Dispute Resolution
Global Guide 2024 : South Africa
Band 1
Contact number
+27 11 530 5000About
Provided by Webber Wentzel
Our litigation and arbitration group specialises in complex, multi-jurisdictional, commercial, regulatory and constitutional disputes. They provide advice to national and multinational corporations, financial institutions and government entities. The group has considerable practical experience in advising on international law, including customary international law, international agreements (such as bilateral investment treaties), international trade, nonbinding international guidelines (such as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Guidelines for Multinationals) and all aspects of investor-state arbitration. In addition, they regularly assist their clients in their dealings with governments, organs of state and public bodies, including in relation to public procurement. This includes providing advice on access to information, administrative decision-making processes and ensuring adherence to best practice and compliance with the Constitution as well as other legislation.
Contacts: Priyesh Daya, Partner ([email protected]) and Sarah McKenzie, Partner ([email protected]).
Chambers Review
One of South Africa's legal powerhouses, Webber Wentzel houses a broad disputes practice that excels in commercial matters as well as constitutional and public law litigation. The firm's examples of truly ground-breaking work include cases concerning class actions, government broadcasting and tax policy. The group handles commercial disputes across a range of industries, including construction, media, healthcare, financial services and mining, with a number of sector-specific investment fund clients. Its cross-border work rounds off the firm's abilities, with considerable experience handling disputes touching on the African continent and further afield, including international arbitration.
Work Highlights
- Webber Wentzel acted for Anglo American South Africa in an application before the High Court of South Africa for the certification of a class action related to environment pollution.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"I contact the firm with any issues and I am confident that the lawyers will provide a solution or guide us to a favourable outcome across any topic. The firm has always delivered exceptional results."
"The team brings together technical expertise with significant market-specific knowledge. The lawyers take time to verify facts, engage with us where there are issues to discuss that might impact other areas, and have been excellent."
"Webber Wentzel has an outstanding service level, with outstanding lawyers, business acumen, and commercially-minded advice. I feel very comfortable to call the lawyers; they are highly responsive and lovely to work with."
"I contact the firm with any issues and I am confident that the lawyers will provide a solution or guide us to a favourable outcome across any topic. The firm has always delivered exceptional results."
"The team brings together technical expertise with significant market-specific knowledge. The lawyers take time to verify facts, engage with us where there are issues to discuss that might impact other areas, and have been excellent."
"Webber Wentzel has an outstanding service level, with outstanding lawyers, business acumen, and commercially-minded advice. I feel very comfortable to call the lawyers; they are highly responsive and lovely to work with."
Notable Practitioners
Stuart McCafferty is a long-standing lawyer in the South African disputes market with a notable reputation for his handling of litigation and arbitration suits, as well as class actions. Product liability is an area of particular strength, in addition to commercial and contractual disputes. He currently serves as a consultant in the Johannesburg office.
Trevor Versfeld is exceptionally well regarded in the arbitration and litigation space. He acts for a range of high-profile clients in the banking, financial services and construction sectors, among others. He is routinely engaged by international clients and on mandates involving international parties, with expertise spanning commercial and contractual issues, as well as those related to fraud allegations.
"Trevor Versfeld is an excellent litigator."
Nick Alp is notably recognised for his work on class action disputes, in addition to single-plaintiff litigation and arbitration. His broad practice encompasses corporate investigations and white-collar crime, as well as commercial disputes.
Dario Milo operates a practice focused on media and telecommunications from the firm's Johannesburg office. He regularly handles cases relating to defamation and media freedom, among other issues.
"Dario Milo is a good litigator."
Vlad Movshovich has a broad disputes practice which sees him advocate in domestic and international arbitration proceedings on contractual and asset recovery disputes, among others.
"Vlad Movshovich is exceptional in his candour and understanding of various commercial issues. His experience in litigation and complex transactions, as well as cross-border expertise, are the skills that we rely on to provide a much-needed competitive edge."
Priyesh Daya operates an impressive disputes practice, which encompasses various contractual disputes, as well as constitutional and white-collar cases. He represents a number of banking institutions.
Sarah McKenzie has developed a notable practice working on commercial litigation and arbitration matters. She has particular experience in the energy, IT and mining sectors.
"Sarah McKenzie is an absolute pleasure to work with."
Ranked Lawyers at
Webber Wentzel
South Africa
Members
Provided by Webber Wentzel