Different on purpose
Think small, innovative, family-oriented and devoted to doing what we do best. Unusual words to describe a law firm? Exactly. We built O’Hagan Attorneys to be the opposite of the conveyor-belt model: personal, practical and grounded in real relationships.
How it began
In 2007, during a family holiday to China, Sean and Sharon O’Hagan decided to start a firm that reflected their values. Sean, on the cusp of retiring as a legal advisor from one of South Africa’s largest banks, was not ready to stop helping long-standing clients. Sharon wanted a practice where clients came first—not case numbers. Over a glass (or two) of wine, the plan was set: create a firm shaped by family values and client care.
What we stand for
Our aim has always been to protect our clients’ interests and to solve legal issues early—before they become expensive, time-consuming problems. We call it preventative law: clear advice, strong documentation and practical strategies that keep you out of court wherever possible.
From a tiny office to a tight-knit team
We opened in a small space in Lonehill. Since then, we have grown—carefully. Our team has expanded with people who are now honorary “O’Hagans,” and our client base has grown with relationships we genuinely value. Many clients become friends, all are treated like family.
Sharon O'Hagan
An attorney, notary public, conveyancer and Certified Financial Planner, she brings rare end-to-end expertise to the intersection of law and finance. The more complex the brief, the better. With an unabashedly nerdy streak, she reads judgments and market commentary for fun—then distils them into clear choices and documents that stand up. Don’t be lulled by the warm manner: she out-prepares, out-thinks and quietly outpaces the opposition. Always on her clients’ side, she couples rigorous strategy with a personal touch. She backs her team, treasures her family and is grounded by her faith. Results that matter with relationships that last.
Craig O'Hagan
Craig handles deceased estates with the kind of calm that makes yoga gurus exhale. He translates grief-era paperwork into a plan without drama. London drizzle survivor, South African sunshine convert. Craig’s humour is dry enough to pass for minutes of a meeting – you get the joke on your drive home. Expect measured advice and the occasional raised eyebrow that says “We’ve already fixed that.” Out of office, he’s the braai master deluxe: smoke, fire, feed the team, repeat. Administrative assassin, portfolio steady-hand, culinary risk-taker—Craig keeps files (and people) in excellent order.
Jana Grobler
Jana makes complex property matters look disarmingly simple. An admitted attorney, conveyancer and notary public with a master’s degree in law, she brings scholarly depth to everyday deals—turning conditions into clear steps and timelines into promises that hold. Expect crisp drafting, firm timelines and zero sugar-coating (she’s sweet enough anyway). At home, her kids set the pace—one on the tennis court, one on the run—which may explain her talent for keeping everything on track. The result: calm matters, clean registrations and clients who feel looked after.
Jonathan Lievaart
Jonathan is an attorney, conveyancer, notary public and the general go-to guy when there is a difficult case. He has a finger in every pie from specialised estate plans to weird socks to antenuptial contracts to milk tarts (provided it’s on special) and everything in between. His humour is understated; the quality control is not. Expect trust deeds that read like novels, checklists that are practical and wills that would stump the most eager of gold diggers. When he is not fine-tuning a clause or calming a situation, he is out running—same cadence he brings to his matters: steady pace, clear route, clean finish.
Nelie Crowie (pronounced “nearly”)
Nelie is a paralegal extraordinaire who treats complexity like a choreography: every step lands, every deadline hits its mark. Clients get straight talk, clean drafts and a feeling of calm because the chaos was handled yesterday. In the Deeds Office, she’s an air-traffic controller. In our office she is the mother hen and sneakiest prankster keeping everyone on their toes. Expect precision without drama, timelines that hold and weekly updates that read like people, not robots. If you want the move from “offer” to “registered” to be measured in checkmarks rather than surprises, ask for Nelie.
Jacques Jacobs
Jacques is the calm, meticulous engine of our estate-administration team—and we’re fortunate to have him. A volunteer chaplain in his spare time, he brings steady presence and clear judgment to every file. He compiles comprehensive inventories, coordinates Master’s Office applications and SARS filings—moving matters forward without drama. Beyond the office, Jacques founded a community-focused charity, applying the same organisational rigour to projects that make a practical difference. He is also proudly owned by a very opinionated cat. When detail matters and compassion counts, you want Jacques on your side.
Irene Lurner
Named the Swiss Army Knife of the firm because of her versatility and not only because she is sometimes a tool. Irene greets you, routes you, reminds you and gets things done—diaries aligned, documents signed, questions answered. She’s the friendly voice that makes admin feel easy and the first face you see when you walk in. When she truly switches off, she heads for the bushveld—no Wi-Fi, just fresh air and game tracks. If you need direction, reassurance or just a quick answer from the right person, start with Irene—she’ll get you where you need to go.
Kyra Fick
Kyra is a standout broker liaison who has momentum on speed-dial. Detail-driven, she spots the small print others miss and keeps clients and providers aligned from first call to final sign-off. Beyond the desk she has a big heart for rescuing animals and tends an ever-growing plant collection – all with clever names. Her tattoos tell better stories than most bestsellers. She is quick with a witty remark, has organised follow-through, uses plain-language explanations and will send an occasional photo of a creature she’s cheering on. For momentum you can measure—and updates you can trust—ask for Kyra.
Raymond Bernhardt
Raymond started as a junior estate administrator and immediately put his sales instincts to work where they matter most: clear communication, diligent follow-up and getting signatures when everyone else is busy. He brings energy, good looks and the kind of “Let me call them now” initiative that shortens delays. After hours he’s with his greatest joy: his two-year-old red-haired son, a determined contender for the household’s energy title.