Associate Attorneys

Brown, Braude & Vlok Attorneys

Rooted in tradition. Driven by progress

Established in 1948 in Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha), Brown, Braude & Vlok Incorporated (BBV Attorneys) is one of the Eastern Cape’s most established and trusted law firms. For more than 75 years, we have provided strategic, reliable and results-driven legal services to individuals, businesses, financial institutions and government entities across South Africa.

Our legacy is grounded in professionalism, integrity and long-standing client relationships, built through consistent delivery and a deep understanding of our clients’ commercial and personal priorities. We simplify legal complexities and provide advice that is clear, actionable and aligned to real-world outcomes.

At BBV Attorneys, we believe that the practice of law is most effective when it is collaborative, transparent and solution focused. We do not simply execute instructions, we partner with our clients to navigate legal, financial and business challenges with strategic insight, agility and efficiency.

Our team brings together decades of experience with modern, forward-thinking perspectives. This combination enables us to deliver legal solutions that are responsive, practical and tailored to each client’s evolving need, whether in commercial law, insolvency and liquidation, property and conveyancing, litigation, estate planning or long-term structuring. Relationships remain at the centre of everything we do. We pride ourselves on being accessible, dependable and deeply invested in the success of those we represent.

BBV Attorneys strives to be the legal partner of choice, respected for our judgment, trusted for our service, and known for the value we consistently deliver.

Rethabile Nkhahle

Candidate Attorney

Rethabile Nkhahle joined BBV Attorneys as a Candidate Attorney in January 2025 after completing his LLB degree through the University of South Africa (UNISA) in 2023.

During his studies, Rethabile gained valuable practical experience while working at Legal Aid South Africa, which laid a strong foundation for his entry into legal practice. He is currently based in our Labour Law Department, where he works closely under the guidance of Mr Craig Jessop, gaining exposure to a wide range of labour-related matters.

Outside of the legal sphere, Rethabile enjoys spending quality time with friends and family, is an enthusiastic golfer, and a keen follower of all things sport.

Nicole De Villiers

Candidate Attorney

Nicole completed her BCom (Law) Degree (cum laude) from Stellenbosch University in 2021, followed by an LLB Degree in April 2023.

Eager to gain practical experience, Nicole began her articles at Van Der Spuy Attorneys in Cape Town in 2023, and proceeded to cede her articles to BBV in December 2023. Nicole currently works in the Deceased Estates and Conveyancing department at BBV, under the guidance of Joelene Brown.

Outside of her professional pursuits, Nicole cherishes quality time with her loved ones, indulging in activities that foster strong connections and meaningful experiences.

Danielle Lotter

Associate

Meet Danielle, a dedicated attorney with a passion for justice. Graduating from Framesby High School in 2015, Danielle embarked on her legal journey by pursuing an LLB degree in 2016 at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, earning her stripes in 2020. Fueling her pursuit of legal excellence, she attained a Masters in Criminal Law in 2022.

Danielle’s professional path led her to BBV, where she commenced her articles in 2022, honing her skills in litigation and labour law. Her commitment and hard work paid off when she was admitted as an attorney in April 2024, now serving as a junior attorney in the Litigation Department of the firm.

Beyond the courtroom, Danielle finds solace in the company of her family and the great outdoors, where she enjoys rejuvenating her spirit.

Michelle Du Toit

Associate

Michelle, arriving from the Klein-Karoo, obtained her Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in 2017. In 2018 she was conferred with a Master of Laws (LLM) in Labour- and Criminal Law with a research based treatise in Criminal Justice.

In 2020 she joined Brown Braude and Vlok Inc. as an Associate after being admitted as an Attorney in February 2020. She later obtained admission as a Notary Public in September 2020.

Michelle has a profound respect for the law and a passion to assist people. Her open door policy and continuous engagements with professionals within the legal sphere ensure that she is abreast of legal developments which may benefit her clients. She has great interpersonal skills and thrives on assisting her clients in all matters presented to her.

Her main focus area is on collections (general and Sectional Title Collections), property litigation and general litigation.

