At MBAT, we are dedicated to providing the best legal services tailored to your unique needs and goals. Your success is our passion.
We believe in building strong, lasting relationships with our clients based on trust and transparency. Our experienced attorneys stay current with legal trends to offer you the best advice possible. We pride ourselves on our efficiency, ensuring your legal matters are resolved quickly and effectively, minimising disruptions to your life or business. With a diverse client base, including well-known companies, we understand the legal landscape and are here to help you navigate it confidently. At MBAT, your needs come first, and we are committed to achieving the best outcomes for you.
John Abbott is an Attorney and Conveyancer who has practised for his own account and in partnership since 1996. He attended The University of the Witwatersrand and obtained his B.com Degree. He the worked as an accountant whereafter he attended Randse Afrikaanse Universiteit and obtained his Bachelor of Laws Degree, he was admitted as an Attorney of the High Court of South Africa in 1996. In 2007, John co-founded Manong Badenhorst Abbott van Tonder Attorneys (MBAT), where he remains a managing partner. John was also a director of Abrimix (Pty) Ltd and Miwatek (Pty) Ltd both of which specialised in environmental rehabilitation and water treatment.
John specialises in Commercial and Property Law, Conveyancing, Estates, Litigation and Family Law matters. He has dealt with extensive commercial agreements, company law structures and property transactions.
John has always been an avid sportsman and participated in Ultra marathons, canoe marathons, open water swimming and is an avid golfer.
Jan Van Tonder is an experienced Attorney and Conveyancer with nearly three decades of legal expertise. After earning his BComm and LLB degrees from the University of Potchefstroom in 1992, he was admitted as an Attorney and Conveyancer of the High Court of South Africa in 1995. His early career included completing his articles in Brits and Randburg, followed by a tenure as a Junior Partner/Director at Hugo & Cronje Inc. in Krugersdorp. In 2007, Jan co-founded Manong Badenhorst Abbott van Tonder Attorneys (MBAT), where he remains a pivotal partner, and he also serves as a Managing Director at Ngcobo & Van Tonder Incorporated.
Jan specialises in Commercial and Property Law, Conveyancing, and Estate matters, with a particular passion for property transactions, including transfers, mortgage bond registrations, and cancellations. His extensive knowledge extends to township establishment, servitudes, sectional title schemes, subdivisions, and drafting complex commercial contracts. Over the years, he has played a key role in significant affordable and social housing projects, collaborating with JSE-listed companies, financial institutions, and government bodies. His involvement includes high-profile developments such as the Lufhereng Integrated Housing Development in Johannesburg, Woodwind Estates in Midrand, and a major North-East Pretoria project.
Beyond his legal career, Jan is an avid long-range precision shooter, competing at Provincial Gauteng and National level. He has earned his Provincial Gauteng colours and will be competing in World Championships in 2026. In his downtime, he enjoys fishing embracing the outdoors as a way to relax and recharge. With a dedication to excellence in law and a well-rounded approach to life, Jan continues to make a lasting impact in both the legal and broader community.
Chantal Behr is Client-centric high-achiever with >20 years’ experience in the corporate environment. Was employed at Alex Forbes for most of these years in the Medical Aid Industry, managing client relationships, implementing healthcare strategies, driving growth, and managing staff & systems. Joined the boutique law firm MBAT Attorneys in 2023 in the role of Business Development Manager, bringing her strengths to identify business opportunities, collaboration, research, analytical thinking, developing strategies, building sound relationships, and business growth.
Her business achievements, she holds a national certificate in financial Services; Wealth Management NQF5, has her FSB Regulatory Exam, was on the Leadership Programme, holds several certificates in Management Diversity, Business Leadership, Conflict & Negotiation, Effective Business Writing, Advanced Interpersonal Communication and Mentoring and Coaching.
Chantal’s is outgoing and has a passion for life, her true love is family and friends, travel, organising events and social functions, and is often referred to as a social butterfly amongst family and colleagues.
With a career spanning over three decades across diverse industries, Alicia van Tonder brings a wealth of expertise and precision to her role as Office and Financial Manager at MBAT Attorneys. Holding a BA Communication (Honours) degree from University of Potchefstroom (1990), Alicia seamlessly combines her strong communication acumen with exceptional organizational skills to ensure the smooth functioning of the firm.
Alicia’s professional journey includes pivotal roles at various Technology Companies, as well as serving as a Personal Assistant to executive leadership at ABSA Bank Limited. Since joining MBAT Attorneys in 2007, she has played an integral role in managing office operations and financial administration, with specialized expertise in conveyancing related to township establishment, servitudes, sectional title schemes, subdivisions, and the administration of wills and estates.
