Est. 1849  ·  Durban, South Africa

Durban's OldestLaw Firm.

Over 170 years of trusted legal counsel across commercial, family, labour, insurance, personal injury, and estates law.

Founded by John Richardson Goodricke — the 5th Mayor of Durban — and still serving KwaZulu-Natal.

170+ Years in Practice
6 Areas of Law
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
Full-Service General Practice

What We Do

Areas of Practice

A full-service general practice serving individuals, families, and businesses across KwaZulu-Natal — with over 170 years of trusted expertise.

Family Law

Ante nuptial contracts, domestic violence matters, child care and guardianship applications, adoption, divorce, and maintenance claims.

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Insurance Law

Long and short term insurance litigation, engineering and building-related claims, professional indemnity, product liability, and motor vehicle accidents.

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Labour Law

Dispute resolution at the CCMA and Labour Court, drafting of employment contracts, employee exit agreements, and recognition agreements.

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Personal Injury

Claims arising from motor vehicle collisions, professional malpractice, and public liability incidents — pursued with diligence on your behalf.

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Commercial & Conveyancing

Contracts, joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions, share transfers, incorporations, banking law, insolvency, conveyancing, arbitration, and competition law.

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Wills & Estates

Preparation of wills and codicils, estate planning, trust drafting and administration — ensuring your legacy is protected and your wishes honoured.

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Not sure which area applies to your matter? Speak to an attorney — we'll direct you to the right team.

Our Heritage

Durban's Oldest Law Firm.
Serving since 1849.

Goodrickes Attorneys was founded by English solicitor John Richardson Goodricke, whose legacy extended far beyond the courtroom. He went on to become the 5th Mayor of Durban and played a founding role in two of the city's most enduring institutions — the Durban Club and the Durban Botanical Gardens.

For over 170 years, Goodrickes has operated without interruption as a full-service general practice, earning a reputation built not on marketing, but on generations of results and the trust of KwaZulu-Natal's most discerning clients.

1849

Founded by John Richardson Goodricke in Durban

Est. legacy

Founder became the 5th Mayor of Durban

Civic roots

Co-founded the Durban Club and Botanical Gardens

Today

170+ years of uninterrupted full-service legal practice

175+Years of Practice
6Areas of Law
#1Oldest in Durban

Areas of Practice

Family Law
Insurance Law
Labour Law
Personal Injury
Commercial & Conveyancing
Wills & Estates

"Deep roots in the KwaZulu-Natal community, built across generations of dedicated legal service."

Durban, KwaZulu-Natal — Proudly serving South Africa since 1849

Our Approach

How We Work With You

From first contact to final resolution, we guide every client through a clear, considered process — built on over 170 years of legal practice in KwaZulu-Natal.

Step 01

Initial Consultation

Reach out by phone or our contact form. We listen carefully to your matter, clarify the relevant area of law — whether family, commercial, labour, or otherwise — and set clear expectations from the outset.

Step 02

Assessment & Advice

Our attorneys conduct a thorough assessment of your legal position. We review documentation, identify strengths and risks, and provide frank, informed advice — so you understand precisely where you stand before any decision is made.

Step 03

Strategy & Mandate

Together we agree on the best course of action — negotiation, litigation, mediation, or drafting. A clear mandate is established, fees are discussed transparently, and we proceed only when you are fully informed and comfortable.

Step 04

Active Representation

We handle all proceedings on your behalf — whether in the High Court, Labour Court, CCMA, or during commercial negotiations. You remain informed at every stage, with communication that is prompt, clear, and professional.

Step 05

Resolution & Closure

We pursue the best achievable outcome — whether through settlement, judgement, or agreement. Once resolved, we ensure all documentation is properly concluded and that you leave with complete clarity and confidence.

Durban's oldest law firm — practising since 1849.

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Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the questions our clients ask most often. If yours isn't here, we're a phone call or message away.

Goodrickes Attorneys was founded in 1849 by English solicitor John Richardson Goodricke, making us Durban's oldest law firm with over 170 years of continuous operation. Our founder went on to become the 5th Mayor of Durban and co-founded both the Durban Club and the Durban Botanical Gardens — a legacy of civic commitment that continues to define our firm's character and standing in the KwaZulu-Natal community.
We are a full-service general practice covering six broad disciplines: Commercial & Conveyancing (including mergers, acquisitions, banking law, and insolvency), Family Law, Labour Law, Insurance Law, Personal Injury, and Wills & Estates. Whether you are an individual, a family, or a corporate entity, we have the expertise to assist.
You should seek medical attention first and ensure the accident is reported to the police. Once the immediate situation is handled, contact us as soon as possible. Our Personal Injury team handles claims arising from motor vehicle collisions, and early legal involvement significantly improves the outcome of your claim. We also handle professional malpractice and public liability claims under the same practice area.
An ante nuptial contract (ANC) determines how assets and liabilities are divided between spouses, both during the marriage and in the event of divorce or death. Without one, South African law defaults to marriage in community of property, which means each spouse shares equally in both the assets and debts of the other. Whether or not you need an ANC depends on your personal circumstances. Our Family Law team can advise you on the most appropriate arrangement and draft and register the contract correctly before your wedding.
Yes. Our Labour Law practice provides dispute resolution at both the CCMA and the Labour Court. We act for employers and employees, advising on and drafting employment contracts, employee exit agreements, and recognition agreements. Whether you are an employer facing an unfair dismissal claim or an employee seeking recourse, our team will guide you through the process and advocate effectively on your behalf.
Dying without a valid will — known as dying intestate — means your estate is distributed according to the Intestate Succession Act, which may not reflect your wishes and can result in lengthy delays and family disputes. A properly drafted will ensures your assets go to the people and causes you choose, on terms you have considered carefully. Our Wills & Estates team assists with the preparation of wills and codicils, estate planning, and trust administration, giving you and your family clarity and protection for the future.

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Get In Touch

Contact Our Team

Whether you need legal advice, representation, or simply want to understand your options — our attorneys are ready to assist you.

Send Us a Message

We respond to all enquiries within one business day.

Your information is confidential and protected under attorney-client privilege. We will never share your details with third parties.

Our Office

Physical Address

1 Nollsworth Park
Nollsworth Crescent
La Lucia Ridge, Durban
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Established

Founded 1849 — Over 170 years of continuous practice in KwaZulu-Natal

Practice Areas

FamilyInsuranceLabourPersonal InjuryCommercialWills & Estates

Disclaimer: Information submitted via this form does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Goodrickes Attorneys is a full-service general practice regulated by the Legal Practice Council of South Africa.

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