Who we are
The South African legal system can be categorised as one of the most diverse in the world, resulting in the constant implementation of rapid legislative change, affecting practically all the spheres of law. At Couzyn, Hertzog & Horak attorneys we strive to provide well informed legal assistance and innovative solutions in these ever-changing circumstances.
Couzyn, Hertzog & Horak is well known for its strong tradition of professionalism dating back to its founding days in 1929. We provide a full spectrum of legal advice and services to a wide range of reputable clients, including private individuals, small companies, listed entities, government agencies, financial institutions, retail corporations, health care organisations, universities, SME’s and real estate developers drawn from all over South Africa.
Building from a foundation of more than 9 decades of successful practice, our professionals are dedicated to rendering the best possible individualised, client-centric services.
Through the years Couzyn, Hertzog & Horak has produced several prominent figures in the South African legal, academic and business communities, and has established itself as a leading law firm, offering a broad range of specialised and general legal services.
We currently represent our clients’ interests across a broad spectrum of industries in both civil and criminal matters as well as in the public and private sector.
Our clients are encouraged to demand the best of us, and in return we are proud to say that they receive just that – the best possible service and advice. Combining superior talent with a supportive environment, Couzyn Hertzog & Horak has long been a breeding ground for lawyers of the highest calibre. The firm produces judges, pre-eminent senior counsel advocates and outstanding lawyers.
Through the years we have built a reputation for the provision of high-quality work, attracting sophisticated clients and accepting challenging assignments. We have actively fostered a culture of delivery of the highest standards of service, without relinquishing our ethical and moral values.
This legacy is the product of teamwork – both internally and with our clients making our firm one of the most sought after law firms.
We believe that our depth of knowledge, comprehensive support structure, experience and expertise accrued over the many years of practice, place us in an ideal position to render competitive legal services. The quality of services already rendered and our success, bear testimony to our unique and dynamic performance.
The firm has a professional staff complement of 15 attorneys and 8 candidate attorneys, assisted by secretarial and support staff of 55. All our offices are fully computer-supported and accessible electronically. We have direct computer links to all Deeds Registries in the country, the Companies and Intellectual Properties Commission and the Office of the Master of the High Court, enabling us to obtain information promptly via these systems.
Couzyn Hertzog & Horak has always been a fertile training ground for young attorneys. We are actively involved in a continuing process of affirmative action, equity employment and intensive hands-on training to candidate attorneys from previously disadvantaged communities. The firm’s employment policy also addresses the need to provide continued support and opportunities to the physically handicapped. Our positive employment initiatives have produced numerous professional attorneys from previously disadvantages communities who have established themselves in legal and commercial circles. Couzyn Hertzog & Horak purposefully progressing to the future.
Our History
The legal practice of Couzyn Hertzog & Horak was founded by the late Paul Couzyn in 1929. His first partner was Hans Strijdom who later entered the political arena and went on to become Prime Minister of the then Union of South Africa. Hans Strijdom was followed by Dirk Hertzog who, with his friend Anton Rupert, ventured into business and established the Rembrandt Group that became a giant in the South African industry. The partnership was later joined by Attie Horak, who became a well-known and much respected figure in legal circles in the country.
Through the years Couzyn, Hertzog & Horak has produced a number of prominent figures in the South African legal, academic and business communities, and has established itself as a leading law firm, offering a broad range of specialised and general legal services to a large client base drawn from all over South Africa.
