Rivonia Trial - Defence Lawyers

Defence Lawyers

Nat Levy was attorney of record in Pretoria for Mandela and the other accused, with the exception of Kantor. Hilda Bernstein (wife of Rusty Bernstein) approached Joffe, after being rebuffed by other lawyers who claimed to be too busy or afraid to act for her husband. Joffe was subsequently also approached by Albertina Sisulu (wife of Walter Sisulu), Annie Goldberg (mother of Dennis Goldberg) and Winnie Mandela (wife of Nelson Mandela). Joffe agreed to act as attorney for all of the accused except Kantor, who would require separate counsel, and Bob Hepple.

Joffe initially secured the services of advocates Arthur Chaskalson and George Bizos, then persuaded Bram Fischer to act as lead counsel. Vernon Berrangé was also later recruited to join the team of advocates. The defence line-up for the majority of the accused was

• Vernon Berrangé (advocate)
• George Bizos (advocate)
• Arthur Chaskalson (advocate)
• Bram Fischer (advocate, lead counsel)
• Harold Hanson (advocate)
• Joel Joffe (attorney)

The accused all agreed that Kantor's defence could share nothing in common with the rest of the accused. He thus arranged a separate defence team. While Harold Hanson primarily represented Kantor, he was also invited to deliver the plea for mitigation for the other 9 accused. The defence line-up for Kantor was

• John Coaker (advocate)
• Harold Hanson (advocate)
• George Lowen (advocate)
• H C Nicholas (advocate)
• Harry Schwarz (advocate)