Meet Our Team
We provide direct legal advice and take responsibility for every matter we handle. Clients can expect clarity, honesty and consistent communication from experienced legal professionals.
Our Approach
At Brand Attorneys, legal representation is deliberate and strategic. We believe every legal step should serve a defined objective, providing practical solutions that protect our clients’ interests while moving matters forward efficiently.
Our team works directly with clients, delivering clear advice, honest communication and experienced representation across family law, commercial disputes, conveyancing, estate administration and litigation.
Our Professional Team
Clara Brand Bester – Director | LLB (2015)
Clara is the founder and director of Brand Attorneys. She leads the firm’s family law and commercial law practice, and is regularly instructed in complex and opposed matters. Known for her strategic approach and attention to detail, she remains closely involved in each matter to ensure clarity and decisive outcomes for the firm’s clients.
Clara graduated with an LLB degree from Stellenbosch University in 2015, and has been honing her skills in litigation practice ever since. She is passionate about obtaining the best results for her clients
Suzanne Schlechter – Associate | LLB (2022)
Suzanne is an associate attorney with focused experience in personal injury litigation, including Road Accident Fund and medical negligence matters. She is entrusted with managing complex files and working closely with counsel and medico-legal experts.
Suzanne has worked directly with a range of specialists, including orthopaedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, occupational therapists, and actuaries, giving her a strong understanding of the evidentiary and quantum aspects of personal injury claims.
She is known for her ability to manage matters independently, maintain procedural accuracy, and engage confidently with both clients and experts in high-pressure environments
Ewan Pieters – Candidate Attorney | Stellenbosch University (2026)
Ewan is a candidate attorney with a strong academic and multidisciplinary background, and completed his LLB at Stellenbosch University. He has achieved Dean’s Merit in several subjects and has a particular interest in litigation and property law.
He also holds a Master’s degree in City and Regional Planning from the University of Cape Town, with research focused on municipal law and land use, as well as an Honours degree in City Planning. This background gives him a broader perspective in matters involving property, development, and regulatory frameworks.
Ewan has gained practical experience through legal internships and has demonstrated strong advocacy ability, including winning a moot court competition during a vacation programme. He contributes to legal research, drafting, and litigation support with a structured and analytical approach.
Our Administrative Team
Our
Administrative Team
Victoria Leyds – Paralegal | LLB Candidate (UNISA, 2026)
Victoria is currently completing her final year of her LLB degree through UNISA and assists the legal team with administration and case support. She brings a structured and methodical approach to her work.
Alicia Mgqweto –
Paralegal | LLB
Alicia provides legal support across a range of matters in our personal injury department, including research, drafting, and case preparation. Her strong academic background, extensive experience in personal injury and class action litigation and attention to detail contribute to the efficient progression of our client’s matters. She obtained her LLB degree in 2003 from UWC
Rose Kamwendo – Paralegal Practitioner
Rose supports the Personal Injury Department, assisting with the efficient progression of claims while keeping clients informed throughout the claims process. She holds a Diploma in Information Technology from Macmaine School of Computing in Harare and has completed the Paralegal Practitioner Short Course at the University of Cape Town (UCT). Rose is currently completing a BCom in Informatics through UNISA (expected 2026).
Geoffnie van der Heyde – Administrative Assistant & Receptionist
Geoffnie manages reception and administrative coordination, ensuring that clients are assisted promptly and that the firm’s day-to-day operations run efficiently.
Sam van der Rheede –
Client Liaison
Sam assists with client communication and coordination, ensuring that clients remain informed and supported throughout their matters.
Amir Liedeman –
Driver
Amir provides logistical support to the firm, assisting with collections, deliveries, and operational requirements.
Standards
We maintain a high level of scrutiny across all matters. Details are interrogated, positions are tested, and nothing material is left unexamined.