Johanni Barnardt SC

I was born in Thabazimbi, Limpopo, completed my matric there, and earned my B Iuris from Randse Afrikaanse Universiteit in 1984.

I began my legal career as a prosecutor in Newcastle, later moving to Brits and completing my LLB at Unisa in 1989. I joined the Attorney General’s office as a state advocate in 1991 and became a senior state advocate in 1994, serving until 2021 when I joined the Pretoria Society of Advocates.

At the Pretoria Society of Advocates, I participated in training of pupils, management, and served on both the Pretoria Bar Council and the Executive Committee of the General Bar Council.

I received my letters patent in May 2021.

My practice includes matters involving unlawful arrest and detention, claims against the South African Police Services for assault and injury, malicious prosecution cases against the NDPP, medical negligence, Road Accident Fund matters, and family law. I also handle administrative and constitutional issues and have been appointed as curator ad litem or curator ad personam on behalf of minor children in divorce proceedings and individuals deemed unfit to manage their own affairs.

I acted as mediator in family law and quantum matters and acted as a pro bono Judge in the Gauteng Division: Pretoria in 2021, 2022 and 2025.