Headed up by Lusanda Raphulu, the dispute resolution practice at Bowmans ‘is in a class of its own‘ for some. The team stands out for being ‘particularly strong in complex commercial, company law and shareholder disputes, and is exceptional at providing strategic advice‘. Jonathan Sahli and Lyndal Anderson co-head the litigation department, which continues to handle a high volume for contentious work for mining, financial services, insurance and food and beverage sector clients. Tim Gordon-Grant has an excellent track record in handling international arbitrations and audits-related litigation; Adam Anderson‘s expertise includes banking, construction, corporate and insurance disputes; and James McKinnell is ‘a seasoned litigator with good commercial acumen‘. Jonathan Barnes has established experience in class action litigation.

Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr’s dispute resolution team garners praise for its ‘professional approach and sound advice, and has a pragmatic approach to managing disputes‘. Practice head Rishaban Moodley regularly advises on commercial litigation and forensic investigations; Lucinde Rhoodie stands out as ‘an exceptional and formidable litigator‘ with expertise in banking litigation, insolvency litigation, shareholders disputes and commercial disputes. The ‘very knowledgeable and professional‘ Clive Rumsey specialises in engineering and construction litigation, while Mongezi Mpahlwa is very experienced in handling commercial arbitrations. Corné Lewis is ‘a straight shooter who manages client expectations well and is incredibly strategic in his approach‘. Tim Fletcher, Jackwell Feris  and Anja Hofmeyr are also star names in the department.

ENSafrica’s expansive dispute resolution practice has an excellent track record in handling high-profile commercial disputes, insurance litigation and cross-border mandates. George van Niekerk, who heads up the practice, specialises in representing large private companies in commercial litigation. Aslam Moosajee advises state-owned entities and clients in the media, financial services, education and telecoms sector on financial and commercial litigation and arbitrations. John Zieff‘s practice includes contractual, administrative and constitutional litigation; Sue Hayes garners praise for ‘her thoroughness and expansive thinking when considering options and angles in combative situations‘. Rob Scott and Deon Lambert are also notable names.

At Webber Wentzel, ‘the quality of the team is exceptional when it comes to dispute resolution‘. The ‘highly effective‘ group has an excellent track record in advising across a broad spectrum of litigation and arbitration, with noted strength in assisting with contentious business rescue proceedings. Practice head Priyesh Daya is well versed in handling corporate and commercial litigation, alternative dispute resolution and domestic and international arbitration. Deputy head Sarah McKenzie has significant experience in investment treaty arbitration, and regularly acts for clients in the energy, mining and the financial services sectors. Other key practitioners include Trevor Versfeld, Nick Alp, media litigation expert Dario Milo  and Pooja Dela.

Werksmans Attorneys‘ ‘amazingly experienced‘ disputes team is ‘highly commended in cross-border litigation‘, and continues to handle a high volume of complex commercial disputes. Practice head Corlett Manaka ‘has vast litigation experience and knowledge‘, and is well versed in representing clients in aviation and commercial litigation, while Jennifer Smit advises on contentious construction matters, property disputes and prominent local and international arbitrations. Darren Willans specialises in pension fund litigation and insurance disputes. Rael Gootkin, who focuses on banking litigation, contentious insolvency matters and shareholder disputes, has ‘a formidable energy that takes no prisoners‘. Faith Sikhavhakhavha is ‘a seasoned litigator who always remains calm under pressure‘. David Hertz, Sarah Passmoor and Koketso Rapoo are key names to note.

Insurance law disputes form the backbone of Clyde & Co LLP’s dispute resolution practice, however the team is equally strong at handling a wider range of contentious work. Shareholder disputes, defamation matters, business rescue proceedings and commercial disputes are among other key drivers of work for the team, and the department regularly represents clients in the financial services, construction, mining, and health care sectors, to name a few. Wim Cilliers is a highly regarded insurance specialist in the group, and Arthur James has expertise in handling contentious shipping and transportation mandates, with a particular focus on reinsurance matters. Tony Hardie, the firm’s South Africa managing partner, is another key practitioner in the insurance space and handles a wide spectrum of contentious matters. Daniel Le Roux, Chris MacRoberts, Lauren Fine and Dominique Pereira are also star names.

