History of our Firm
In 1976 Braam van der Walt founded Van der Walt Attorneys as a sole proprietorship.The practice expanded to such an extent that it was one of the first and few firms on the bond panel of Volkskas Limited. Mr. Hugo joined the firm at a later stage. The practice was incorporated during 1996 and then became Van der Walt & Hugo Incorporated.
The firm currently serves on the bond panels of ABSA Bank Limited, Standard Bank of South Africa Limited, Nedbank Limited, FirstRand Bank Limited and Housing Investment Partners (HIP).
Karina Harmse and Johan Pienaar joined the firm as directors during 2015. We now cover the whole of Centurion and Pretoria.
Our Vision
A glimpse into the future of Van der Walt & Hugo Incorporated. We aim towards being even more efficient , assist our clients even better in this new day and age. We also developed an app to be more connected with clients as we build relationship and take a journey together. A positive future of connection and growth.
The People
JULIE MESO
Director - Attorney
Julie Meso obtained her BProc. and LLB degrees from Vista University (now amalgamated into University of Pretoria) Julie started the practice of law at MacRobert Incorporated as a candidate attorney after leaving theRoad Accident Fund to pursue the law. She was admitted upon completion of her articles and then practiced as a professional assistant in the corporate and commercial, as well as the medical negligence sections respectively of the above mentioned law firm.
Upon leaving MacRobert Inc. Julie joined Investec Bank Ltd and gained knowledge in banking law, corporate and commercial contracts. Later she joined Van der Merwe Hardam Inc. (now Van Breda & Herbst Attorneys) as a P.A. In 2010 Julie established the firm Chuene Gouse Inc. (now Chuene Mahlo Inc.) and continues to practice commercial and corporate law. She recently joined Van der Walt & Hugo in the position of director.
JOHAN PIENAAR
Director - Attorney
Johan obtained his LLB degree at the University of Pretoria.
He served his articles of clerkship with Beyers and Day Inc. He was admitted as an attorney of the High Court of South Africa in 2005. Johan then established the firm Pienaar Shrives Inc. in 2005, specialising in conveyancing & litigation matters. Johan joined Harmse & du Toit Inc. as director in 2010.
Harmse & du Toit Inc. merged with Van der Walt & Hugo Inc. in 2015 and Johan remains in his position as director.
Johan's Admissions - Attorney of the High Court of South Africa
Karina's Admissions - Attorney and Conveyancer of the High Court of South Africa
KARINA HARMSE
Karina obtained her LLB and LLM degrees at the University of Pretoria.
She served her articles of clerkship with Beyers and Day Inc., as well as Lategan, Viljoen & Pretorius Inc. She was admitted as an attorney and conveyancer of the High Court of South Africa in 2005. Karina then established the firm Harmse & du Toit Inc. in 2005, situated in Centurion, specialising in conveyancing & property law matters.
Harmse & du Toit Inc. merged with Van der Walt & Hugo Inc. in 2015 and Karina remains in her position as director.
Director - Attorney & Conveyancer
Tania obtained her LLB degree at the University of Pretoria.
She served her articles of clerkship with Murphy Kwape Maritz Attorneys in Johannesburg and later moved to their Pretoria branch.
She was admitted as an attorney in 2007 and as a Conveyancer and Notary Public in 2011.
Attorney, Notary & Conveyancer
TANIA HARLEY
SHELDON VERSTEEG
Paralegal
NICOLENE NAUDE
Paralegal
FRANCOIS PORTWIG
Receptionist
Paralegal
LUCINDA JANSEN VAN RENSBURG
Paralegal
ATRI KOEN
Paralegal
JUNIOR APHANE
CHARLENE PEARSON
Senior Paralegal
JACQUES PORTWIG
Bookkeeper
CORNA ENSLIN
Paralegal
ZANI ROELOFSE
Paralegal
MARLIZE LAMPRECHT
Paralegal
LAWRENCE THABISOE POOHO
General assistant
JESSICA MASINGA
Paralegal
SELINA MABONA
General assistant