Contributions

“Basic compassion is a necessary attribute, not only of someone who considers him or herself deserving of Silk, but of any decent human being.”
— The Record

Beyond the courtroom

Adv Mahon's contributions to the profession, to legal scholarship and to civil society in South Africa.

In the press

  • Senior Counsel & Chairman, Johannesburg Society of Advocates
    InGlobe Senior Counsel & Chairman, Johannesburg Society of Advocates
  • On the independent Bar
    The Record On the independent Bar
  • Bar Council address, 2025
    Advocate Bar Council address, 2025

Chairman, Johannesburg Society of Advocates

Serving as Chairman of South Africa's largest Bar, representing the independent advocacy profession before the Legal Practice Council and the legal community.

As Chairman of the Johannesburg Society of Advocates, Mahon chairs the Bar Council and represents the JSA before the Legal Practice Council and other regulatory and governmental bodies. He has served on the Bar Council on five separate occasions and on its committees continuously since 2008.

Pro Bono

  • Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development v Prince — Constitutional Court

    Appeared as lead counsel, without fee, in the matter that reached the Constitutional Court as a challenge to the constitutional validity of legislation criminalising the private possession and use of cannabis by adults. The Court unanimously upheld the challenge.

  • Tsambo v Sengadi — Supreme Court of Appeal

    Pro bono appearance on the requirements for a valid customary marriage.

  • Nedbank Limited v Collatz — Gauteng High Court

    Pro bono representation in a contested foreclosure raising consumer-protection defences.

Public Appointments

  • Counsel Commission of Enquiry into Allegations of State Capture

    Commission of Enquiry into Allegations of State Capture (Zondo Commission).

  • Arbitrator and Adjudicator Commercial and Construction Disputes

    Various — AFSA, Private Arbitrations.