Dispute Resolution and Litigation

Our dispute resolution team provides strategic guidance and robust representation to protect your interests when challenges arise. We focus on achieving optimal outcomes through efficient and effective legal solutions.

Commercial Disputes

We are client-oriented and design our approach to dispute resolution accordingly. Whether regarding issues of debt repayment and recovery, asset realisation, shareholders disputes, ownership rights, agency, distributorship matters, or otherwise, our priority is to work closely with the client to determine the optimum solutions and achieve the most favourable financial and reputational outcome. We guide clients through negotiations and seek out of court settlements, however, when necessary we are on hand to provide a strong litigation strategy and pursue a favourable award.

Advising and guiding clients in choosing the appropriate legal structure for their business
Advising on all aspects of mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and joint ventures, from due diligence and negotiation to drafting transaction documents and navigating regulatory approvals
Advising on corporate restructuring initiatives, such as mergers, acquisitions, spin- offs, and asset transfers, to optimize corporate efficiency, streamline operations

Advising on corporate governance matters, including board structure, shareholder rights, fiduciary duties, and compliance with state regulations
Advising on securities regulations, including JSE filings, disclosure requirements, and corporate governance best practices
Advising and representing clients in corporate and commercial disputes, including breach of contract, shareholder disputes, and other complex commercial litigation matters, both in court and through alternative dispute resolution methods such as arbitration and mediation.

Construction Disputes

Our experience in construction work is fully rounded with significant matters representing owners, developers, contractors, and sub-contractors throughout the construction cycle: procurement, contracting, claim assessments, and disputes. Our bilingual team brings a unique mix of legal, practical, and market experience to both private and public construction projects in support of our clients’ work.

Advising on trademarks registration for brands, logos, and slogans with the CIPC and providing ongoing counsel on trademark enforcement and protection strategies
Drafting and filing patent applications to protect inventions and innovations in various industries
Conducting patentability searches, preparing patent specifications, and navigating the patent examination process
Advising on copyright registration, licensing, and enforcement of copyright infringement claims

Advising on copyright protection for original works of authorship, such as literary, artistic, and musical works
Drafting, reviewing and/or negotiating licensing agreements
Advising and representing clients in intellectual property disputes, including trademark infringement, patent litigation, copyright infringement, trade secret misappropriation, and unfair competition litigation

Real Estate Disputes

Our litigation team has a wide range of experience in high-value real estate litigation on various issues including development disputes, insolvency, rights over property, and ownership issues. We have assisted both landlords, body corporates, and tenants in disputes surrounding complex commercial lease agreements and arrangements and recovering outstanding rentals and levies.

Insurance Disputes

Although we acknowledge that it is inevitable in some instances to avoid these disputes from reaching court, we understand that going to court may not be the best option for the heirs. Entering into drawn out litigation proceedings will drain the resources of the estate. We hold the view that inheritance disputes should primarily be settled by mediating between the parties, where possible. Should the best interest of the client require us to proceed with court or arbitration proceedings, our team will be ready to employ effective strategies based on years of experience while remaining cost-efficient for our clients. Our job is to anticipate the worst-case scenario and be prepared for it.

Administrative Law

We have significant experience in successfully handling a variety of claims against the executive branch of government where a party has been aggrieved by an executive decision. Claims in this regard are generally lodged with the High Court. Administrative law is a complex body of law and jurisprudence where litigation will require sound advice from the onset of case assessment. Our litigation team has been successful in obtaining compensation for our clients where they have been aggrieved by a decision of the executive branch as well as reversing the decision to
their favour. During such litigation, the stakes will be high for our clients and work tirelessly to bring the best results for our clients.

Employment Disputes

Our team has experience representing parties before labour courts and mediating for settlement. The team has advised employers on various contentious employee issues that may arise from dismissal, misappropriation of funds, work-related accidents, and conducting internal investigations.

Education Law Disputes

The education sector in South Africa is regulated by various pieces of legislation. Our team understands and is passionate about the education sector and has experience and knowledge of the various dispute resolution mechanisms that are involved in the sector. We have advised and acted for school governing bodies, students and parents, and third party service providers in various engages between the department of education, schools, and other stakeholders. We have also advised on various ways to recover and repay outstanding debts, including school fees.

Intellectual Property Disputes

We have experience in dispute resolution of intellectual property claims including copyrights, designs and patents. Whether it is an author seeking protection of their rights, or an industrial company protecting its technical designs, our team has experience in litigating these claims in the South African Institute for Intellectual Property Law and understands the technical challenges that such claims bring to litigation.

Inheritance Disputes

Although we acknowledge that it is inevitable in some instances to avoid these disputes from reaching court, we understand that going to court may not be the best option for the heirs. Entering into drawn-out litigation proceedings will drain the resources of the estate. We hold the view that inheritance disputes should primarily be settled by mediating between the parties, where possible. Should the best interest of the client require us to proceed with court or arbitration proceedings, our team will be ready to employ effective strategies based on years of experience while remaining cost-efficient for our clients. Our job is to anticipate the worst-case scenario and be prepared for it.

Employment Disputes

Competition

Competition is regulated in South Africa through the regulation of anti-competitive practices in order to ensure fair competition and more importantly the protection of consumers. The Competition Commission of South Africa (“Commission”) was formed to ensure that fair market practices were being adopted. Companies are under constant scrutiny to ensure that they are compliant with fair market practices. We have assisted a number of clients during investigations and proceedings brought by the Commission.

Mediation and Arbitration

Alternative dispute resolution and particularly mediation arbitration have become increasingly favoured option amongst local and multinational clients alike. We anticipate that this trend is set to continue increasing, now with increased confidence in the enforcement of local and international arbitral awards. Arbitrating in English, our appointed arbitrators, attorneys, advocates, or mediators have the diverse experience to deliver on the client’s needs.

Ready to take the next step in resolving your legal matters with confidence and compassion?

Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our experienced team. Let us advocate for your rights, navigate the complexities of the legal landscape, and help you achieve the best possible outcome for your case. Your journey towards resolution starts here.

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Dispute Resolution and Litigation

Commercial Disputes

Construction Disputes

Real Estate Disputes

Insurance Disputes

Administrative Law

Employment Disputes

Education Law Disputes

Intellectual Property Disputes

Inheritance Disputes

Employment Disputes

Competition

Mediation and Arbitration

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