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
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9 February 2026
PRESS RELEASE - ATTACK ON PROSECUTOR JUSTINE SHIWEDA
he Society of Advocates o f Namibia expresses deep sorrow at the tragic passing of Justine Shiweda,the Ondangwa regional prosecutor who died o n Saturday, 7 February 2026 after suffering severe injuries from a brutal attack o n 17 October 2025 when she was shot and assaulted with a corrosive substance, which caused significant internal damage and led to multiple surgeries.
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23 January 2026
ANNOUNCEMENT: CONFERMENT OF SENIOR COUNSEL STATUS – NATASHA BASSINGTHWAIGHTE
After delaying the announcement whilst she was acting as a Judge of the High Court, it is now our distinct pleasure to announce that the Bar Council, effective 2 October 2025, conferred Senior Counsel status on Natasha Bassingthwaighte.
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22 January 2026
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN
Upon successfully passing the 2025 Bar Examination, the Law Society of Namibia issued the following Advocates with certificates exempting them from holding a fidelity fund certificates. They are practising under the auspices of the Society of Advocates:
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