Richard Evans & Associates is a boutique style property law firm which was founded in 2006 by Richard Evans. Jennifer Afton Sharp joined the firm in 2011 and became a partner in 2016. Our firm specialises in the fields of town planning law, environmental law, conveyancing and other related areas of property law and we are widely regarded as one of the leading town planning law firms in KwaZulu-Natal.
Practising in over 9 areas of property law, we specialise in Town Planning, Environmental, Municipal, Conveyancing, Sectional Titles and Property development related matters.
We provide advise in all aspects of applications, objections and appeals for Special consent, Rezoning, Subdivision, Consolidation, Site and Retail License and more.
We can assist with interpreting legislation, environmental impact assessments, environmental authorisation applications & environmental authorisation appeals.
We can assist with enforcement action, building plan issues, applications for demolition & review of administrative decisions.
We can assist with valuation objections, rates objections and appeals. We also have experience in resolving a host of neighbour disputes.
Review, negotiation & drafting of agreements of sale, residential sales transfers, sectional title, deceased estate transfers, divorce order transfers and more.
Antenuptial contracts, certification of documents, apostilles, servitudes, exclusive use areas & notarial tie agreements.
Drafting, checking and negotiating sale agreements, registration of transfer of residential and commercial properties (free hold and sectional title), deceased estate transfers, divorce transfers, registration and cancellation of private mortgage bonds, registration and extension of sectional title schemes, applications to amend title deeds and applications to apply for duplicate original title deeds if lost or destroyed.
Ante-nuptial contracts, certification and authentication of documents, apostilles, registration and cancellation of servitudes, registration and cession of exclusive use areas, registration and cancellation of notarial tie agreements.
With over 60 years of combined legal experience, we pride ourselves in being industry leaders in all aspects of Town Planning, Property and Environmental Law.
We aim to provide quality legal advice which caters for our individual clients’ needs.
Our professionals, whilst having a broad exposure to legal practice, choose to focus on their respective areas of speciality and keep abreast of the latest legal developments in these areas of the law.
As a result, the advice we provide is up to date with the latest jurisprudence.
Client satisfaction is our top priority. We achieve this by dedicating ourselves to our niche areas of law, communicating effectively and giving great service. As a result, we have many long-standing and loyal clients, with new clients being referred to us on the basis of our exceptional reputation.
Universally, legal practitioners generally charge on a time-spent basis.
It is, therefore, not always possible to provide an accurate estimation of the legal costs likely to be incurred in a matter. In some instances, particularly conveyancing matters, charges are set in a tariff.
Generally, legal costs are influenced by the type of matter, how complex and/or how contentious a matter may be.
We believe an informed client, is a happy client.
We, therefore, ensure that our fee structure is discussed and agreed up front and that our clients are kept up to date with the legal costs being incurred so that we avoid any unexpected surprises.
Again, this depends on the type of matter involved.
We aim to put together the best strategies to resolve your matter as quickly and as cost effectively as possible.
Delays in some instances cannot be avoided, but with our expertise we reduce the likelihood of your matter becoming unnecessarily protracted.
This is the first aspect we consider in accepting any new instruction.
If your prospects of success are not good, we will advise you upfront.
We know that getting involved in contentious matters or proceeding with litigation is not pleasant for any client. We are also acutely aware of how costly litigation can be so we take this into account when advising clients on their prospects of success.
We advise you of your chances of success upfront so that you can make an informed decision.
Richard has over 40 years of experience in town planning and environmental law and has represented numerous property developers, private individuals and municipalities. He has served on specialist town planning panels to have new planning legislation introduced, provided specialist input for the adoption of new town planning schemes and presently serves as the Expert Technical Advisor on the Appeal Authority of a large municipality on the South Coast.
Nikki was admitted as an attorney on 28 October 2022 and joined our firm in January 2023. She was subsequently admitted as a conveyancer in March 2025 and is currently pursuing her qualification as a Notary. Nikki has a strong interest in all areas of property law and specialises in the transfer of residential, sectional title, and commercial properties. Her expertise also includes property-related matters such as subdivisions, consolidations, and the registration and extension of sectional title schemes. In addition, Nikki assists clients with the drafting of Wills and oversees the administration of deceased estates.
Anél joined the firm in January 2023 and was admitted as an attorney in May 2023. Anél works together with Richard Evans and assists him with town planning and environmental law matters, high court property-related litigation and site and retail licence applications.
Michelle joined the firm shortly after it was founded in 2006 as a temp receptionist, and in 2007, she became a legal secretary. In 2012, Michelle qualified as a Senior Paralegal and has been a cornerstone in our Conveyancing and Deceased Estate department since. Michelle obtained her LLB degree and completed the 400-hour PVT course in 2025. She is currently serving her articles and intends to write the Conveyancing and Notary exams later in 2026.
Marina has a National Diploma in Business Administration and has over 20 years’ experience as a legal secretary and paralegal. Marina joined our firm in June 2022 and has since been promoted to Senior Legal Secretary for Richard Evans.
Nina has been with the firm since its inception. She is the firm’s bookkeeper and handles all of the firm’s administrative responsibilities.
Samke is our receptionist and filing administrator. She joined the firm in November 2022 and provides administrative support to the partners and all other staff.