Alicia’s meticulous attention to detail, dedication to client service, and commitment to upholding the firm’s values ensure that every transaction is handled with professionalism and care. Her passion for continuous improvement is reflected not only in her work but also in her personal pursuits of reading, gardening, and nurturing her love for animals as ways to relax.
A trusted and valued member of the MBAT Attorneys team, Alicia exemplifies the firm’s commitment to excellence and client-centric service delivery.
Diploma in Sectional Title & Estate Transfers | Certificate in Debtors Collection & Legal Bookkeeping
With over two decades of experience in the legal field, Stella brings unmatched expertise and dedication to our conveyancing department. She joined MBAT Attorneys in 1999 and has since established herself as a cornerstone of our conveyancing team.
Stella holds a Diploma in Sectional Title and Estate Transfers and several legal certificates, including Debtors Collection, Basic Conveyancing, Legal Bookkeeping, and Advanced Transfer Procedures. Her comprehensive knowledge covers a wide range of property transactions – from standard and estate transfers to Nedbank bonds and cancellations – executed with precision using GhostConvey, WebConvey, and E4 systems.
Her strong litigation background also supports debt collection processes, from issuing letters of demand through to execution. Known for her commitment, professionalism, and proactive approach, Stella handles every matter with the care and efficiency our clients have come to trust.
Stella is fluent in multiple South African languages, making her an invaluable communicator with clients from all walks of life. Her passion for excellence and continuous learning ensures that our clients receive the highest standard of service, every time.
I grew up in the charming town of Parys in the Free State, where my journey began. After completing my early career steps, I had the opportunity to work in London, UK, for four years, gaining valuable experience in the engineering sector. Upon returning to South Africa, I joined an attorney’s firm, which eventually led me to relocate to Johannesburg.
Since May 2011, I’ve been working at MBAT Attorneys as a Conveyancing Secretary. In the same year, I completed my Conveyancing course through the Gawie Le Roux Institute of Law, further building on my skills and passion for the legal field.
Outside of work, I’m a proud wife and mother of four energetic children who keep life wonderfully full and busy. I also have a passion for fitness and enjoy running and spending time at the gym to stay active and recharged.
Boitumelo completed her LLB degree at North-West University, Potchefstroom campus, where she was actively involved in student life and leadership. During her time at university, she served as Deputy Chairperson of the Law Student Academic Chapter and proudly represented her faculty in the Christof Heyns African Human Rights Moot Court Competition, where she was named one of the top five participants and finished as second runner-up.
She also volunteered at the NWU Law Clinic, where she helped provide legal support to people in need. Before starting her articles, Boitumelo worked as a Legal Officer at Seloma T Attorneys in Klerksdorp, where she gained valuable hands-on experience.
From a young age, Boitumelo has always enjoyed leading and connecting with others — she was Head Girl in high school and has a natural passion for growth, people, and service. She is especially interested in Property Law, Commercial Law, and Conveyancing, and is currently completing her articles with a focus on these areas.
Outside of work, Boitumelo enjoys reading novels, attending yoga classes, and playing sport. She also earned provincial colours for netball while representing the North West Province, a highlight of her sporting journey.
MBAT Attorneys serves a diverse clientele, ranging from local enterprises to national corporations, including JSE-listed companies across multiple industries. We take a proactive approach in understanding not only the legal needs of our clients but also the operational, regulatory, and strategic factors that influence their businesses. This enables us to provide holistic legal solutions that support long-term corporate success and risk mitigation.
By immersing ourselves in our clients’ industries, we cultivate a deep understanding of their business environment, allowing us to anticipate potential legal challenges, navigate complexities, and align our legal strategies with their strategic objectives.
MBAT Attorneys is proudly committed to empowerment, diversity, and inclusivity within the legal profession. We currently hold a Level 4 B-BBEE rating, reflecting our dedication to meaningful transformation and broad-based economic empowerment. We continuously strive to align with the Legal Sector Black Economic Empowerment Charter, ensuring that our firm reflects the demographics, values, and aspirations of the South African legal landscape.
Beyond compliance, we actively support and nurture legal minds, investing in skills development, mentorship, and continuing education to foster the next generation of exceptional legal professionals.
MBAT Attorneys is deeply invested in corporate social responsibility, leveraging our legal specialities, professional networks, and resources to contribute positively to our community. Whether through pro bono services, mentorship programs, legal education initiatives, or socio-economic development efforts, we remain dedicated to making a meaningful impact within the legal sector and beyond.
At MBAT Attorneys, we are not just legal service providers – we are strategic partners, thought leaders, and legal innovators, committed to safeguarding the legal interests of our clients with unparalleled professionalism and foresight.