Lovius Block

Our History

The firm Lovius Block came into existence in 1911 when it was founded by Joseph Lovius, who was admitted as an Attorney in 1910

1911

1955

Joseph Lovius was later joined by Louis Shtein but after the latter’s death, Dr Joseph Block joined the firm in 1955.

In 1965 the firm amalgamated with Cecil Meltz who had been practising on his own since after the 2nd World War. Soon thereafter Colin Cowan and Hendrik Steyn joined as partners. The firm’s name then changed to Lovius Block Meltz & Cowan

1965

1972

Dr Block passed away in 1972 and Colin Cowan left the firm in 1973, the same year when Peter Yazbek became Partner, after having served five years articles of clerkship with the firm from 1968.

The firm then changed names to Lovius Block Meltz Steyn & Yazbek and continued as such for some time. However, for practical reasons, it was changed to the presently known name of Lovius Block.

Charl Stander joined the firm in 1982 and after serving articles of clerkship became a Partner in 1985.

1982

1995

Ockert Van Schalkwyk and Charles Dell, both of whom did their articles of clerkship at the firm came on board as Partners in 1995. Cecil Meltz untimeously passed away during November of that same year.

After being situated in the Standard Bank building in the city center, Lovius Block moved to its main premises in 2005. Situated at 31 First Avenue, Westdene we could offer a safer environment for staff and clients.

2005

2015

Duncan Murray, after joining the firm in 2010 as a Candidate Attorney, came on board as a Partner in 2015.

In 2019 the firm Incorporated and Uyleta Nel-Marais, who also completed her articles within the firm became a director that same year.

2019

2020

In 2020, Peter Yazbek, who had been the managing partner and director of the firm for 48 years retired. He remains with the firm as a valuable consultant. Jannie Keyl immediately thereafter came on board as a Director.

In 2022 Lovius Block expanded and is now situated at 31 and 33 First Avenue, Westdene Bloemfontein. This move and later expansion was of great importance so as to provide for much needed office space for its growing firm and to offer more specialized and improved facilities for its clients as well as safe and adequate parking.

2022

The current Directors are Charl Stander, Ockie Van Schalkwyk, Charles Dell, Duncan Murray, Uyleta Nel-Marais and Jannie Keyl.

The Directors are assisted by the firms consultant, Peter Yazbek as well as a professional staff contingent consisting of Herklaas Venter, Elsie Louw and Rochelle da Silva. The firm also has its own in house costs consultant in Sandra van Wyck.