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. We prefer personal, practical, grounded and 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 and were not mere case numbers. Over a glass (or two) of wine, the plan was set to 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 our team carefully and our client base has grown with relationships we genuinely value. Many clients become friends, all are treated like family (the good kind not the Jerry Springer kind).

Sharon O'Hagan
Sharon brings a rare combination of legal and financial expertise to the firm’s specialty fields and has a genuine passion for what she does. Her upbeat personality and warm manner often hide just how formidable she is. Behind the scenes, she is meticulous, strategic and exceptionally thorough, known for anticipating problems early and navigating complex matters with calm precision. She is the kind of person who reads judgments, tax updates and market commentary long after everyone else has logged off. Despite all the titles and qualifications, she still secretly wishes everyone would call her “Bubbles” although “Shari” will do in a pinch. Sharon is the driving force within the firm who backs her team, is deeply committed to her clients, treasures her family and is grounded by her faith.

Craig O'Hagan
Craig handles deceased estates with the kind of calm that makes even the most overwhelmed families feel like things might just be okay. He has a knack for turning complicated, grief-filled paperwork into a clear and manageable process, without unnecessary drama or legal jargon.
After some years abroad and a stint in London’s drizzle, we happily reclaimed Craig on his return home. He brings a dry, understated sense of humour to the office and a steady, practical approach to every matter he handles. Quietly efficient and incredibly dependable, Craig is often solving problems before anyone else has realised they exist. Outside the office, he is our resident braai master who is happiest somewhere between smoke, fire and feeding people far too much food. Whether he is managing estates, supporting the team or experimenting with something ambitious on the grill, Craig brings the same calm precision and reliability to everything he does.

Jana Grobler
Jana has a way of making even the most complicated property matters feel straightforward and manageable. As an Attorney, Conveyancer, Notary Public and Estate Agent with a master’s degree in law, she combines deep technical knowledge with a calm, practical approach that clients genuinely appreciate. She is known for being organised, efficient and refreshingly honest. She is the kind of professional who keeps matters moving, communicates clearly and never leaves clients guessing about what comes next. Behind every smooth registration and well-run transaction is Jana quietly making sure every detail is exactly where it should be. Outside the office, her life is just as busy, with her children keeping her on her toes between tennis courts, running shoes and family life. Perhaps that is where she perfected her ability to juggle multiple moving parts while still making it all look effortless.

Jonathan Lievaart
Jon is an Attorney, Conveyancer, Notary Public and the general Go-To-Guy when there is a particularly complex, unusual or just plain difficult case. He has a sharp eye for detail and genuinely enjoys the technical side of the law whether that means refining trust structures, drafting watertight wills or making sure every clause says exactly what it should. His humour is subtle but his standards are not and he is known for being exceptionally thorough without ever making clients feel overwhelmed. Outside the office, Jonathan’s interests are just as varied, ranging from running and family life to an appreciation for odd socks and a good milk tart special. Much like his approach to law, he believes in consistency, preparation and getting things right the first time.

Nelie Crowie (pronounced “nearly”)
Nelie is a paralegal extraordinaire who keeps everything moving smoothly behind the scenes even when matters become complicated. Known for her practical approach and attention to detail, Nelie makes the conveyancing process feel far less overwhelming for clients. In the office, she is equal parts organiser, problem-solver and resident “mother hen,” always looking after the team while quietly keeping everyone on their toes with her sense of humour. Clients can expect straightforward communication, reliable updates and the comfort of knowing someone is paying attention to every detail long before it becomes a problem.

Jacques Jacobs
Jacques is a valued part of our estate administration team and someone clients quickly come to trust for his calm, thoughtful approach. He handles matters with care, patience and attention to detail, helping families navigate what is often a difficult and emotional process with as little stress as possible. Behind the scenes, Jacques manages everything from estate inventories and Master’s Office applications to SARS filings, quietly keeping matters progressing steadily and efficiently. He is meticulous in his work but never loses sight of the people behind the paperwork. Outside the office, Jacques volunteers as a chaplain and has founded a community-focused charity, reflecting his genuine commitment to helping others. He also shares his home with a very opinionated cat who, by all accounts, keeps him suitably humble. When compassion, reliability and careful attention to detail matter, Jacques is exactly the kind of person you want in your corner.

Kyra Fick
Kyra is the kind of person who keeps things moving. As our broker liaison, she has a natural ability to coordinate clients, brokers and service providers while keeping a close eye on the details that others often miss. Organised, proactive and quick to follow through, she helps ensure matters progress smoothly from start to finish. Clients appreciate her straightforward communication style, regular updates and ability to explain things in plain language without making them feel overwhelmed. She is efficient without ever being impersonal and brings a calm sense of momentum to every matter she handles. Outside the office, Kyra has a soft spot for rescued animals and an ever-growing collection of cleverly-named plants. She somehow manages to keep both plants and people alive and thriving which is a talent in itself. With her sharp sense of humour, Kyra brings a little edge and a whole lot of heart to the office.

Raymond Bernhardt
Raymond joined the firm as a junior estate administrator and quickly became known for his energy, initiative and ability to get things done. He brings strong people skills to estate administration, keeping clients informed, following up diligently and making sure matters keep moving instead of sitting in someone’s inbox for three weeks waiting for “just one signature.” He has a proactive, can-do attitude and is often the person saying, “Let me phone them quickly,” before anyone else has even opened a follow-up email. Clients appreciate his approachable nature and willingness to go the extra mile to keep communication clear and matters progressing smoothly.
Outside the office, Raymond’s favourite role is being dad to his energetic little red-haired son who keeps him thoroughly entertained and very much on his toes. Between the two of them, there is rarely a quiet moment.
FAQ’s
What makes O’Hagan Attorneys different from other law firms?
We believe legal services should feel personal, practical and easy to understand. Clients work with a team that values communication, responsiveness and real relationships. Client are not just transactions and file numbers.
Where is O’Hagan Attorneys based?
O’Hagan Attorneys is based in Fourways, Johannesburg but can assist clients throughout South Africa and internationally.
Is O’Hagan Attorneys a boutique law firm?
Yes. As a boutique firm, we focus on only a few specialised areas of law. We are not litigators and offer preventative legal and financial solutions rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Does O’Hagan Attorneys offer personalised legal services?
Absolutely. We take the time to understand each client’s unique circumstances and provide clear, practical advice tailored to their family, property or business needs.
Why do clients choose O’Hagan Attorneys?
Clients choose us for our combination of professional expertise, approachable service, practical advice and regular communication. We aim to make complex legal matters feel manageable and straightforward.
Who will handle my legal matter at O’Hagan Attorneys?
Your matter will be handled by an experienced member of our team with expertise relevant to your specific legal needs. We believe in collaborative support which means clients benefit from both individual attention and a strong team behind the scenes.
Can I work directly with an attorney?
Yes. Clients have direct access to the professionals handling their matters and are kept informed throughout the process.
Will I receive regular updates on my matter?
Yes. We believe communication is essential. Clients receive regular updates and are kept informed throughout the progress of their matter.
Can I contact my attorney directly?
Yes. We pride ourselves on being accessible and approachable and clients are encouraged to communicate directly with the team handling their matter.
Does O’Hagan Attorneys explain legal matters in plain language?
Absolutely. We believe clients should understand what is happening in their matter without needing a law degree to interpret it.
What can I expect when working with O’Hagan Attorneys?
You can expect practical advice, responsive communication, professional service and a team that genuinely cares about achieving the best possible outcome for you.
