Leading African law firm Bowmans is further strengthening its dispute resolution capacity in South Africa by appointing senior litigation lawyer Vanessa Jacklin-Levin as a partner in its Johannesburg Litigation Practice.
‘Vanessa is one of the most highly regarded dispute resolution lawyers in South Africa, with a formidable combination of skills, not only in litigation, adjudications and arbitrations, but also in risk, governance and compliance,’ says Ezra Davids, Bowmans chairman and senior partner.
Previously, Jacklin-Levin spent six years at international law firm Dentons, where she was head of Dispute Resolution in South Africa and also office managing partner in Johannesburg.
She has acted for global multinationals and South African listed, non-listed and state-owned companies in numerous high-profile matters in mining and energy, construction, retail, real estate, franchising and distribution, and infrastructure and public-private partnerships. In addition to dispute resolution matters, Jacklin-Levin advises clients on risk, risk mitigation, compliance, governance and franchising.
Prior to joining Dentons, Jacklin-Levin was a partner at Bouwer Kobeli Morabe (BKM) Attorneys, which she had purchased in 2005 and successfully ran for 12 years.
After completing her LLB at the University of Johannesburg, she started her career as a candidate attorney at Bowmans, moving up to senior associate level and gaining experience in commercial litigation, commercial law and employment law.
Jacklin-Levin, who has the right of appearance in the High Court, is a committee member serving on the Investigating, Disciplinary & Mediation Committee of the Legal Practice Council. She has led a number of community and global initiatives that promotes gender equality and an active citizenry.
Davids concludes, ‘Effective dispute resolution is a prerequisite for overcoming business challenges in a tough economy, and Vanessa’s skills and experience will be put to good use as she hits the ground running.’