South Africa is a major hub for commerce on the African continent, making it a prime location for dispute resolution law professionals who specialize in various fields. Their work ranges from complex shareholder disputes to high-profile cases involving insolvent companies. In this article, we will introduce some of South Africa’s most interesting figures in dispute resolution law, detailing their expertise and significant contributions to the industry.
These legal experts come from a range of backgrounds and specializations, providing a diverse selection of approaches to commercial disputes. They all contribute significantly to their respective fields, whether by serving multinational clients or acting on a national level to address pressing issues facing companies in South Africa today.
We’ll delve into their careers and discuss some key highlights that set them apart in their industry. From established figures to rising stars, these lawyers personify the rich diversity and impressive legal minds of South Africa’s dispute resolution sector.
Kathryn Gawith
Firm: Webber Wentzel
Kathryn Gawith is widely acknowledged for her contentious work in professional liability, particularly acting for auditors and insurers. She is well-versed in cases involving insolvent companies and those under business rescue. Gawith operates out of Johannesburg and is a significant figure in the dispute resolution industry.
Jones Antunes
Firm: Werksmans Attorneys
Jones Antunes has impressive expertise in a multitude of litigation and arbitration mandates. His capabilities extend to shareholder and contractual disputes, as well as unlawful competition claims. A certified CEDR mediator, Antunes also lends his proficiency in administrative disputes to his work in Johannesburg.
Lucinde Rhoodie
Firm: Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr
Lucinde Rhoodie boasts a comprehensive commercial disputes practice, excelling specifically in shareholder disputes and financial sector investigations. Rhoodie’s repertoire also covers arbitration proceedings, a fact well noted by her clients in the construction sector, among others.
Jeffrey Kron
Firm: Norton Rose Fulbright
Recognised as one of the field’s distinguished figures, Jeffrey Kron operates from Johannesburg. He commands a reputation as a litigator and arbitration counsel, dealing with assorted corporate and commercial disputes for high-profile South African and international clients. Kron is particularly active in the banking and mining industries.
Peter van Niekerk
Firm: Eversheds Sutherland
Leading the Eversheds Sutherland litigation team, Peter van Niekerk brings a wealth of experience in the field. He acts both in investigations and proceedings involving criminal misconduct and breach of contract. Van Niekerk also excels as a mediator.
John Zieff
Firm: ENSafrica
John Zieff holds a distinguished position in South Africa’s dispute field. Operating from Cape Town, he is highly regarded for his counsel on constitutional and administrative disputes. With ample knowledge of the gaming sector, he serves public and private companies, as well as public associations, covering a complete range of commercial and corporate litigation mandates.
George van Niekerk
Firm: ENSafrica
George van Niekerk heads the dispute resolution practice at ENSafrica. His specialty lies in disputes and investigation management, a service he extends to clients in sectors such as chemicals, telecommunications and transport.
Kirsty Simpson
Firm: DLA Piper South Africa Services (Pty) Ltd
As the head of DLA Piper’s dispute practice, Kirsty Simpson has a broad range of experience, particularly in handling construction disputes. Simpson is known for her excellent skills in dealing with allegations of delays and defects, shareholder disputes, and breach of contract proceedings.
Des Williams
Firm: Werksmans Attorneys
Johannesburg-based Des Williams is the head of Werksman Attorneys’ arbitration practice. Williams is well known in South Africa’s dispute market, owing to his solid reputation and deep experience.
Veronica Vurgarellis
Firm: Lawtons Africa
Veronica Vurgarellis heads the commercial litigation department at Lawtons Africa and operates out of Johannesburg. She is adept at both commercial litigation and arbitration, and is frequently called upon for her expert counsel on construction disputes.
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