We are renowned for our personal service and knowledge in the field of deceased estates and pride ourselves in our ability to resolve even the most intricate problems and disputes encountered in the administration process. Since the administration of estates is our core business, we are dedicated to the finalization of estates in the shortest time possible.
Meet The Team
CORNEL BOTHA (B Iuris, LLB)
Cornel obtained his B.Iuris degree during 1989 and his LLB during 1994. He was admitted as advocate of the High Court of South Africa on 26 July 1994 while in the employ of the Department of Justice where he was employed as state prosecutor and legal administration officer at the Department’s Head office in Pretoria. During 1996 he started practicing as advocate at the Pretoria Bar and continued to practice as advocate until he joined the side bar after he was admitted as an attorney during February 2004. He started to practice under his own name as Cornel Botha Attorneys during 2005.
ANNELIE BOTHA (B Iuris LLB)
Annelie obtained her B.Iuris degree during 1989 and her LLB during 1994. She was admitted as advocate of the High Court of South Africa on 26 July 1994 while in the employ of the Department of Justice (Master of the High Court, Pretoria) where she worked for 16 years, 6 of which as Assistant Master. After working in the private sector for a short while Annelie joined Cornel in practice and was admitted as attorney of the High Court during August 2010. Annelie heads the firm’s deceased estate department and has a thorough knowledge and vast experience of the administration of deceased estates.
GERDA NELL
Gerda is the firm’s secretary and has worked for Cornel and Annelie since 2016.
MICAELA GONCALVES – BA (Law) and LLB (UP)
Micaela obtained her BA (Law) degree in 2018 and her LLB in 2020 from the University of Pretoria. She joined Cornel Botha Attorneys in January 2021 to complete her Practical Vocational Training as a Candidate Attorney, which she successfully concluded in January 2023.
She was admitted as an Attorney of the High Court of South Africa on 25 July 2023. Shortly thereafter, Micaela pursued an opportunity abroad and was admitted as a Scottish Solicitor and Notary Public on 26 July 2024.
Micaela has since rejoined Cornel Botha Attorneys and currently serves as an Admitted Attorney in the firm’s Deceased Estates Department, working alongside Annelie Botha.
Beyond her legal career, Micaela enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends.
ELMARIE BELL- LLB (UNISA)
Elmarie obtained her LLB degree from the University of South Africa in June 2022. She joined Cornel Botha Attorneys in February 2022 while completing her studies and commenced her Practical Vocational Training as a Candidate Attorney in July 2022.
She successfully concluded her training in July 2024 and was admitted as an Attorney of the High Court of South Africa on 22 May 2025. Elmarie now serves as an Admitted Attorney in the firm’s Deceased Estates Department, working alongside Annelie Botha.
Beyond her legal career, Elmarie is a passionate reader and a loyal supporter of the Springboks, often attending live rugby matches.
LESLEIGH JADE SAMPSON – LLB (NWU)
Lesleigh obtained her LLB degree from North-West University, Potchefstroom, in March 2023. She went on to successfully complete a structured coursework programme through the School for Legal Practice at the LSSA-UNISA Distance Learning PVT School from June to December 2023, while residing in Cape Town.
In February 2024, Lesleigh commenced her Practical Vocational Training as a Candidate Attorney at Cornel Botha Attorneys, which she successfully concluded in August 2025. She is currently in the process of being admitted as an Attorney of the High Court of South Africa and works alongside Annelie Botha in the firm’s Deceased Estates Department.
Beyond her legal career, Lesleigh enjoys spending time with friends & family. She is also passionate about becoming more acquainted with her new surroundings, often participating in hikes and exploring nearby activities.
Dit is so lekker om kliënte na julle toe te verwys want ek kry so baie komplimente as gevolg van julle diens.
– Marina Fourie
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Thank you so much for your quick and friendly service.
– Ria Andrews
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