Etienne Botha SC
Etienne Botha SC has been practising at the Bar since 2005 and took Silk in May 2025. Over the course of two decades, he has built a distinguished career in medical law, constitutional and public interest litigation, and insurance-related disputes, including professional defence, product liability, and personal injury matters.
Education & Qualifications
LLB, University of Pretoria
Admitted as Attorney: December 2003
Admitted as Advocate: 2004
Senior Counsel: May 2025
Qualified Mediator, Conflict Dynamics: August 2025
Certificate in Arbitration, Arbitration Foundation of Southern Africa & University of Pretoria: March 2024
Areas of Practice
Medical law, clinical negligence, and professional liability
Constitutional, administrative, and public interest litigation
Insurance-related disputes: professional defence, product liability, and personal injury
Contract law, property law, and commercial litigation
Regular appearances in:
High Courts
Supreme Court of Appeal
Professional regulatory bodies, including the Health Professions Council of South Africa, South African Veterinary Council, Engineering Council of South Africa, and South African Pharmaceutical Council
Court Appearances
Etienne has extensive experience as trial, motion, and appellate counsel. He has argued matters of constitutional and public significance, including multiple appearances before the Supreme Court of Appeal, often against senior counsel. His first appearance at the SCA was in 2012, just eight years after being called to the Bar.
Leadership & Service
Member, Bar Council of the Pretoria Society of Advocates (2020–2021)
Convenor, Continued Legal Training Committee of the Pretoria Society of Advocates (current)
Course Director, GCB Northern Regions Pupillage Course (until 2023)
Course Director, GCB Advanced Advocacy Trainers Course (current)
Advocacy Training & Development
An advocacy trainer since 2010, Etienne was appointed as an Advanced Advocacy Trainer with the General Council of the Bar (GCB) in 2018. He has trained students, pupils, and practising advocates both nationally and internationally.
International contributions include:
Training at the Dubai International Financial Centre Courts Advocacy Training Course
Training engagements in Hong Kong, Scotland, and England
Attendance at the prestigious Advanced Advocacy Course at Keble College, Oxford (2022), as one of two GCB-selected advocates
Personal
Etienne has been married to Ilze for over 20 years and they have three children: Josua, Rohan, and Liya. Beyond the law, he is passionate about ultra-trail running, mountain biking, and baking artisan bread. He also enjoys playing the guitar. Etienne is recognised for his fairness, objectivity, and balance - qualities that define both his professional practice and his role as a mediator.