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP’s ‘excellent‘ disputes team has a solid track record in handling a wide gamut of commercial litigation and alternative dispute resolution matters. The group’s recent workload includes instructions from the energy, construction, and financial services sectors. Department head Jonathan Ripley-Evans stands out for his ‘excellent strategic advice‘ on international arbitration and disputes in the engineering, mining, hospitality and tourism sectors. Cameron Dunstan-Smith leads the corporate crime and investigations group, and is active in cross-border investigations and compliance work. Fiorella Noriega del Valle is singled out for her contribution. Since publication, Candice Grieve and Ryan Hosking left the firm.

With experience in corporate and commercial disputes, Brent Botha heads Norton Rose Fulbright South Africa Inc’s dispute resolution team, which has been kept especially busy advising clients in the mining, financial services and construction sectors on a wide spectrum of contentious matters. Andre Vos leads the commercial litigation group, and is very experienced in handling corporate investigations, compliance matters and mining disputes. John Bell handles business rescue and insolvency litigation, and Jeffrey Kron acts for banks, financial institutions, and government organisations in contentious matters. Sentebale Makara and Abongile Vuso are singled out for their contributions to the practice group.

A&O Shearman‘s dispute resolution practice houses a team that ‘is not only exceptionally skilled but also approachable and accommodating. Their ability to understand the intricacies of complex legal disputes and find practical solutions is remarkable‘. Department head Gerhard Rudolph is ‘a fearless litigator‘ and specialises in advising on high-value disputes in the mining, energy, infrastructure and financial services sectors. Callum O’Connor stands out for his expertise in commercial litigation. Widaad Ebrahim-Fakier represents domestic and multinational clients in contentious work, with particular strength in insolvency matters, and is sought after by clients in the financial services sector. Wihan Meintjes is ‘always available and ready to go the extra mile‘.

Fasken’s dispute resolution practice is very well known in acting for traditional communities in high-profile disputes; department head Rakhee Bhoora often leads on these mandates. Bhoora is also noted for her strength in constitutional, administrative and infrastructure litigation. Bianca Da Costa is well versed in commercial litigation, alternative dispute resolution, and contentious construction and engineering matters. Commercial litigator Tania Siciliano has a strong record in assisting with business rescue and insolvency matters. Jesicca Rajpal and Barr-Mary Tyzack are star names in the department.

With considerable experience in advising large corporates and state-owned entities on a broad range of contentious matters, Veronica Vurgarellis heads Lawtons Africa’s dispute resolution practice, which is ‘able to engage with and navigate complex commercial litigation, in a manner that is commercially sensitive to clients’ business needs‘. Vurgarellis’ areas of expertise include administrative law, construction law and commercial disputes. Tshavhungwe Tshivhase stands out for her experience in shareholder disputes, and Kobus de Beer focuses on real estate litigation.

At Adams & Adams, the dispute resolution team ‘not only provides clients with sound legal advice, but also practical advice‘ on a range of contentious matters. Practice head Jac Marais has notable strength in advising on competition, company and constitutional law litigation, and Grégor Wolter specialises in commercial dispute resolution. Demi Pretorius fields experience in handling contractual disputes, and Thando Manentsa is active in commercial litigation. Cohen Grootboom and Kelly Mzobe are also singled out for their contributions.

At CMS South Africa, the dispute resolution team handles a broad range of contentious matters for clients in, among others, the mining, insurance, energy, telecoms, media and financial services sectors. Practice head Siphokazi Kayana is a key name for commercial litigation, and is equally strong at handling arbitration. Zaakir Mohamed is active on investigations, and Nomfundo Mkatshwa-Jackson assists with disputes involving administrative and contract law.

Kirsty Simpson heads DLA Piper Advisory Services (pty) Ltd’s dispute resolution practice, which handles work in sectors including mining, financial services, consumer goods, and energy and natural resources. Tumisang Mongae has a strong record in advising state-owned entities and private companies on construction litigation, while Waseeqah Makadam handles commercial litigation, contentious contractual matters, and insurance disputes. Koketso Mathebula left the firm in October 2023.

RAMS Attorneys‘ team has been kept busy handling a high volume of contentious business rescue matters, and is also noted for its strength in representing creditors and liquidators in insolvency proceedings. Practice head Karabo Motshwane is active in commercial litigation.