de jager lordan

Your new breed law firm

Who we are

We are a distinguished law firm with offices in Grahamstown and Alexandria. Our point of departure is that all firms have the same ability to render legal services, however, we believe that we are able to render client services more efficiently, professionally and with quicker turnaround times.

Service-oriented

We are able to provide professional service in the most efficient way possible.

Service-oriented

We specialise in insolvent estates, property transfers, and litigation.

Client-focused

We are fortunate to have long standing clients, some of them in excess of 30 years!

Client-focused

This highlights our strength in client relationships supported and underwritten by our stringent service delivery policy.

Award-winning

We are the proud winners of a New Breed Law Firm Platinum Group Award.

Award-winning

This has been awarded to our firm by the PH Group in recognition of our above 90% compliance with the Group Standards in 2021/2.

Our legal services

Administration of Estates

Administration of deceased estates, include advice and guidance, executorships, preparation of all documentation for submission to the Master of the High Court, preparation of agreements, ma...

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Appeal

Appeal and review support and assistance in all appropriate forums, risk and merit assessment, preparation and lodging of appeal documentation and records, case management, legal representat...

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Banking and Finance

Banking and finance services, advice and support in relation to credit and finance agreements, transaction structuring, financing agreements, securities and negotiable instruments, shares an...

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Bond Registration and Cancellation

Advice and support regarding the registration and cancellation of mortgage bonds, drafting and preparation of securities, engaging with financiers, preparation and lodging of documentation w...

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Child Rights

Advice, guidance and support in respect of child rights, including protection, maintenance, custody, adoptions, surrogacy, legal representation, mediation, negotiation, investigations, draft...

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Commercial Contracting

Advice and drafting of all types of commercial, business and other agreements and transaction documents, standardised contract formats, reviews and audits, risk assessments, negotiation, med...

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Competition Law

Advice and support regarding competition law, merger compliance, representation, opinions and all other related aspects of competition law.

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Consolidation and Subdivision

Advice and support regarding the consolidation or subdivision or immovable property, including the preparation and lodging of documentation with the Deeds Office, obtaining all necessary aut...

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Consumer Law

Advice and support in respect of all aspects of legal and regulatory aspects relating to the consumer including business audits, risk assessments, drafting of policies and procedures, consum...

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Contract Management

Advice and support in respect of contract management, contract storage, risk and liability assessment, contract reviews, contract due diligences, contract management policies and procedures,...

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Corporate

Advice and support in respect of entity formation, preparation of founding documentation, registrations, maintenance, amendments, drafting of agreements and resolutions, and company secretar...

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Corporate Structuring

Advice and support regarding effective corporate structuring, entity formation and restructuring, taxation related aspects, reorganising business assets, mergers and acquisitions, takeovers,...

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Administration of Estates

Administration of deceased estates, include advice and guidance, executorships, preparation of all documentation for submission to the Master of the... High Court, preparation of agreements, management of estate assets and liabilities, and all related aspects to ensure a successful administration of a deceased estate.

Appeal

Appeal and review support and assistance in all appropriate forums, risk and merit assessment, preparation and lodging of appeal documentation... and records, case management, legal representation, briefing of counsel and all related support services.

Corporate Structuring

Advice and support regarding effective corporate structuring, entity formation and restructuring, taxation related aspects, reorganising business assets, mergers and acquisitions,... takeovers, joint ventures, private equity, corporate unbundling, share structuring, securities, financing, due diligences, commercialisation and all related agreements and documentation.

Insolvency and Business Rescue

Advice and support to businesses in distress, business rescue planning, insolvency and related services, liquidations and sequestrations, debt recoveries, dispute... resolution, debt restructuring, recovery of assets, creditor engagement and all related advice and support.

Meet our professionals

Meet our professionals

 

Deborah Joubert

Consultant

Deborah joined De Jager & Lordan Inc. as Candidate Attorney in 1991 and is currently a consultant at the firm... specializing in the administration of Insolvent and Deceased Estates, Wills and Estate Planning.  

Alexandria
djoubert@djlaw.co.za
046 622 2799
 

Leo Vaccaro

Attorney

Leo is a junior associate in the Commercial Department, specialising in commercial contracting, property transactions, smaller mergers and acquisitions, and... entity formation and registration. He is also dedicated to assisting clients with the enforcement and defense of their contractual rights in eviction matters, rental disputes and debt recovery.

Grahamstown
leo@djlaw.co.za
046 622 2799
 

Lonwabo Bhambatha

Candidate Legal Practitioner

Lonwabo is a candidate legal practitioner in the litigation and commercial departments. He assists with civil litigation in the high... court and Magistrate’s court, focusing on debt collection, property rates and taxes disputes, evictions, divorces and general litigation. He also assists with commercial contracting and master of the high court correspondence matters.

Grahamstown
lonwabo@djlaw.co.za
046 622 2799
 

Nudine Pretorius

Candidate Legal Practitioner

Nudine is the team's newest Candidate Legal Practitioner. She has an interest in property law, commercial contracts, labour law and... conveyancing. Her key focus at the moment is on civil litigation and debt collection.  

