Adams & Adams is well-known for its 'grasp of complex issues', including commercial, tax, insolvency, construction, and public matters for corporates, government, municipalities, and public interest clients. Practice head Jac Marais has extensive procedural experience across major courts, regulatory tribunals, and arbitration forums. Grégor Wolter routinely represents multinationals in high-stakes matters, Thando Manentsa focuses on contractual and competition disputes, and Demi Pretorius specialises in contract and property law. Mia de Jager, Thandiwe Seboletswe, Chervaune Utermöhlen, and Simoné Engelbrecht are also key contributors to the practice.
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Profile
Work Department
LItigation
Position
Partner | Chairperson - Litigation
Career
Jac is a litigation and dispute resolution specialist.
He represents and advises clients in multifaceted litigation (including arbitration and mediation) in the following fields:
- Administrative (public law), constitutional law, and regulatory law.
- Commercial Litigation (local and international) in respect of contractual rights, governance, shareholder disputes, director’s liability, contractual disputes as well as class action litigation.
- Competition law, including applications for merger approval to the Competition Commission and Competition Tribunal, and all Competition Law related litigation, including follow-on damages claims.
- Commissions of Enquiry (local and international).
- Fraud investigations and follow-on litigation.
He has represented and advised clients in a variety of forums, including:
- the Constitutional Court
- the Supreme Court of Appeal
- the Competition Appeal Court
- the Competition Tribunal
- the Competition Commission
- the Tax Appeal Court
- the Labour Appeal Court
- the Labour Court
- the High Court
- Local and international arbitration tribunals
- Arbitration appeal tribunals
- Commissions of enquiry (including the Arms Deal Enquiry and the State Capture Enquiry
- the Public Protector
- the Commercial Crimes Court
- the Press Ombud
- the FSCA, and various other regulatory bodies.
His clients include household local and international firms, as well as various governments, government agencies and departments.
Jac’s experience spans various sectors of the economy, including agriculture, retail, financial services, ICT, defence, energy, construction, transport, health, local and municipal government, and tax.
Jac chairs the commercial, litigation and property department of Adams & Adams and is a member of the firm’s management committee. He is also a director of Adams & Adams Forensic and Investigative Services (Pty) Ltd.
Languages
English; Afrikaans
Memberships
Memberships
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- Administrative Justice Association of South Africa (ADJASA) – Member
- Legal Practice Council (LPC) – Member
- Institute of Forensic Commercial Practitioners (ICFP) – Member
- International Bar Association (IBA) – Member
- Pretoria Attorneys Association (PAA) – Member
- South African Council of Shopping Centres (SACSC) – Member
- Best Lawyers® – Litigation: South Africa | 2021 – 2024
- Legal 500 – Recommended Lawyers: Construction | 2022 – 2023
- Legal 500 – Recommended Lawyers: Dispute Resolution | 2023 - 2025
- Chambers Global – Ranked Lawyer |2023 - 2025
Education
- Presents annual lectures in Competition Law at the University of Pretoria | 2014 – Present
- Postgraduate Diploma in European Competition Law – University of London, King’s College | 2012
- Admitted Attorney | 2009
- Advanced Certificate in Competition Law – University of Witwatersrand | 2008
- LLB – University of Stellenbosch | 2006
- BA – University of Stellenbosch | 2004
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘What sets them apart is their multidisciplinary team of attorneys, who collectively offer a complete range of legal expertise. Each attorney is highly accomplished in their respective field, ensuring that clients receive not only specialist knowledge but also integrated solutions across different areas of law.'
‘What makes the team at Adams & Adams stand out is the caliber of their people. They are not only highly skilled, but they also bring professionalism, dedication, and a collaborative approach. Mia de Jager was the ideal person to lead the case we worked on. She has the rare ability to remain calm and collected, eliminating emotion from the process and focusing squarely on what is required.'
‘The teams are coordinating extraordinarily seamless and effective. They attempt to provide the best service to clients, without compromise.’
‘The individuals are outstanding in their legal knowledge, which they apply correctly. They also have the unique ability to couple legal knowledge and skill with superb personal skills and resilience.’
'I was struck by individuals in Adams & Adams in a number of ways. First, they are available, responsive and. punctual. Second, their grasp of complex issues requiring extensive research was profound. Third, their interactions with expert witnesses was professional and sensitive.'
‘Persistence and collaboration with appropriate experts. Logical approach to the problem. Good communication.'
‘Adams & Adams stands out for its people first approach. The firm combines a diverse team with practical use of technology for remote meetings, and they guide clients every step of the way, providing hands-on assistance and treating everyone with dignity and respect.’
‘The Partner understands our business and commercial objectives. The client service is exceptional.’
Key clients
- The Technology Innovation Agency The Landbank The Campaign for Free Expression The Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority Vodacom (Pty) Ltd LA Group (Pty) Ltd Premier FMCG (Pty) Ltd Lombardy Development (Pty) Ltd The City of Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality Claims Funding Europe Intercape Ferreira Mainliner (Pty) Ltd Composers, Authors and Publishers’ Association Ahmed Kathrada Foundation SGT Solutions (Pty) Ltd Southern Palace Investments 380 (Pty) Ltd South African Revenue Service SAAB Grintek Defence (Pty) Ltd Broadband Infraco SOC Pretor Group (Pty) Ltd Fresh Camp Management Services (Pty) Ltd Isabel Madelung Crosfitt LLC Pack Law P.A.
Work highlights
Advising Intercape on enforcing its rights and engaging with government and police authorities to address ongoing violence against long-distance bus operators, resulting in several court orders compelling government entities to fulfil their constitutional and statutory obligations.