About

Provided by Bowmans

The drive by governments in Sub-Saharan Africa to stimulate employment, protect workers’ rights and address historical imbalances has produced a variety of distinct regulatory systems for employment in the region. This is made more complex by a strong culture of collective bargaining, and an overlap between labour and social issues, between strikes and social protest across the region.

We have been at the forefront of employment law in the region for many years.  We offer a breadth and depth of knowledge and experience in the fields of industrial relations, employment, employee benefits and pensions law in Africa that is hard to match.

We keep our clients at the forefront of developments in employment laws, regularly contribute to employment law publications and provide training and present lectures in a variety of forums.

We deliver a wide range of employment law services across both the public and the private sectors in the African countries in which we operate.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers
Employment - South Africa
1
Band 1
What the team is known for

Bowmans maintains a highly respected South African employment team, with established teams in Johannesburg and Cape Town and ably supported by the firm's strong presence across Africa. The firm acts for a range of blue-chip domestic and international corporations in sectors including mining, manufacturing and consumer goods, and demonstrates notable experience representing employees. The firm is additionally active representing governmental bodies, public associations and other public sector organisations. The department also impresses for its work involving workplace investigations, with expertise relating to issues of alleged fraud, whistle-blowing and team poaching, as well as discrimination claims. Recognised for its adept handling of employment issues arising from corporate restructuring, Bowmans possesses a strong employment disputes practice and is also recognised for its experience in industrial relations and collective bargaining.

Work Highlights

Provided by Bowmans
  • Bowmans advised Standard Bank on litigation relating to its Covid-19 vaccination policy.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers
Graham Damant
S
Graham Damant
S
Senior Statespeople

Graham Damant maintains a stellar reputation in the market for his employment expertise, enjoying considerable renown for his contentious work. His extensive experience covers issues ranging from vaccine requirement policies to discrimination and equal pay.

"His advice is very balanced from a legal and business risk perspective. He is my first choice of employment lawyer at Bowmans."

"Graham Damant is a brilliant and seasoned lawyer. He is always responsive and is one of our very trusted legal advisers."

Chris Todd
1
Chris Todd
1
Band 1

Cape Town-based Chris Todd is a highly regarded practitioner with a wealth of labour law experience, often advising on sexual harassment claims and collective bargaining mandates.

Karen Fulton
3
Karen Fulton
3
Band 3

Karen Fulton is sought out by clients for her counsel on employment disputes, including unfair dismissals, theft and corruption allegations, as well as harassment matters. She has further experience handling retrenchments, as well as cross-border matters, with a client roster featuring a number of high-profile international names, including in the healthcare sector.

Talita Laubscher
3
Talita Laubscher
3
Band 3

Talita Laubscher is noted for her broad expertise across employment law, covering workplace investigations and vaccine requirement policies as well as unfair discrimination cases. She regularly advises NGOs, financial institutions and retailers.

"She is a very competent lawyer in understanding the legal technical environment. She deals with practical situations and gives good advice."

Helen Wilsenach
4
Helen Wilsenach
4
Band 4

Helen Wilsenach is well versed in contentious and non-contentious employment issues. Her experience includes representing clients in wage disputes involving the enforcement of collective agreements, with further expertise in employment issues pertaining to market exit and transfers.

Khomotso Makapane
U
Khomotso Makapane
U
Up and Coming

Khomotso Makapane is recognised for his growing expertise in employment law. He advises clients on matters involving unlawful conduct investigations and business transfers.

Ranked Lawyers at
Bowmans

Provided by Chambers
Filter by
Band

South Africa

Employment

Graham Damant
S
Graham Damant
S
Senior Statespeople
Chris Todd
1
Chris Todd
1
Band 1
Karen Fulton
3
Karen Fulton
3
Band 3
Talita Laubscher
3
Talita Laubscher
3
Band 3
Helen Wilsenach
4
Helen Wilsenach
4
Band 4
Khomotso Makapane
U
Khomotso Makapane
U
Up and Coming

Members

Provided by Bowmans

Henry Ngcobo

Jerry Kaapu

Keshni Naicker

Khomotso Makapane

Lenja Dahms-Jansen

Lusanda Raphulu

Luway Mongie

Martin Hopkins

Mendel Sass

Randall Van Voore

Rosalind Davey

Talita Laubscher

Clients

Provided by Bowmans

AngloGold Ashanti

Barloworld

Ericsson

Eskom

Merrill Lynch

Old Mutual

Pick ‘n Pay

SA Breweries

Standard Bank of South Africa

Sun International

Industries

Provided by Bowmans

Banking

Commercial & Professional Services

Construction & Materials

Consumer Product Manufacturing

Education

Energy

Financial Services

Food & Drink Producers

Government

Health Care

Industrial Engineering

Insurance

Mining & Metals

Pharmaceuticals & Life Sciences

Retail

Software & Computer Services

Transportation

Travel & Leisure

Utilities