Commended as a ‘very well oiled litigation machine’, Bowmans is jointly led by Jonathan Sahli and Lyndal Anderson. Clement Mkiva, Jonathan Barnes and Adam Anderson are key contacts in this space, and they are adept at handling shareholder disputes and international arbitrations. Anderson is also singled out for his excellent track record in advising on contentious insurance, construction, and financial matters, while James McKinnell is ‘an excellent negotiator.’ Tim Gordon-Grant is a highly regarded practitioner in the dispute resolution space and Kelly Calvert-Evers is knowledgeable of constitutional and administrative law disputes. In September 2024 Kelly Mzobe joined the team;, whle Gerhard Rudolph, Callum O’Connor and Wihan Meintjes arrived at the firm in January 2025.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘James McKinnell is a seasoned litigator with excellent commercial acumen. He is knowledgeable and strategic and has a well-run team who delivers high-value work under tight timelines.’
- ‘James McKinnell is a good communicator and has the ability to calm down clients in difficult situations. He is also an excellent negotiator who advocates for his clients while being understanding of the counterparty's position.’
- ‘Tim Gordon Grant has excellent client relationship skills, and meticulous attention to detail.’
- 'Jonathan Barnes is becoming a leader in South Africa's dispute resolution space. Jonathan is precise, efficient, and knowledgeable. I value his forthright approach and his practical insights.'
- ‘They are a very well-oiled litigation machine.’
- ‘They allocate the right level of seniority to our queries. They understand our business and have experience of litigating in court and via arbitration.'
- ‘The dispute lawyers are highly skilled strategic partners and understand the commercial realities facing our business. They are responsive and have the ability to gear up quickly when given an urgent instruction.’
- ‘The Bowmans team is always available to pick up on issues that need to be addressed ahead of strict deadlines. The dynamics of litigation require agile engagement. The Bowmans attorneys understand this.'
Key clients
- African Rainbow Minerals Limited
- Coronation Fund Managers Limited
- Old Mutual Alternative Investments (OMAI)
- African Rainbow Minerals Limited and Patrice Motsepe
- Public Investment Corporation SOC Limited
- KPMG Incorporated
- South African Heritage Resources Agency
- The Robben Island Museum and the Department of Sport, Arts & Culture
- National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA)
- BHP Billiton Plc (BHP)
Work highlights
- Defending African Rainbow Minerals Limited against an application for the certification of a class action brought by former and current coal mineworkers, concerning allegations that the mineworkers contracted lung diseases caused by exposure to coal dust.
- Representing the Coronation group in a dispute with the South African Revenue Services concerning whether the income of the client's Irish subsidiary should be taxed in South Africa.
Lawyers
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Next generation partners
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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
Lyndal Anderson; Jonathan Sahli
Other key lawyers
Tim Gordon-Grant; James McKinnell; Adam Anderson; Tori Herholdt; Clement Mkiva; Kabwela Chisaka; Jonathan Barnes; Kelly Calvert-Evers; Kelly Mzobe; Angela Matlata; Callum O'Connor; Gerhard Rudolph; Wihan Meintjes