Grahamstown
nudine@djlaw.co.za
046 622 2799
 

Olivia Mukozhiwa

Candidate Legal Practitioner

Olivia specialises in various aspects of Conveyancing and Notarial Practice. She has a keen interest in registration and cancellation of... mortgage bonds, property transfers, consolidations, and subdivisions. She takes pride in her meticulous nature and her ability to quickly finalize transactions.

Grahamstown
olivia@djlaw.co.za
046 622 2799
 

Stuart Tarr

Attorney

Stuart Tarr is the firm’s civil litigation specialist, with expertise in commercial litigation, interdicts, divorce, family law, children’s rights, labour... and employment law. Having practiced in several High Court divisions across the country, Stuart’s vast experience makes him a perfect match for any remedy a client may need. 

Grahamstown
stuart@djlaw.co.za
046 622 2799
 

Werner de Jager

Director

Werner is currently the director of De Jager & Lordan Inc., a position he has held for 30 years. He... specialises in commercial law, commercial contracting, property law, conveyancing, estates and estate planning. He is also an expert insolvency practitioner, practicing in the field for over 25 years. His approach to law is to finalise matters in the simplest, quickest and most cost-effective manner, thereby benefitting his clients. 

Grahamstown
werner@djlaw.co.za
046 622 2799

Deborah Joubert

Consultant

Deborah joined De Jager & Lordan Inc. as Candidate Attorney in 1991 and is currently a consultant at the firm... specializing in the administration of Insolvent and Deceased Estates, Wills and Estate Planning.  

Alexandria
djoubert@djlaw.co.za
046 622 2799

Leo Vaccaro

Attorney

Leo is a junior associate in the Commercial Department, specialising in commercial contracting, property transactions, smaller mergers and acquisitions, and... entity formation and registration. He is also dedicated to assisting clients with the enforcement and defense of their contractual rights in eviction matters, rental disputes and debt recovery.

Grahamstown
leo@djlaw.co.za
046 622 2799

Lonwabo Bhambatha

Candidate Legal Practitioner

Lonwabo is a candidate legal practitioner in the litigation and commercial departments. He assists with civil litigation in the high... court and Magistrate’s court, focusing on debt collection, property rates and taxes disputes, evictions, divorces and general litigation. He also assists with commercial contracting and master of the high court correspondence matters.

Grahamstown
lonwabo@djlaw.co.za
046 622 2799

Nudine Pretorius

Candidate Legal Practitioner

Nudine is the team's newest Candidate Legal Practitioner. She has an interest in property law, commercial contracts, labour law and... conveyancing. Her key focus at the moment is on civil litigation and debt collection.  

Grahamstown
nudine@djlaw.co.za
046 622 2799

Olivia Mukozhiwa

Candidate Legal Practitioner

Olivia specialises in various aspects of Conveyancing and Notarial Practice. She has a keen interest in registration and cancellation of... mortgage bonds, property transfers, consolidations, and subdivisions. She takes pride in her meticulous nature and her ability to quickly finalize transactions.

Grahamstown
olivia@djlaw.co.za
046 622 2799

Stuart Tarr

Attorney

Stuart Tarr is the firm’s civil litigation specialist, with expertise in commercial litigation, interdicts, divorce, family law, children’s rights, labour... and employment law. Having practiced in several High Court divisions across the country, Stuart’s vast experience makes him a perfect match for any remedy a client may need. 

Grahamstown
stuart@djlaw.co.za
046 622 2799

Werner de Jager

Director

Werner is currently the director of De Jager & Lordan Inc., a position he has held for 30 years. He... specialises in commercial law, commercial contracting, property law, conveyancing, estates and estate planning. He is also an expert insolvency practitioner, practicing in the field for over 25 years. His approach to law is to finalise matters in the simplest, quickest and most cost-effective manner, thereby benefitting his clients. 

Grahamstown
werner@djlaw.co.za
046 622 2799

Latest legal news

Can a Homeowners Association take over refuse removal from a local authority?

27 March 2024

With many local authorities struggling to provide municipal services to residents, a key question that arose in a recent case... was whether a Homeowners Association was entitled to take over the function of refuse removal from the local authority and whether the local authority was still entitled to charge for refuse removal.

READ MORE
3
Article

What to expect from the new draft Employment Equity Act Regulations

27 March 2024

The Employment Equity Amendment Act 4 of 2022 (“Amendment Act”) was introduced in April 2023 but the commencement date has... yet to be promulgated. To address the sectoral numerical targets provided for in the Amendment Act, new draft regulations were issued for comment on 1 February 2024 (“Draft Regulations”). In this article we take a look at the draft regulations and what they mean for employers.

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Article

How liable is an owner for damage caused by animals?

26 March 2024

One has often read about owners being held liable for a dog attack on a person, but what about an... animal on the road which ends up causing an accident? Can the owner be held liable for the resulting damage?

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Article

To click or to ink? Are electronically signed sale of property agreements valid in SA?

