STRATEGICALLY INNOVATIVE AND PURPOSEFULLY DRIVEN

Experience, Independence and Strategic Advocacy

Advocate Alan R. van der Merwe is a practising advocate with approximately 30 years of experience in litigation and legal practice.

His practice is focused on providing clients with clear, strategic and practical legal advice, together with experienced representation in complex civil and commercial disputes. His approach is grounded in careful preparation, sound legal analysis and the development of practical strategies suited to the particular circumstances of each matter.

Advocate Alan R. van der Merwe

Advocate Van der Merwe obtained a BA (Law) degree from the University of Johannesburg in 1992 and an LLB degree in 1995.

He commenced practice as an advocate in 1996 and became a member of the Society of Advocates of the Witwatersrand Local Division and the Johannesburg Bar. During his years at the Bar, he developed substantial experience in litigation and advisory work across a broad range of civil and commercial matters.

Since commencing practice, Advocate Van der Merwe has acted in matters involving complex factual and legal disputes and has advised individuals, businesses, companies, trusts and other entities on litigation, dispute resolution and related legal issues.

Practice as a Trust Account Advocate

Following the introduction of the Legal Practice Act, Advocate Van der Merwe subsequently elected to practise as an advocate with a trust account.

In February 2022, he obtained the necessary Fidelity Fund Certificate enabling him to practise as a Trust Account Advocate.

This form of practice permits Advocate Van der Merwe, where legally appropriate, to accept instructions directly from members of the public and businesses without the traditional requirement that an attorney first brief counsel.

It provides clients with direct access to experienced counsel while retaining the independence, specialist litigation focus and professional obligations applicable to advocates.

Litigation and Advisory Experience

Advocate Van der Merwe's practice encompasses a broad range of civil and commercial work, including complex High Court litigation, contractual disputes, company and shareholder disputes, trust and estate litigation, insolvency matters, family and matrimonial litigation, property-related disputes, construction matters and aviation law.

Each matter is approached on its own facts and merits. Particular emphasis is placed on identifying the material legal and evidential issues at an early stage, assessing the available remedies and risks, and developing an appropriate litigation or dispute-resolution strategy.

Where litigation is necessary, the objective is to ensure that proceedings are properly prepared, procedurally sound and directed towards achieving the client's legitimate legal objectives.

Direct and Personal Professional Service

Clients instruct Advocate Van der Merwe personally and remain directly involved in the development of the strategy applicable to their matter.

The practice places particular emphasis on accessibility, responsiveness, careful preparation and clear communication. Clients are advised not only on the applicable law, but also on the practical consequences, risks and available options arising from their particular circumstances.

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Consultations may be arranged either in person or by virtual consultation, depending upon the nature and requirements of the matter.