The Firm prides itself by being available on a 24-hourly basis, having a skilled legal practitioner at hand to deal with any pressing legal emergency
During the year 1994 two young, intrepid, lawmakers by the names of Chris Wentzel and Wikus Kriel decided to open the firm of Wentzel and Kriel Attorneys at Corner House in the CBD of Kempton Park. The two friends worked tirelessly, often late into the night, to build their practice. The firm initially supplied legal services in the fields of Criminal Litigation, Civil Litigation in the Magistrate’s Court and High Court and debt collecting.
The firm grew at a steady rate and branched out into the field of Immigration Law, which became one of it’s principal focal points.
Hugo van der Westhuizen joined the firm as a Professional Assistant in the year 2000 and became a partner two years later, along with Chris’s brother Hermie Wentzel, who similarly joined the firm as a partner. Shortly after Hugo and Hermie’s arrival at the firm, it’s name was changed to the current Wentzel and Partners Attorneys.
Jan- Louis Hattingh joined the firm as a Professional Assistant during the year 2005.
During the latter stages of the year 2006 Chris, Wikus and Hermie decided to go to pasture in the lovely wine lands of Robertson in the Cape Province where they currently farm, successfully run a hardware franchise, develop property and occasionally Golf.
Hugo van der Westhuizen and Jan-Louis Hattingh, the current partners in the Firm, is continuing it’s proud heritage of service excellence which is rendered on a 24-hourly basis.
Hugo studied at UNISA whilst in the employ of the Department of Justice, first as a clerk at the Department’s head office in Pretoria and later as a prosecutor. He prosecuted in both the Magistrates Court and Regional Court, Kempton Park and Tembisa from 1995 to mid 1998. In 1998 Hugo resigned from the Department to begin his articles of clerkship. Whilst articling he attended a 6-month course by the Law Society of the Northern Provinces and was admitted as an Attorney during the year 2000. He holds the B-Iuris and LLB degrees. Hugo acquired right of appearance in the High Court of South Africa in August 2000 and has successfully argued a number of criminal Appeals.
Hugo is a family man and an avid adventure – motorcyclist and photographer. He is passionate and enthusiastic about every aspect of law and the diversities of the Firm.
Hugo was the Chairperson of the Attorneys Association of Kempton Park during a three year period from 2008-2010, attending meetings with all stakeholders in the functioning of the Kempton Park Magistrates Court and addressing concerns of the Association’s members.
Louis studied at the now University of Johannesburg obtaining the BA and LLB degrees respectively. After completing his articles Louis was employed as a Professional Assistant in a Kempton Park firm, where after practicing successfully as a sole practitioner prior to teaming up with Wentzel and Partners. Louis also has right of appearance in the High Court of South Africa, having attended a number of criminal trials in the South Gauteng High Court, Johannesburg.
Louis is an excellent cyclist and similarly, a family man.
The Firm prides itself by being available on a 24-hourly basis, having a skilled legal practitioner at hand to deal with any pressing legal emergency.
Recent valuable additions to our team are:
Anne van Zyl – Office Manager;
Jaco Brits - Candidate Attorney
We strive to be dynamic and endeavor to apply a fresh, unique approach to each and every legal matter, constantly thinking “out of the box” and adapting to the particular requirements of each client and case.
1. Criminal Law
We apply a hands on approach to criminal litigation, with both partners being highly skilled litigators. We have an exemplary record in bail applications and especially excel at “after – hours” applications, being available on a 24-hourly basis. Our record of successes continue in criminal trials and negotiations in terms of the provisions of Section 105A of the Criminal Procedure Act. We represent clients in Magistrates Court, Regional Court and High Court matters, attend matters in terms of the Prevention of Organized Crime Act as well as matters related to exchange control regulation and customs and excise violations. We further specialize in the field of contraventions of the Counterfeit Goods Act and all other commercially related criminal cases as well as contraventions of the Immigration Act and the recently enacted Bio-diversity legislation
2. Immigration Law
Our firm has a proud and distinguished history of service in the field of Immigration related litigation in all forums as well as applications for status within the Republic, such as Temporary Residence Permits, Permanent Residence and Citizenship. We further assist our clients with applications for Identity Documents and passports as well as a multitude of related applications
3. Civil litigation
We represent clients in civil matters in both the High Court and Magistrates Court with general litigation and urgent applications as well as divorce and family law related matters.
4. Commercial
We have recently entered the field of media and entertainment law. We attend to drafting of general contracts, anti-nuptial contracts, a variety of business agreements and handle registration of close corporations and companies. We have further gained substantial experience in the field of rental interdicts and sundry rent-related litigation.
