Werksmans Attorneys
Werksmans Attorneys‘ ’amazingly experienced‘ disputes team is ’highly commended in cross-border litigation‘, and continues to handle a high volume of complex commercial disputes. Practice head Corlett Manaka ’has vast litigation experience and knowledge‘, and is well versed in representing clients in aviation and commercial litigation, while Jennifer Smit advises on contentious construction matters, property disputes and prominent local and international arbitrations. Darren Willans specialises in pension fund litigation and insurance disputes. Rael Gootkin, who focuses on banking litigation, contentious insolvency matters and shareholder disputes, has ’a formidable energy that takes no prisoners‘. Faith Sikhavhakhavha is ’a seasoned litigator who always remains calm under pressure‘. David Hertz, Sarah Passmoor and Koketso Rapoo are key names to note.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Werksmans' team is an insurance ticket. As a client I have peace of mind, knowing that the relevant expertise is at hand and that this will be dispatched with speed and efficiency.'
‘Rael Gootkin's experience and intuition are highly regarded by his team whom he rallies effectively. He does not pander to unnecessary detail, but is concise and focused when the situation demands it.'
‘Werksmans partners with each client and delivers highly specialised attention, focused solutions, and the best possible outcome. The firm also adopts a multi-disciplinary approach that leverages the insights and experiences of different practice areas and sectors to provide holistic and innovative solutions.'
- 'Jennifer Smit has extensive knowledge and experience in the construction and engineering sector, as well as the ability to handle complex and high-profile matters with professionalism and efficiency. She is also adept at finding innovative and practical solutions to resolve disputes in the most favourable way for her clients.'
‘Werksmans has a diverse and dynamic team of legal practitioners.'
‘They are forward thinking and extremely knowledgeable, and exceptional in coming up with appropriate solutions to address the problems at hand.’
‘Their management of disputes is good.'
‘The team has a wide range of services and is essentially a one stop shop for its clients. There is cross referral amongst partners ensuring clients are directed correctly and in the best manner.'
‘Rael has a results-driven approach and deals with things quickly and efficiently. He is practical in his approach to all matters, and extremely professional and knowledgeable.'
‘Corlett Manaka has always managed his practice with the utmost professionalism.'
‘Werksmans' attorneys are very experienced and have vast knowledge of litigation.'
‘Corlett Manaka's demeanour and people skills make it easy to get internal stakeholders to work with and trust him during consultations, and ensures that he gets the right information for litigation matters. He is a litigation expert with a very good business understanding and always seeks to find practical business solutions to disputes.'
‘Highly knowledgeable in their field.’
‘Werksmans has a can do approach to all matters. They are prompt, responsive and have a wide variety of lawyers, whose degree of professionalism and capability is always top notch.'
‘The team is very knowledgeable in their fields of expertise.'
Key clients
- Netcare Hospitals Proprietary Limited
- Life Healthcare Group Proprietary Limited
- The Hospital Association of South Africa
- Medscheme Holding Proprietary Limited
- Trans Caledon Tunnel Authority
- Digital Industries
- Trustees of the Atose and Monica Aguele Trust and Hentiq 1647 Proprietary Limited
- Gold Fields Operations Limited
- Gauteng Provincial Government
- Mozambique Leaf Tobacco Limitada ("MLT")
- Gibela Rail Transport Consortium
- Mobile Telephone Networks (Pty) Ltd ("MTN")
- The Government of the Republic of South Africa
- Public Investment Corporation (PIC)
- Financial Intelligence Centre
- South African Reserve Bank (SARB)
- National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS)
- South African Roads Agency (SANRAL)
Work highlights
- Representing the Trans Caledon Tunnel Authority in a dispute concerning the execution of an arbitration award arising from a supply agreement between Fraser Solar and the Kingdom of Lesotho.
- Representing the Gauteng Provisional Government in an insurance dispute with Zurich Insurance Company South Africa, in relation to alleged defective design and subsequent damage sustained to a part of the Gautrain tunnel.
- Defending the SARB, PA and the FIC against an equality court application launched by the Sekunjalo Group of Companies, AYO technologies and the founder, Dr Iqbal Survé, involving alleged unfair and racial discrimination, arising from the unilateral termination of banking contracts by commercial banks, towards its customers.
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 individuals
Werksmans Attorneys
Corlett Manaka is a director at Werksmans and a member of the Werksmans Inc. Executive Committee. He is Head of the Litigation Department and also heads up the Dispute Resolution practice group.
Next Generation Partners
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Corlett Manaka