The disputes team at Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP delivers a 'seamless client experience' across the infrastructure, energy, and financial sectors. Practice head Jonathan Ripley-Evans handles high-profile international and local disputes and specialises in renewable energy cases. Cameron Dunstan-Smith is adept in corporate investigations, Fiorella Noriega Del Valle is knowledgeable in grassroots arbitration, and Jenalee Harrison is key in international financial services litigation. Robyn Khumalo, Za’eem Laher, Kyle Melville, Tameez Casoo, SooBin Park, and Chelsea Richard are further key contacts.
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.
- ‘For me, what makes Jonathan Ripley-Evans stand out is his combination of deep expertise, approachability, and practical problem-solving. He is not only highly knowledgeable in arbitration and dispute resolution but also has a unique ability to make complex issues clear and workable. What sets him apart from others is his reliability and his calm, measured approach, even in high-pressure situations.'
- ‘The team is knowledgeable about our business, proposes commercial resolutions of matters and offers practical advice. The work product is consistently of a high standard.’
- ‘Fiorella Noriega Del Valle is very responsive and knowledgeable. She is always available to discuss any issues and offers the right amount of guidance on a matter where associates and senior associates might also be involved.’
- ‘Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer’s dispute resolution team delivers a combination of international-calibre litigation capability with a practical understanding of the local legal and business environment. What sets them apart is their ability to simplify complex disputes and develop clear, commercial strategies tailored to real-world outcomes.'
- ‘The team are able to draw on knowledge and resources across their network to progress work and provide advice that is relevant and useful.’
- ‘Jonathan Ripley-Evans has unique insights on strategy and other players in the sector. He is always considering bigger picture issues to ensure our interests are protected across the board.’
Key clients
- Anglo American PLC
- Standard Bank Group Ltd
- BDO Corporate Finance (Pty) Ltd
- EDF Renewables (Pty) Ltd
- Engie Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd
- Thales Societe Anonyme
- Sishen Iron Ore Company (Pty) Ltd
- Scatec Solar Africa (Pty) Ltd
- Total Energy Hydra Storage (Pty) Ltd
- Takealot Online (RF) (Pty) Ltd
- Thales South Africa Proprietary Limited
- G7 Renewable Energies (Pty) Ltd
Work highlights
Representing Engie Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd, Scatec Solar Africa (Pty) Ltd, Total Energies Hydra Storage (RF) (Pty) Ltd, and EDF Renewables Investment (Pty) Ltd in High Court proceedings launched by a local solar photovoltaic systems manufacturer (ArtSolar) against all of the major Independent Power Producers who were successful bidders for the development and construction of solar power plants in the Risk Mitigation Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme and the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme, Bid Windows 5 and 6.
Representing Thales South Africa Proprietary Limited in a high profile (corporate) criminal prosecution.
Representing a Kenyan and South African bank in international arbitration proceedings seated in London, relating to a claim against them in excess of USD600m.
Lawyers
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.
Practice head
Jonathan Ripley-Evans
Other key lawyers
Cameron Dunstan-Smith; Fiorella Noriega Del Valle; Jenalee Harrison; Robyn Khumalo; Za'eem Laher; Kyle Melville; Tameez Casoo; SooBin Park; Chelsea Richard