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
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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07 NOVEMBER 2020
PJ v R (PIETER) HENNING
It is with great sadness that we have learnt of the passing of our colleague and friend, Adv Pieter Henning SC on Saturday, 7 November 2020.
Namibia has lost a true champion of the Namibian Constitution and the rule of law. His invaluable contribution to our Society, the advancement of the administration of justice and legal practice in Namibia as well as his mentorship to so many who benefitted from their interactions with him, shall sorely be missed and remembered for many years to come...
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20 OCTOBER 2020
STATEMENT ISSUED BY THE SOCIETY OF ADVOCATES OF NAMIBIA ON A MEDIA REPORT CONCERNING STATEMENTS ATTRIBUTED TO THE SWAPO PRESIDENT, DR HAGE GEINGOB
The Society of Advocates of Namibia ("the Society") has noted a recent alarming media report concerning statements attributed to the SWAPO President, Dr Hage Geingob.
The media reported, inter alia, that the President – at the launch of SWAPO’s campaign for the upcoming Regional Council and Local Authority elections...
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14 SEPTEMBER 2020
STATEMENT ISSUED BY THE SOCIETY OF ADVOCATES OF NAMIBIA ON A MEDIA REPORT CONCERNING STATEMENTS ATTRIBUTED TO THE MINISTER OF DEFENCE
The Society of Advocates of Namibia ("the Society") has noted a recent alarming media report concerning statements attributed to the Minister of Defence, Rear-Admiral (retired) Peter Hafeni Vilho. The media reported, inter alia, that the Minister of Defence – at a military event held in Karibib – “singled out white people and accused them of being greedy” and further stated that there exist...
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