26 March 2024

In the current digital era, the use of electronic signatures has substantially increased, reshaping traditional practices with their convenience and... efficiency. From large corporations to small businesses, organisations are embracing electronic signatures to streamline processes and adapt to a digital business landscape. This article explores the validity of electronic signatures and specifically how it affects the validity of a sale of property agreement. 

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2
Article

Safeguarding your legacy for your children

26 March 2024

For any parent, the question of how to protect and provide for their children after their passing is a burning... concern that arises long before the first child is born. In this article, we explore how parents can safeguard their legacy for their children.

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4
Article

AI Rights vs Human Rights

20 March 2024

The age of artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the world’s ground-breaking developments, and powerful enough to transform and advance... the entire world. However, the excitement of AI being an incredible tool must not overshadow the actual humans and their rights that must still be protected in the era of AI.  

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5
Article

How far does employer liability for the actions of its employee extend?

22 February 2024

It is relatively well-known that employers can be held liable for the conduct of their employees. What is generally less... well-understood is the scope of this liability. For example, can an employer be liable for the conduct of an employee even while on sick leave? In this article, we take a look at an employer’s vicarious liability and how far this liability may extend.

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22
Article

Construction Contracts: Is it a “one-size-fits-all” decision?

22 February 2024

Clients often have very different perceptions about the necessity and type of contract they may need for their construction contract.... Surprisingly, even with large development projects, there is often the view that if you have the quote and designs, why then bother with a contract? In this article, we provide some guidance on the various types of construction contracts that can be considered for a building project, large or small.

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23
Article

SA’s New Land Court Act – paving the way for settling land disputes

22 February 2024

In a quest to remedy historical land injustices and streamline the resolution of land and land rights issues in our... country, South Africa has introduced a pioneering piece of legislation — the new Land Court Act. This Act represents a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to foster equitable land distribution and provide an effective mechanism for resolving land disputes. The Land Court established by virtue of this transformative legislation will play a central role, as will be outlined in this article.

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27
Article

South Africa’s four-day workweek trial: the good and the bad

21 February 2024

From March to August 2023, South Africa conducted the first African four-day workweek experiment involving several pilot companies trialling to... assess the pros and cons of such a move in a South African context. Although it’s far too early to make any conclusive findings, we share a few thoughts about the trial and its implications for South Africa.

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29
Article

Why a clean donation can have sticky consequences

21 February 2024

A donation, made with the best of intent, may still land you in ‘hot’ water with SARS. In this article,... we explain why a donation could result in donations tax being payable to SARS and when and how this could happen.

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25
Article

An introduction to mergers and acquisitions in South Africa

24 January 2024

Mergers and Acquisitions or ‘M&As’ have become integral components of South Africa’s corporate landscape and play a crucial role in... economic growth and development. In this article, we explore the legal framework and key considerations surrounding M&A transactions in South Africa by looking at the regulatory environment, competition law, due diligence, tax, and transaction structuring that accompanies M&A transactions.

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145
Article

Can you use your culture to justify being absent from work?

15 January 2024

Employers are required to respect and honour the rights of their employees. However, in return, employees are required in terms... of their employment relationship to offer their services and not be absent from work without leave. But how do these rights stack up when an employee claims their right to culture as justification for being absent from work? In this article, we take a look at a recent CCMA case that had to dissect this rather complex question.

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34
Article

When can you be barred from registering a trade mark?

15 January 2024

A question often asked when consulting with clients about trade marks is when and how can you be barred from... registering a trade mark? 

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56
Article

Buyer’s remorse? Can it save you from paying estate agent commissions?

15 January 2024

For buyers, the prospect of a new home can be exciting and daunting. You saw a house that you are... interested in buying, and you want to seal the deal before somebody else does. You sign the Offer to Purchase, then only crunch the numbers and realise you can’t afford the house. Surely you can just withdraw and the seller can continue to sell the property to someone else? No harm, no foul!

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28
Article

Owners beware – you have limited time to claim for defects to your house

15 January 2024

You have been living in your new house for a year or two when the issues start – cracks, and... more cracks – all serious and structural. So, can you hold the previous owner liable for this, or have you waited too long?

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52
Article

When a spouse hides assets away in a trust…

15 January 2024

In a divorce, it may transpire that one spouse has during the marriage transferred assets to a trust. This raises... the question of whether such trust assets are excluded from the calculation of accrual where the parties are married out of community with the accrual system. In this article, we take a look at what has been termed ‘alter ego’ trusts and how our courts treat these when it comes to divorce proceedings.

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50
Article

Tax Evasion vs Tax Avoidance!

15 January 2024

Every day South Africans pay tax, whether it be for VAT charged on basic goods, fuel levies, or the dreaded... estate duty on passing. It is safe to say that with taxes lurking around every corner, it is not unforeseen that a person would look into ways to validly limit one’s tax exposure. This brings to front and centre the question of what is construed as tax evasion and what is tax avoidance.

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88
Article

Can a Homeowners Association take over refuse removal from a local authority?

27 March 2024

With many local authorities struggling to provide municipal services to residents, a key question that arose in a recent case... was whether a Homeowners Association was entitled to take over the function of refuse removal from the local authority and whether the local authority was still entitled to charge for refuse removal.

READ MORE
3
Article

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