Counsel for the
consequential.
Law Firm is an international practice advising private clients, enterprises and institutions on the matters that define them. Quietly, precisely, and without compromise.
A practice built on
discretion and result.
Founded in 1987 on Long Street by Edward Hartley KC, the firm has grown into a senior bench of twenty-eight partners advising from the foot of Table Mountain across six core disciplines. We accept fewer matters than our peers and devote more counsel to each — representation that is considered, current and quietly relentless.
Our clients include JSE-listed corporations, Stellenbosch family offices, public entities and private individuals across the Western Cape and beyond — anyone who requires the matter handled correctly the first time.
To deliver counsel of unimpeachable standard to clients of consequence.
Discretion. Preparation. Independence of judgement. Loyalty to the client.
Six disciplines.
One standard of counsel.
Each practice is led by a partner with first-chair experience in the courts and tribunals where the matter will be heard.
Counsel that is sought rather than advertised.
We are retained for the matters that cannot be handled by anyone else, and for clients who measure outcomes rather than activity.
Experienced Counsel
Partners averaging 22 years of practice in courts of record and international tribunals.
Strategic Approach
Every matter mapped end-to-end before the first filing. We advise on outcomes, not motions.
Confidential & Professional
Privileged communication, strict information walls and discretion as standard practice.
Client-Focused
A senior partner accountable to every engagement, with response times measured in hours.
Outcomes, on the record.
Selected matters disclosed with the consent of clients. Names and figures redacted where confidentiality applies.
Successful defence of R3.2bn breach claim before the Western Cape High Court.
Lead counsel on cross-border acquisition completed within 96 days of mandate.
Full acquittal in a six-week jury trial concerning regulated financial conduct.
Confidential resolution of high-value matrimonial dispute without court attendance.
Spoken in confidence. Shared with permission.
“Their counsel was the calm centre of an extraordinarily difficult year. Strategic, discreet and unfailingly correct.”
“Law Firm does not posture. They prepare. The opposing side knew it from the first hearing.”
“I have engaged firms in three jurisdictions. None matched the standard of representation I received here.”
Senior counsel, accountable from the first call.
A partner is named to every matter at instruction. You will not be passed between desks.
Edward Hartley KC
Founding Partner · Litigation
Helena Marchetti
Senior Partner · Corporate
Julian Vance
Partner · Criminal Defence
Margaret Holloway
Partner · Family & Estates
Considerations,
before instruction.
A short reference for prospective clients. For anything further, please reach us in confidence.
Initial consultations are held in our chambers, by secure video, or at a location of your preference. The first meeting is structured around scope, sensitivity and engagement terms.
Yes. We are admitted across all nine provinces and regularly appear in Johannesburg, Pretoria and Durban, with allied counsel in London, Dubai and New York for cross-border work.
We offer fixed-fee, hourly and capped engagements depending on the matter. Estimates are provided in writing before instruction.
Every communication, including the initial enquiry, is governed by professional privilege and our internal confidentiality protocols.
Speak with a partner,
in confidence.
Tell us briefly what brings you to us. A senior member of the firm will respond within one business day.
14 Long Street, 8th Floor
Cape Town 8001, South Africa
counsel@lawfirm.com