Qualifications

Bachelor of Laws (LLB) / Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (2017)
Master of Laws (LLM) / Nelson Mandela University (2019)

Areas of Practice

General litigation
Sectional Title Collections and Foreclosure
Evictions
Notarial Practice

Joelene Brown

Director

Joelene senior Attorney, Conveyancer and Notary Public with extensive experience in Insolvency Law, Liquidations, Informal Winding Down of Businesses, Deceased Estate Administration, Curatorships, Commercial Law and Business-related Transactions, and Divorce Receiverships. With 18 years of specialised practice, she is recognised for her technical expertise across the full lifecycle of business and financial distress matters, estate and related litigation, and complex commercial legal work.

Joelene obtained her LLB degree (2006) from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University and was admitted as an Attorney and Conveyancer in 2008, and as a Notary Public in 2009. She completed a Diploma in Insolvency Law (University of Pretoria, 2011) with distinction, followed by a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration (Cum Laude, 2017) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA, 2019) from the Nelson Mandela University Business School.

She leads BBV’s Insolvency, Liquidations, Recoveries & Collections Department, as well as the Deceased Estates Department, and regularly accepts appointments as a Liquidator, Trustee and acts as Insolvency Practitioner nationally.

In addition to formal liquidations, Joelene frequently advises on and manages informal winding down processes for businesses, providing commercially sensible alternatives to Companies Act procedures where appropriate. She also deals with a wide range of commercial law matters, including contract drafting, business transactions, shareholder disputes, and general advisory work.

Joelene has been a member of the South African Restructuring and Insolvency Practitioners Association (SARIPA) since 2010. She has served as the Eastern Cape Regional Chairperson since 2015, has been a National Board Member since 2016. She was elected to the Executive Committee in 2021 and in 2025. She continues to serve on several national committees, contributing to the enhancement of the insolvency and restructuring profession.

Her style of practice is solutions-driven and commercially aligned. She prioritises efficiency, practical problem solving, and clear outcomes for clients particularly in matters involving financial distress, business risk, estate administration, and complex commercial issues.

Qualifications

LLB, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (2006)
Diploma in Insolvency Law, University of Pretoria (2011, Distinction)
PDBA, Nelson Mandela University Business School (2017, Cum Laude)
MBA, Nelson Mandela University Business School (2019)

Areas of Practice

Insolvency Law & Liquidations
Informal Winding Down of Businesses
Business Rescue–related Matters
Deceased Estates Administration
Commercial Law & Business Transactions
Recovery & Collection Litigation
Curatorships
Divorce: Receiver Appointments
Commercial Litigation linked to Insolvency and Business Rescue

Craig Jessop

Director

Craig obtained his B Juris (1990) and LLB (1992) degrees from the University of Port Elizabeth. He was admitted as an Attorney on 29 February 1996 and currently heads the Labour Law Department at Brown Braude & Vlok Incorporated. With more than 30 years of specialised experience in labour and employment law, Craig acts for clients across both the public and private sectors and has built a strong reputation for his practical, strategic and results-driven approach.

Private Sector Labour Law Experience

Craig has represented a wide range of companies, corporates, institutions and individual employees, providing specialised services in:

⦁ Wage negotiations
⦁ Retrenchments and restructuring
⦁ Dispute resolution (CCMA & Bargaining Councils)
⦁ Investigations into allegations of misconduct
⦁ Processing and chairing disciplinary enquiries
⦁ Presiding over internal appeals and grievance procedures
⦁ Section 197 Labour Relations Act advice relating to the transfer of businesses

He also conducts in-house training for employers on key employment legislation, including:

⦁ The Labour Relations Act (LRA)
⦁ The Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA)
⦁ The Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA)
⦁ The Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA)

Craig frequently represents clients at Arbitrations, the Labour Court, and the Labour Appeal Court, providing comprehensive litigation support.

Public Sector Labour Law Expertise

Craig has extensive experience representing senior public service officials in disputes with state departments, state institutions and public entities. He has also represented selected public sector unions over a period of two decades.

