175 years of trusted legal counsel in KwaZulu-Natal.
Founded by John Richardson Goodricke, who first practiced in D'Urban in 1849 — a full-service firm built on integrity, expertise, and an unbroken legacy of client service.
Durban's Oldest Law Firm · Established 1849
Years
Established
Practice
Areas
Qualified
Partners
B-BBEE
Contributor
Full‑Service
General Practice
Serving Durban & KwaZulu-Natal since 1849 · West Street, Durban
In 1849, English solicitor John Richardson Goodricke arrived in Natal and first hung his board in the little town of D'Urban. What began as a single practitioner's practice on West Street has endured — through colonial Natal, Union, republic, and democracy — for over 175 years.
The firm's founder was no ordinary solicitor. John Richardson Goodricke served as Durban's fifth mayor in 1858 and played a founding role in establishing the Durban Club and Botanical Gardens — institutions that still define the city today. That same commitment to civic life and professional integrity has shaped Goodrickes Attorneys through every generation since.
Today the firm operates as a full-service general practice, supported by 13 staff members — including experienced legal secretaries, bookkeepers, messengers, and conveyancing paralegals — delivering the same professional skill and integrity on which the firm was built.
1849
Established
175+
Years of Practice
6
Practice Areas
Level 4 BBEEE Contributor
Certificate available on request
Est.
1849
Founder
John Richardson Goodricke
English solicitor. Civic leader.
Durban's 5th Mayor, 1858.
Full-Service General Practice
West St
DBN
KwaZulu-Natal
Practice Areas
Since 1849, Goodrickes has guided Durban clients through life's most complex legal challenges — from family transitions and workplace disputes to estates and commercial matters.
From divorce and maintenance claims to ante-nuptial contracts, child guardianship, adoption, and domestic violence matters — we protect what matters most to Durban families.
Specialist insurance litigation across long and short-term claims, motor vehicle accidents, product liability, professional indemnity, and engineering and building disputes.
CCMA and Labour Court representation, employment contract drafting, employee exit agreements, and recognition negotiations between employers and employee representatives.
Dedicated representation for motor vehicle collision claims, professional malpractice cases, and public liability matters — fighting for just compensation on your behalf.
Comprehensive estate planning, will drafting, trust registration, winding up of deceased estates, and capital gains tax advice — ensuring your legacy is protected and preserved.
Sound legal counsel for business transactions, property transfers, commercial agreements, and conveyancing — supporting Durban businesses and property owners at every stage.
Not sure which area applies to your situation?
Speak to an AttorneyFounded in 1849, Goodrickes Attorneys is Durban's oldest law firm — a legacy built not on reputation alone, but on the professional skills and integrity we bring to every client matter.
Durban's oldest law firm, operating continuously for over 175 years — a track record no newcomer can replicate.
A verified BBBEE Level 4 contributor — enabling our corporate and institutional clients to meet their procurement requirements with confidence.
From family law and estates to commercial, insurance, labour, and personal injury — one trusted firm handles all your legal needs.
Your matter is handled by experienced partners, not passed to juniors. Personal service and direct accountability at every stage.
"We have built this practice on a foundation of professional skills and integrity — values that have guided us from 1849 to today, and through the careers of every partner who has served this firm."
Our People
A dedicated team of attorneys and support professionals serving Durban and KwaZulu-Natal since 1849.
Partner
Commercial Law & Litigation
Partner
Insurance & Personal Injury
Partner
Family Law & Wills & Estates
Partner
Labour Law & Dispute Resolution
Associate
General Practice
Candidate Attorney
General Practice
Office Manager
Operations & Administration
Support Team
13
Behind every matter is a dedicated team ensuring seamless delivery, meticulous documentation, and outstanding client service.
Support Roles Include
Our support team works alongside our attorneys to ensure every client receives attentive, efficient, and professional service at every stage of their matter.
Goodrickes Attorneys offers candidate attorney positions for law graduates seeking articles in a full-service general practice with over 175 years of heritage.
Apply as Candidate AttorneyComplete the form below and one of our attorneys will respond within 24 hours on business days.
We respond to all enquiries within 24 hours on business days.
Serving clients from the heart of La Lucia Ridge — conveniently located with easy access across the greater Durban area.
1 Nollsworth Park
Nollsworth Crescent
La Lucia Ridge
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
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