The first issue of De Rebus appeared in 1956 as a modest publication for attorneys, launched by the Law Society of the Transvaal under the title De Rebus Procuratoriis. Back then, it focused almost entirely on internal society news and updates from the legal circle. Theo Boezaart, its first editor, oversaw a project that few expected to last—or to grow into what it became.
By the late 1960s, the journal had expanded beyond its regional roots. In 1968, it became a national publication, shifting its production to the Association of Law Societies (the predecessor to today’s Law Society of South Africa). The change marked a turning point: what had started as a niche newsletter for a limited audience now aimed to serve the broader legal profession.
For decades, De Rebus was distributed exclusively in print, sent to attorneys, judges, and advocates. But by the 2010s, the costs of physical distribution had become unsustainable. The solution came in 2009 with the launch of De Rebus Digital, a trial online platform. By March 2019, the magazine had fully transitioned to digital, abandoning the print version entirely. The shift proved successful—today, the publication reaches 35,541 attorneys, along with judges, advocates, and candidate attorneys.
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Independent editorial rigor shapes content
One of the magazine’s enduring strengths has been its editorial independence. The Editorial Committee, which includes representatives from the profession’s three main constituencies, meets monthly to review submissions. Every member—whether from the Law Society, the bar, or the legal community, contributes without bias, ensuring that published content reflects the needs of the profession as a whole. Consensus is always reached. The meetings are attended by the constituent members and the Editorial staff, and the agenda is mailed to the Committee members generally on the Thursday of the previous week.
They read the articles submitted for publication, make their notes (e.g., correcting grammar, spelling, and the article as a whole) and make a prima facie recommendation. Articles are limited to 2000 words and many exceed this target, requiring a reduction by the writer or by the editorial staff. Frequently, an article is sent back to the author for a rewrite, taking into account the suggestions made by the Committee.
A recently introduced app, namely being able to indicate the degree of plagiarism contained in any article, has been a most useful tool and more recently a series of articles which were clearly AI generated. This information is included in the monthly agenda for the benefit of the Committee members.
Beyond its core content, De Rebus has introduced permanent monthly features to serve practitioners. These include summaries of key judgments, practice management tips, case notes, employment law updates, and summaries of new legislation. The magazine’s digital presence has also expanded, with a website, newsletter, and active social media following. As of mid-2026, it had 10,377 Facebook followers, 29,024 LinkedIn followers, and 15,448 website subscribers, alongside nearly 80,000 unique monthly browsers.
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Some articles retain lasting relevance. Among the most frequently accessed is a 2012 piece titled: ‘Guidelines for writing in plain language’, a reminder of how practical guidance can outlive its publication date. The magazine’s archives, stretching back decades, remain a resource for attorneys handling complex legal challenges.
Digital shift expands reach globally
The transition from print to digital wasn’t just about cost, it was about accessibility. While hard copies once dominated, the shift allowed De Rebus to reach a broader audience without geographic or financial barriers. The result? A publication that remains indispensable, whether for judges reviewing case law or advocates managing their practices.
A colleague from the West Coast area (who shall be nameless) once remarked that his office contained only one legal book: De Rebus. The remark reflects its role as a go-to reference for practitioners who rely on its insights daily.
The Editorial Committee’s dedication is often unsung. Members review submissions with meticulous attention, balancing editorial rigor with the need to publish what matters most to the profession. The process is time-consuming, the June 2026 agenda consisted of 354 pages, requiring members to read every word and make their annotations.
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The magazine’s evolution reflects broader changes in the legal field. When it launched in 1956, the internet didn’t exist, and digital publishing was unimaginable. Today, De Rebus operates as a hybrid platform, blending traditional legal analysis with modern distribution. Its survival over seven decades speaks to its adaptability, but also to the unchanging need for a trusted, independent voice in the profession.
Substance over spectacle defines its legacy
What sets De Rebus apart isn’t just its longevity, it’s how it has consistently prioritized substance over spectacle. It has remained focused on practical, actionable content for attorneys. The result is a publication that serves as both a record of legal developments and a tool for those handling them.
As it marks its 70th anniversary, De Rebus stands as a sign of foresight and persistence. The original decision to launch it in 1956 was a gamble; today, it is the profession’s publication. The teams, past and present, who have shaped it deserve recognition for their work, often behind the scenes. For attorneys, judges, and advocates, it remains an essential resource, proving that some things in law don’t change: the need for clear, reliable information.
