Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr is well-known for handling complex commercial litigation, international arbitration, and high-stakes cross-border disputes across a diverse range of industries. It’s 'extremely focused and dedicated' team is led by Rishaban Moodley, who focuses on commercial litigation, administrative law, and forensic investigations with a strong track record in corporate probes and key mining-related cases. Dual-qualified Tim Fletcher leads on some of the most high-profile disputes in the country, Lucinde Rhoodie boasts expertise in complex commercial, insolvency, banking, and regulatory litigation, and Clive Rumsey’s expertise lies in construction, engineering, and insurance law disputes. Anja Hofmeyr focuses on commercial litigation, arbitration, mediation, and administrative review applications, while Jackwell Feris is well-known for his expertise in both domestic and international arbitrations, as well as mediation. Corne Lewis, Claudette Dutilleux, and Timothy Smit are also active members of the team, as are Imraan Abdullah and Burton Meyer. Corporate and white-collar investigations experts Annemari Krugel and Lebogang Makwela joined the team in August and October 2025 respectively.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Very approachable, wide range of knowledge in dispute resolution.’
- ‘Good subject matter expertise, deep litigation experience, shrewd negotiation skills.'
- ‘Lucinde Rhoodie is an exceptional litigatgor.'
- ‘Claudette Dutilleux and Burton Meyer have brilliant skill sets, are experts in their field with vast knowledge, and provide timely solutions to complex problems.'
- ‘Excellent partner-led service and advice; fantastic availability and pro-active support.'
- ‘The strength and capability are the depth of knowledge and experience of the team as well as the decent, ethical approach to litigation. They fight fairly and clean.'
Key clients
- Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa
- Advtech
- Coca-Cola
- The Independent Institute of Education
- Liberty Group
- Liquid Telecommunications South African
- Lombard Insurance Company
- Mylan South Africa
- Nedbank
- Sun International
- Spar Group
- Tsebo Solutions Group
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Rishaban Moodley
Other key lawyers
Tim Fletcher; Lucinde Rhoodie; Clive Rumsey; Anja Hofmeyr; Jackwell Feris; Corne Lewis; Claudette Dutilleux; Timothy Smit; Imraan Abdullah; Burton Meyer; Mukelwe Mthembu; Annemari Krugel; Lebogang Makwela