Heather Ahlschlager

Johan Victor Attorneys & Litigators (Cape Town)

Anti-Corruption Compliance, Civil, Civil Unions, Criminal, Forensic Investigations, Fraud, Fraud Recovery, General Practice, High Court Practice, Human Rights, Leases, Litigation (Civil), Litigation (Criminal), Litigation (General), Litigation (High Court), Litigation (Magistrates Court), Local Government Law, Procurement Law, Professional Ethics, State Negligence, White Collar Crime, Wills

021 422 0369

heather@jvalaw.co.za

Forensic Attorney | Accountability & Governance

79749

3rd Floor, The Chambers, 50 Keerom Street, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town

Western Cape / Cape Town

Cape Town

3rd Floor, The Chambers, 50 Keerom Street, Cape Town, 8001

Master of Arts (MA) in Corruption and Governance, University of Sussex (UK)
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) & Bachelor of Arts (BA), University of Cape Town
Honours in English Literature, UNISA

With over three decades of specialised legal experience, Heather Ahlschlager is an admitted Attorney, Notary Public, and Conveyancer.

Her formidable pedigree is anchored by 25 years at South Africa’s Special Investigating Unit (SIU), where she ultimately served as Principal Forensic Lawyer, supporting over 40 complex, high-profile investigations into fraud, theft, and corruption across major state institutions.

At JVA, Heather provides the critical strategic bridge between complex forensic investigations and successful civil recoveries, disciplinary actions, and criminal prosecutions. She specialises in the highly technical legal mechanics required to hold entities accountable, ensuring that clients’ litigation strategies are built on flawless procedural and evidentiary foundations.

Whether advising investigation teams, drafting highly technical forensic reports, or executing urgent court applications, Heather ensures that all evidence withstands intense judicial scrutiny. Her background is further enriched by her roles as a former prosecutor, university lecturer, and globally recognized thought leader in anti-corruption governance.

Core Practice Areas

Forensic Litigation & Strategy: Advising on evidence procurement, forensic reporting, and legal execution for complex investigations.

Fraud & Anti-Corruption Law: Navigating civil recoveries, criminal referrals, and institutional accountability.

Urgent Applications & High Court Litigation: Drafting highly technical pleadings for asset recovery and disciplinary action.

Notarial Practice & Conveyancing: Providing specialised, high-level property and notarial legal services.

Thought Leadership & Consulting

Founder, Legal Forensic Foundry: Independent consultancy providing specialised investigative training, legal advice, and ethics workshops to the public and private sectors.

Industry Author & Speaker: Frequent contributor to investigative publications (including the ACFE) and a recognised public speaker on anti-money laundering, fraud prevention, and institutional reform.

English