business faces execution proceedings, the risk is more than the loss of assets. An unchallenged attachment or sale can disrupt operations, damage supply…
Can a Property Transaction Continue After an Offer to Purchase Has Expired?
It often happens in practice: a Purchaser signs an Offer to Purchase (OTP), fails to comply with obligations (for example, payment of deposit or securing…
Deepfakes at School
A governance and risk issue for SGBs and executive teams Deepfakes and AI-generated manipulation are no longer fringe tech. In a school environment, a learner…
What if an Electrical Compliance Certificate turns out to be Defective after Transfer?
In most residential property transactions, the Seller is required to provide valid compliance certificates (including the electrical Certificate of Compliance) before registration can proceed. Conveyancers…
Should you Sell your Home on Auction in a Difficult Property Market? Pros and Cons Every Seller should Know
When the residential property market slows down, Sellers often start considering alternative methods to secure a sale. One option frequently suggested by Agents is selling…
When a Close Corporation is Wound up, are Members Automatically Liable for the Costs?
A recent judgment of the North West High Court, Mahikeng, has provided welcome clarity on an issue that does not often receive direct judicial attention.…
Fraudulent Electrical Certificates of Compliance in Property Transactions: Legal Consequences for Sellers, Purchasers and Contractors
In South African property transactions, the Electrical Certificate of Compliance (“ECOC”) is a critical legal requirement that ensures the safety and regulatory compliance of electrical…
Mergers Under the Microscope: Where Public Interest Meets Market Power
South Africa’s merger control regime occupies a unique position in comparative competition law by requiring that public interest considerations be assessed alongside traditional competition analysis…
When is a South African Insolvency “Surplus” not really a Surplus?
Insolvency law often sounds straightforward until assets, creditors and court processes are spread across more than one country. At first glance, the position seems simple…
Not Every Residential Lease Falls under the Consumer Protection Act
What Els v Venter means for landlords and tenants A recent Supreme Court of Appeal judgment is a useful reminder that not every residential lease…
PROPERTY LAW INFORMATION
When a Cash Purchaser fails to Perform: What Happens if the Deposit is not Paid?
In South African property transactions, an Offer to Purchase (“OTP”) is not a mere expression of intent. Once signed by…
When Sectional Titles Go Off-Plan: The Legal Risks of Unapproved Alterations, Exclusive Use Areas, and Informal Carports
Property owners often assume that once a sectional title scheme is registered, day-to-day changes within sections or exclusive use areas…
Can you get Married if Home Affairs still reflects you as Married?
Many South Africans are surprised to discover that, despite being divorced for years, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) still…
