The Namibian Bar
STATEMENT OF INTENT
The Bar identifies itself fully with and is committed to the values and ideals embodied in the Constitution of the Republic of Namibia. As a body of independent practitioners who act on a referral basis, the Bar is committed to providing specialised legal representation at fair fees to all persons who require those services. By providing this representation, as well as assisting with the protection of human rights and supporting access to justice for indigent persons as well as alternative dispute resolution, the Bar strives to serve all the people of Namibia.
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Legal System
THE ROLE OF ADVOCATES IN THE NAMIBIAN LEGAL SYSTEM
The legal system affects everyone, be it in drawing up a will, buying a house, getting divorced or having to appear in a court of law. The legal profession is especially trained to assist all members of society in this regard.
Up to 1995 the legal profession in Namibia used to be divided into advocates (barristers), and attorneys (solicitors). No dual practice was permitted.
Since the promulgation of the Legal Practitioner's Act, Act no. 15 of 1995, the previous division of the legal profession into advocates and attorneys was removed. Read More
ADVOCATES AND ATTORNEYS - WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE?
The legal system affects everyone, be it in drawing up a will, buying a house, getting divorced or having to appear in a court of law. The legal profession is especially trained to assist all members Read More
WHAT IS THE BAR ?
There are therefore two categories of legal practitioners in Namibia, that is legal practitioners practising with a Fidelity Fund Certificate, (sometimes also referred to as lawyers or attorneys) and advocates, legal practitioners exempted Read More
WHAT IS THE BAR COUNCIL?
Historically advocates have been organized into societies of advocates practising in the major centres of their countries. These societies are historically known as bars which are, in essence, fraternities of men and women, who practise Read More
WHAT DO ADVOCATES DO ?
Advocates are primarily experts in the art of presenting and arguing cases in court. Until 1995 only advocates had audience and the right to present cases in the higher courts such as Read More
WHY ARE ADVOCATES IMPORTANT?
Legal representation in the courts is a fundamental right of Namibians and all other litigants. It is vital that such representation should come from as broad a cross- section of Namibian society Read More
HOW DO I BECOME AN ADVOCATE?
The requirements for membership to the Namibian Bar are a recognised Bachelor of Laws degree, admission as a legal practitioner in terms of Act 15 of 1995 Read More
NEWS AND PRESS RELEASES
28 May 2024
Beatrix De Jager Appointed as a Permanent Judge of the High Court
The Society of Advocates is pleased to congratulate one of its members, Beatrix De Jager, on her appointment on 26 June 2024, as a Permanent Judge of the High Court of Namibia. This prestigious appointment is a testament to her sharp legal acumen, commitment to justice, and contribution to the legal profession. Read More
28 May 2024
A TRIBUTE TO LOUIS COENRAAD BOTES
It is never easy losing one of your own, especially not when he has been around for 35 years. Louis was admitted as an advocate in the High Court of Namibia on 4 October 1985. He was appointed as a state prosecutor and worked in prosecution until he decided to join the bar. He completed his pupilage under retired Judge Gerhard Maritz and signed the members’ roll, on 11 July 1988. Until his passing, Louis was not only our most senior member but was also the member who has been with us for the longest. Read More
DECEMBER 2022
STATEMENT ISSUED BY THE SOCIETY OF ADVOCATES OF NAMIBIA (‘THE SOCIETY’) CONCERNING THE ISG RISK SERVICES / SURVEY WAREHOUSE REPORT TITLED ‘TRUST IN THE JUDICIARY AND PERCEIVED STRENGTH OF THE RULE OF LAW’ (‘THE ISG / SURVEY WAREHOUSE REPORT’), THE SUBSEQUENT NEWSPAPER ARTICLE IN THE NAMIBIAN SUN NEWSPAPER ON 07 NOVEMBER 2022 (‘THE ARTICLE’) AND THE RESPONSE BY THE OFFICE OF THE JUDICIARY ON 15 NOVEMBER 2022 (‘THE RESPONSE’)
The ISG / Survey Warehouse report The ISG / Survey Warehouse report addresses a number of important issues. Unfortunately, one issue – the perceptions on alleged corruption in the Judiciary - has taken centre stage. This focus arose from a recent article in the Namibian Sun. This undue focus overshadowed the ultimate conclusions from the ISG / Survey Warehouse report that generally, those legal practitioners who participated in the survey, trust the Namibian Judiciary and that the trust in the competence of the Judiciary is strong....
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