The table includes a number of the country`s leading local companies, including Bowmans, Webber Wentzel, ENSafrica, Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr and Werksmans, as well as leading multinationals such as DLA Piper, White & Case and Bake McKenzie. Here are the best law firms in South Africa according to Law Firm of the Year Awards 2022. Each law firm is listed next to the area of law in which it has excelled. The top 10 is dominated by South African giants including ENSAfrica, Bowmans, Webber Wentzel and Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr, but two international law firms also reached second and eighth place with DLA Piper and Dentons. The only company without offices in South Africa to make the top 10 was Kenyan company Anjarwalla & Khanna. Law firms with more than 50 lawyers are generally considered medium-sized law firms. [42] [43] The ranking, which in the first year is based on the total number of lawyers from law firms and geographical distribution in Africa, was compiled through research conducted by Law.com International in collaboration with Africa Legal. Webber Wentzel is a renowned African law firm headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa. The firm is working in collaboration with another law firm called Linklaters. Webber Wentzel is considered a member of the “Big Five” law firms. ENSafrica is the largest law firm in Africa. The company currently employs more than 600 practitioners and has been around for over 100 years. ENSafrica specialises in all commercial areas of law, including taxation, forensics and intellectual property.
Note 3: Deneys Reitz Inc., then Norton Rose Fulbright were previously considered one of the Big Five law firms. Due to its decline, Werksmans, which was not one of the big five law firms, took its place. South Africa`s best lawyers and law firms have played a huge role in the country`s economic, political and social policies. The legal profession in South Africa is very dynamic and this is to be expected. The country is one of the most developed in Africa, which explains the high demand for professional legal services. Law firms in South Africa range from full-service law firms to specialist firms and include a mix of local and international law firms. These firms are home to some of South Africa`s finest lawyers. South Africa continues to expand its status as an important legal hub for sub-Saharan Africa. She has brought a number of international law firms to the forefront, including Allen & Overy (South Africa) LLP, DLA Piper, Norton Rose Fulbright South Africa Inc, Baker McKenzie Johannesburg, Clyde & Co LLP, Hogan Lovells (South Africa), White & Case LLP, Pinsent Masons LLP and Herbert Smith Freehills South Africa LLP. Despite the presence of international law firms, the local legal market remains robust despite a challenging economic environment. Companies such as Bowmans and ENSafrica have become leading names in South Africa while strengthening their presence across Africa by opening their own offices or forming alliances with companies from other jurisdictions.
These firms, along with Webber Wentzel, Werksmans Attorneys and Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr, have withstood the influx of international players and maintained world-class ranks and commitments. Lateral changes of partners are a distinctive feature of the South African market, driven by the influx of international law firms. In 2020, the frequency of lateral moves decreased, but there were some notable hires, including construction partner Jason Smit who left Werksmans Attorneys to join Pinsent Masons LLP, a growing firm. Bowmans is one of the leading law firms in South Africa with a huge team of experienced practitioners. The company offers a wide range of services. With eight offices in six African countries and more than 400 specialist lawyers, Bowmans has become the leading antitrust, labor and labor law firm. Today, Herbert Smith Freehills represents 39 of the FTSE 100 companies and is one of the top 5 law firms in South Africa. Legalweek New York explores business and regulatory trends, technology, and talent factors impacting law firms. The following law firms are generally considered the “Big Five” (listed in alphabetical order): [discussion][1][2][3] Glyn Marais has been one of South Africa`s leading real estate firms since its inception in 1990. With a highly skilled and specialized team, the firm has earned a reputation for excellent service and a deep understanding of the operations of blue-chip real estate companies.
Pinsent Masons LLP is an international law firm with an office in South Africa. The company specializes in the energy, infrastructure, financial services, real estate, advanced manufacturing and technology sectors. In terms of turnover, the firm is one of the top hundred law firms in the world. The Big Five Law Firms is a term used informally in South Africa to refer to law firms that are collectively considered to be the leading law firms based in South Africa. Chambers South Africa`s Corporate/M&A table features a number of the most prestigious law firms in the jurisdiction and includes the firms with the greatest experience in handling large domestic and cross-border transactions. In addition to mergers and acquisitions, which often run into the billions, the companies listed here are also valued for their ability to manage private equity buyouts and divestitures, as well as corporate structuring and restructuring, including Black Economic Empowerment Structures (BEEs) – a unique policy in South Africa dedicated to increasing the economic participation of previously segregated racial groups. Law firms included in the Global 100 do not receive a specific ranking. South Africa`s best lawyers have been at the forefront of the profession for years.
These lawyers are recognized for their knowledge, experience and unparalleled skills in litigation, arbitration and legal advice. They work primarily for large law firms, which are also among the best in today`s legal industry. Allen & Overy is a multinational law firm and member of the UK`s Magic Circle, a small group of elite law firms.