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WELCOME TO
THE PRETORIA SOCIETY OF ADVOCATES
The Pretoria Society of Advocates
The Pretoria Society of Advocates, commonly known as the Pretoria Bar, is a voluntary association of advocates affiliated with a number of other Bars in the General Council of the Bar of South Africa (www.sabar.co.za). Such an association of practising advocates is traditionally referred to as a Bar. Apparently this tradition started in the United Kingdom when the newspapers of Fleet Street referred to barristers (the English equivalent of an advocate), then starting to appear in criminal courts in defence of an accused, as “the Gentlemen at the Bar”. This “bar” was a reference to the copper bar or railing in front of the accused in the dock, next to which his or her defender stood, and not a reference to a place serving beverages.
The Pretoria Bar Council is in essence the executive committee of the Pretoria Bar. A general manager and staff, including a librarian, are employed by the Pretoria Bar so as to provide the members of the Pretoria Bar with a number of administrative and support services. Under the present constitutional dispensation of our country, one of the mandates of the Pretoria Bar Council is to ensure that the Pretoria Bar is duly transformed.
Our members are all admitted and independent advocates practising in various courts, mostly in the Republic of South Africa. The profession of advocate is a referral profession. Accordingly no person may deal directly with an advocate but must contact him or her through a practising attorney. Advocates are, in a general sense, specialists in litigation and in the particular field of law in which he or she practises.
Each advocate practises for his or her own account and in his or her personal name, as required by our Code of Ethics. All our members are in pursuit of excellence in providing legal representation or assistance, so as to promote the fundamental right of access to courts and the fundamental right of equality before the law.
They are housed in eight chambers in Pretoria, where they accept briefs from attorneys and consult with their clients. Each one of our members is committed to render his or her professional services without fear or favour, independently, objectively and at reasonable fees.
We trust that this website will provide you with relevant information on the Pretoria Bar in general and in respect of its individual members specifically, including their contact details.
Policies and Documents
OF THE PRETORIA SOCIETY OF ADVOCATES
Brooklyn Chambers
In 2001 a small group of Advocates had the foresight to recognise that the commercial hub of Pretoria would move out of the CBD and to the east and that this move would be followed by the majority of Attorneys’ firms.
Circle Chambers
Circle Chambers was established in October 2007 with the completion of Brooklyn Bridge Office Park, conveniently connected to Brooklyn Mall via a pedestrian bridge
Club Chambers
The Club Advocate Chambers is in close proximity to the brand-new Club precinct in Hazelwood which houses restaurants and attorneys’ offices and which is easily accessible from the N1.
Groenkloof Chambers
Groenkloof Chambers was established in January 2016, and accommodates about seventy members of the Pretoria Bar. Groenkloof Chambers is located in Florence Ribeiro Avenue (formerly Queen Wilhelmina) in Groenkloof.
Group 33
Group 33 Advocates is a grouping of like-minded advocates who have decided to associate themselves with one another to establish an integrated and demographically representative professional and commercial environment.
High Court Chambers
High Court Chambers Group of Advocates was established in 2020 and is conveniently situated in Pretoria Central near the Palace of Justice, High Court, Magistrate’s Court and Master’s office.
New Court Chambers
New Court Chambers, the second building of the Bar in the CBD is located within walking distance of the High Court and High Court Chambers. The New Court Chambers accommodates approximately 75 members of the Bar.
Parc Nouveau Chambers
Parc Nouveau Advocates’ Chambers was established in July 2014 in the two upper floors of the erstwhile Rooth & Wessels Building.