At Norton Rose Fulbright South Africa Inc, the employment and labour team handles a wide spectrum of contentious matters, including unfair dismissal disputes, allegations of workplace misconduct, and retrenchment issues. Murray Alexander, who heads up the practice, is a key contact for collective bargaining matters and corporate restructurings, while Karen Ainslie brings extensive experience in handling regulatory and compliance work, executive dismissal cases, and employment law issues arising from transfers and mergers. Mohammed Chavoos regularly acts for clients in the banking and finance, retail, and food and beverage sectors and Michael Balie has expertise in employment litigation and restructurings.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The advice and legal support is practical and relevant to the issue. Communication and availability is key -they are available when required and responsive.'
‘Legal knowledge and ability to provide sound advice makes them stand out.'
‘Quick response to requests, willingness to schedule meetings quickly, and excellent technical knowledge are the qualities that we value.’
‘The NRF team understands customer centricity, they are available and responsive and this is invaluable! Turnaround times are always impressive, and a promise made is a promise kept. ’
- 'Jason Whyte has the most amazing way of connecting with people and he does so in a truly sincere way. He is an expert in his field.'
- 'Gillian Lumb gets to the point, helps me cut through the unnecessary details, and finds solutions quickly.'
‘The individuals are very knowledgeable, helpful, and professional. They go out of their way to help me. Legal matters are always stressful by their nature, but their knowledge and professionalism make it less stressful because you deal with individuals who are experts in their field of operations.'
Key clients
- Commission for Gender Equality
- South32
- Tiger Consumer Brands Limited
- Richards Bay Coal Terminal (Pty) Ltd
- Mondi South Africa Limited
- Libstar Operations (Pty) Ltd
- South African Custodial Management (Pty) Ltd
- Mintek (Pty) Ltd
- Old Mutual Life Assurance Company
- Pioneer Foods (Pty) Ltd
Work highlights
- Representing the Commission for Gender Equality in a case concerning sections of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act 1997 and the Unemployment Insurance Fund Act 2001 being declared unconstitutional on the grounds of the sections' inconsistency with the right to equality and dignity.
- Representing Hillside Aluminium in an ongoing unfair dismissal dispute.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Michael Balie
Practice head
Murray Alexander
Other key lawyers
Jason Whyte; Mohammed Chavoos; Karen Ainslie; Laura Macfarlane; Michael Balie; Gillian Lumb; Thanusha Moodley