Bowmans's employment and benefits department is lauded for its 'depth of expertise', having represented state agencies, municipalities, and other entities within the public sector. The practice is spearheaded by Helen Wilsenach, who specialises in restraints of trade, executive exits, and cross-border employment mandates. Lusanda Raphulu has expertise in providing transactional support surrounding restructurings, executive separations, and unfair dismissals, while Graham Damant is adept in sensitive employment law matters, such as whistleblowing. Karen Fulton is a specialist in financial services, advising on executive exits, restructurings, and disputes. Talita Laubscher advises on discrimination and data protection, and regularly guides global clients through various employment issues. Jerry Kaapu is skilled in both contentious and non-contentious matters, and Chris Todd is adept in employment law, public law, and ADR. Khomotso Makapane and Nadine Mather are also key practitioners in the group.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Nadine Mather provides pragmatic, concise and high quality legal advice. What sets her apart is her commercial astuteness, which is the differentiator, and provides the ultimate edge over other lawyers generally. I rate Nadine as one of, if not the, best labour and employment lawyer in SA.’
- ‘Karen Fulton is very knowledgeable on employment law. She is supportive in case preparations and representations, and she is transparent as well as firm in providing impartial advises.'
- ‘Bowmans provides excellent advice that makes business sense. Their turnaround times are good and services represent value for money.’
- ‘Talita Laubscher provides excellent advice that makes business sense. Her turnaround times are good. Her services represent value for money. She also has a warm and engaging personality.’
- ‘Up-to-date legal knowledge, strong dispute resolution skills, pragmatic, and commercially aware legal advice.’
- ‘Jerry Kaapu is shoulders above many partners in labour law. He provides practical and commercially sound advice i.e. legal advice which is pragmatic, not just textbook-based, so he is able to balance legal compliance with business goals. In an evolving labour law landscape (remote work issues, new dismissal codes etc.), Jerry stays current with case law, legislative amendments, and workplace trends.'
Key clients
- KPMG International Limited.
- Public Servants Association of South Africa
- PUTCO (Pty) Ltd
- Mbutama
- Food and Allied Workers Union obo Lindela Sikhosana
- Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (Pty) Ltd
Work highlights
Advised KPMG across 13 African jurisdictions on the proposed integration of KPMG firms in Southern Africa, West Africa, and East Africa regions to enhance quality, accelerate growth, align their investments, create a one market approach (“One Africa Cluster”), and drive consistency across functions.
Acted for a major retailer in South Africa in a long-standing equal pay dispute in which the complaint related to alleged discriminatory pay practices on the basis of gender, family responsibility, religion, and status.
Supported a major financial services organisation in negotiating a separation agreement with its Chief Executive Officer.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
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.
Khomotso Makapane
Nadine Mather
Practice head
Helen Wilsenach
Other key lawyers
Lusanda Raphulu; Graham Damant; Karen Fulton; Talita Laubscher; Jerry Kaapu; Chris Todd; Nadine Mather; Khomotso Makapane