Acclaimed for its 'diverse capabilities', Werksmans Attorneys continues to routinely act in disputes in the High Court, Supreme Court of Appeal, and Constitutional Court, and it is also adept in arbitration proceedings. Practice head Corlett Manaka specialises in aviation, commercial, competition, regulatory, local government, and constitutional law. Darren Willans handles arbitration and mediation proceedings, as well as pension fund, banking, and mining-related litigation. Jennifer Smit is skilled in contractual claims, Roger Wakefield in investment treaty arbitration, Trevor Boswell in restraint of trade matters, and Sarah Passmoor in insurance disputes. Faith Sikhavhakhavha, Akhona Bilatyi, David Hertz, and Simone Gast are further key contacts.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The team has diverse capabilities and novel approaches, with scalable and agile mechanisms to respond to unexpected dynamics while disputes are underway. The team's use of technology enables it to expeditiously respond to issues timely.’
- ‘Darren Willans and Sarah Passmoor possess unparalleled knowledge to deal with any challenge within the dispute resolution spaced.’
- ‘Ability to bridge and integrate engineering and the law.'
- ‘The Werksmans Attorneys team working on our matter is proactive, collaborative and provides sound legal advice.'
- ‘The team is responsive to our strategic objectives and collaborates accordingly.'
- 'The partner in-charge of the team has strong inter-personal, drafting and time management skills.’
Key clients
- Vantage Mezzanine III Southern African Sub Fund Partnership
- Medscheme Holdings (Pty) Ltd
- Tongaat Hulett Limited and its duly appointed Business Rescue Practitioners
Work highlights
Defended Medscheme successfully in a high-stakes IT and copyright dispute in an arbitration involving a multi-million rand claim against Medscheme.
Represented Vantage Mezzanine III Southern African Sub Fund Partnership successfully in an International Arbitration administered by AFSA International against Namibian companies before Neil Kaplan CBE KC SBS.
Representin Tongaat Hulett Limited (in business rescue) and its joint Business Rescue Practitioners Messrs T Murgatroyd N.O., P Van Den Steen N.O. G Albertyn N.O. on an ongoing basis in respect of various litigation proceedings instituted by or against them in the business rescue proceedings.
Lawyers
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Leading partners
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Next Generation Partners
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Faith Sikhavhakhavha
Practice head
Corlett Manaka
Other key lawyers
David Hertz; Darren Willans; Jennifer Smit; Roger Wakefield; Trevor Boswell; Sarah Passmoor; Faith Sikhavhakhavha; Akhona Bilatyi; Simone Gast