His public-sector practice includes detailed knowledge of:

⦁ The Public Service Act and Regulations
⦁ The Public Finance Management Act (PFMA)
⦁ Supply Chain Management (SCM) processes
⦁ Treasury Regulations
⦁ The Protected Disclosures Act
⦁ The Employment Equity Act (EEA)
⦁ The Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act
⦁ The Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA)
⦁ The Municipal Structures Act
⦁ The Municipal Systems Act

Craig has also appeared before:

⦁ The High Court
⦁ The Magistrates’ Court
⦁ Health Professions Council (HPCSA) and Dental Council proceedings
⦁ Military Tribunals

Craig has further contributed to the labour law environment as an acting judge, presiding over labour matters in the High Court.

Qualifications

B Juris (UPE) – 1990
LLB (UPE) – 1992

Areas of Practice

Labour Law (Public & Private Sector)
High Court Litigation
Magistrates’ Court Litigation
Labour Court & Labour Appeal Court Matters
Disciplinary & Workplace Investigations

Nico De Villiers

Director

Nico commenced his articles at Brown Braude & Vlok Inc. (BBV Attorneys) on 1 February 1995 and was admitted as an Attorney on 23 January 1997, and later as a Conveyancer on 20 January 2005. Nico has 34 years of working experience with 29 years as attorney and director of the firm.

Influenced by his father, a Professor of Public Administration at the University of Port Elizabeth, Nico developed a strong academic and professional interest in Public Law, completing his LLB thesis in this field. This foundation has shaped a career characterised by deep expertise in the intersection between public and private sector law.

Over the course of his career, Nico has gained extensive experience across a wide range of legal disciplines, including:

⦁ Municipal Law
⦁ Public Administration Law
⦁ Commercial and Contractual Law
⦁ Property Law
⦁ Waste Management Law
⦁ Transport Law
⦁ Credit Law
⦁ Debt Collection
⦁ Personal Injury Law
⦁ And various other regulatory and administrative frameworks.

This breadth of exposure enables Nico to provide legal opinions and strategic advice that take into account multiple dimensions of the law, an approach valued by diverse clients ranging from local government to private-sector enterprises.

With his strong background in Commercial Law, Company Law, Municipal Governance, and Public Procurement, Nico advises both public entities and private organisations on high-level legal and operational matters, including:

⦁ Structuring effective institutional arrangements
⦁ Drafting and reviewing joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions
⦁ Designing compliant and cost-effective procurement processes
⦁ Regulating and managing public–private sector relationships
⦁ Negotiating and structuring Public–Private Partnership (PPP) Agreements
⦁ Ensuring compliance with the MFMA, PFMA and related procurement regulations

He has also been extensively involved in the legislative environment, serving as the lead legal reviewer of Waste Management By-Laws for seven local municipalities and one district municipality, strengthening governance and service delivery within the waste management sector.

What distinguishes Nico most is his ability to fully understand the desired outcomes of his clients, whether governmental or commercial, and to provide practical, strategic and cost-effective solutions. His strength lies not only in advising on complex matters but in successfully implementing the recommendations provided.

Qualifications

B Juris (UPE) – 1987
Dipl Juris (UPE) – 1990
LLB (UPE) – 1991
LLM in Public Law (NMU, Cum Laude) – 2019

Areas of Practice

Municipal Law
Public & Administrative Law
Waste Management Law
Transport Law
Property Law
Commercial & Contractual Law
Public Procurement and PPPs
Personal Injury Law

Michelle Du Toit

Associate

Danielle Lotter

Associate

Nicole De Villiers

Associate

Have a legal question, or need expert advice?

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Brown, Braude & Vlok Attorneys

Rooted in tradition. Driven by progress

Rethabile Nkhahle

Candidate Attorney

Nicole De Villiers

Candidate Attorney

Danielle Lotter

Associate

Michelle Du Toit

Associate

Qualifications

Areas of Practice

Joelene Brown

Director

Qualifications

Areas of Practice

Craig Jessop

Director

Qualifications

Areas of Practice

Nico De Villiers

Director

Qualifications

Areas of Practice