Practice areas

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Civil litigation involves a non-criminal claim in the courts between opposing sides that may end up being resolved by a trial before a judge or a panel of judges. This involves various steps including, drafting the legal documents, attending mediation, disclosure of documents, appointment of expert witnesses, preparing witnesses and witness statements for trial, preparing written submissions and closing arguments. Civil litigation covers a diverse number of subjects ranging from breaches of written or oral contracts, land disputes, personal injuries, estate issues, among others. Commercial litigation involves much of the same processes, except that the subject of the dispute is of a commercial nature. Some of the cases which fall into civil/commercial litigation include: 

• Breach of contract;
• Negligence;
• Land disputes;
• Recovery of possession;
• Estates; 
• Debt recovery;
• Civil fraud;
• Personal injuries;
• Employment disputes.

Conveyancing in its simplest sense is the buying and selling of real estate, and matters incidental to sales. The sale of property is a special kind of contract and the legal documents concerning such sales require special provisions. Some of the tasks falling under this category include: 

• Sale of property;
• Purchase of property;
• Nominee agreements;
• Private & equitable mortgages;
• Registration of land;
• Non-contentious adverse possession;
• Severance of joint tenancies; and
• Registration of life interests.

Two things are certain in life: death and taxes. Even in death, you are still required to pay taxes. Effective estate planning includes ensuring that those you leave behind do not have to struggle with the taxes that they will have to pay upon your death. Estate planning will also include drafting your last will and testament, setting up a trust and asset management. Some of the things falling under this category include: 

• Drafting of last wills & testaments;
• Transfers by way of love and affection;
• Obtaining grants of probates and letters of administration;
• Resealing grants of probate;
• Citations to admit grant;
• Cautions against grants;
• Holding executors to account; and
• Administration of estates.

A cost-benefit analysis is important for clients. Sometimes when the cost of pursuing court actions is weighed against the likely benefits of a successful court outcome, the costs outweigh the benefits. In those cases, the focus may be better placed on negotiating rather than arguing in court. The costs are less, and the likely benefits to the litigant is greater.  Negotiations may take the form of: 

• Mediation;
• Reconciliation;
• Alternative dispute resolution.

Government agencies, civil society, private businesses and non-governmental organisations from time to time engage the services of attorneys to conduct legislative reviews, or legal research on areas which may impact their operations. In the case of private businesses, they often want a legal risk-assessment to be conducted of physical plants, employment contracts etc. 

Private individuals will also want to know whether in a particular circumstance they have been wronged, or if a suit has been filed against them, what are the options available to them. Consultancy is also garnered to those clients who wish to speak to an attorney before making the decision to retain them.