Dispute resolution

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.'

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.

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