South Africa is home to some of the most skilled and respected lawyers on the African continent, and 2025 brings renewed focus on the professionals who stand out in different areas of the legal field. From Johannesburg and Cape Town to Durban and Pretoria, the country has produced attorneys who are making significant impact in corporate law, criminal defense, family law, intellectual property, real estate law, labor law, and constitutional law. These lawyers continue to represent individuals, businesses, and organizations in high value cases, regulatory matters, and cross border disputes, ensuring that South Africa remains a center for legal excellence.
The top ten best lawyers in South Africa for 2025 represent unmatched expertise and consistent performance in the country’s dynamic legal sector. Their influence reaches across industries such as finance, technology, construction, health, and energy, where legal services play a decisive role. Many of them are associated with leading law firms while others are recognized for their individual practice, but all share a reputation for delivering results and setting benchmarks in their respective specialties.
Top Ten Best Lawyers In South Africa (2025)
10. Livia Dyer — Media law and regulatory practice
Livia Dyer is widely respected in South Africa for her outstanding work in media law and regulatory practice. She has established herself as a trusted advisor to technology firms, broadcasters, and regulators who need clarity on complex issues such as licensing, media compliance, and data governance. Over the years she has gained recognition as one of the best lawyers in South Africa 2025 through consistent delivery of results in both commercial and regulatory matters. Her experience covers transactional support for companies in the communications sector, as well as advising on disputes that involve both private clients and public institutions. Her ability to balance commercial realities with strict regulatory requirements ensures her position as a go to expert in the ever evolving field of media law.
9. Werner Rysbergen — Competition law and antitrust practice
Werner Rysbergen has built his reputation as one of the top competition lawyers in South Africa 2025. His practice focuses on competition and antitrust law with emphasis on merger control, cartel investigations, and competition compliance. He works with clients across different industries including retail, financial services, and manufacturing, helping them manage legal risks while pursuing business goals. His dual experience in both regulatory environments and private practice allows him to give clients practical strategies for competition law enforcement and compliance. His deep understanding of the Competition Commission’s processes makes him a highly valued advisor for companies dealing with investigations or planning significant mergers in the South African market.
8. Janine Simpson — Competition law and regulatory matters
Janine Simpson has extensive experience in competition law and has long been recognized for her ability to guide clients through complex legal frameworks. She is often sought after for her insight on merger control, cartel investigations, and exemption applications. In addition to her antitrust focus she also provides counsel on consumer protection and other regulatory matters, ensuring businesses remain compliant with overlapping laws. Janine is also known for leading training programs that strengthen competition compliance across corporate teams. Her ability to break down legal complexities into clear and actionable advice has secured her reputation as a leading competition lawyer in South Africa 2025 and a trusted figure for both local and multinational clients.
7. Nick Grootes — Banking and finance and real estate law
Nick Grootes is recognized as one of the best lawyers in South Africa 2025 with a dual focus on banking and finance law as well as real estate law. He works with lenders, developers, and investment funds on transactions that require both financial and property expertise. His experience includes drafting finance agreements, advising on securitization, and guiding large real estate acquisitions. Nick is often called upon to advise on transactions involving both corporate lending and property structuring, which makes him unique among his peers. His practical knowledge of finance combined with detailed understanding of property regulation ensures that he delivers effective legal solutions for clients engaged in major infrastructure and real estate projects.
6. Tumisang Mongae — Construction law and infrastructure disputes
Tumisang Mongae is regarded as one of the top construction lawyers in South Africa 2025. His work spans the entire lifecycle of construction projects, from drafting and negotiating contracts to managing disputes during project execution. He frequently represents clients in arbitration, adjudication, and litigation concerning payment disputes, defects, and delays. His practice extends across large scale infrastructure and engineering projects where contractual risk allocation is essential. Tumisang’s ability to blend strong technical knowledge of construction processes with legal expertise makes him a valuable advisor to contractors, developers, and financiers. His dedication to ensuring fair outcomes in construction disputes has earned him recognition in the South African legal sector.
5. Waseeqah Makadam — Construction law and project advisory
Waseeqah Makadam has earned her place among the best lawyers in South Africa 2025 through her strong focus on construction law and advisory work on complex projects. She is known for guiding contractors, developers, and project owners through procurement processes, contract negotiations, and dispute resolution. Her expertise covers adjudication, arbitration, and claims management in both public and private sector developments. Waseeqah has built a reputation for translating technical construction issues into clear legal strategies, ensuring her clients are well positioned in negotiations and disputes. Her practical approach has helped many avoid prolonged litigation and secure outcomes that protect long term project success.
4. Peter Bradshaw — Capital markets, corporate law and mergers and acquisitions
Peter Bradshaw is recognized as one of the best corporate lawyers in South Africa 2025. His work covers capital markets, mergers and acquisitions, and general corporate advisory. He has advised on complex share offerings, corporate restructurings, and high value cross border deals. Peter’s clients include listed companies, private equity firms, and institutional investors who rely on his ability to combine regulatory compliance with deal execution. His approach ensures that transactions are structured effectively, regulatory hurdles are managed, and client interests are protected. His extensive experience in capital markets and corporate governance makes him a leading figure in South Africa’s legal landscape.
3. Lorica Elferink — Corporate law and governance
Lorica Elferink is a highly regarded name in South Africa’s corporate legal sector. Her focus is on corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, and advisory services for boards and senior management. She works with businesses on shareholder agreements, restructurings, and compliance issues that affect corporate decision making. Lorica’s advice is often sought at the highest level where governance requirements meet strategic planning. She ensures directors and executives understand their duties while navigating complex transactions and stakeholder demands. Her strong performance has positioned her among the best lawyers in South Africa 2025 and a trusted resource for businesses in key industries such as finance, energy, and technology.
2. Johannes Gouws — Corporate law and mergers and acquisitions
Johannes Gouws is one of the most established names in South Africa’s corporate and M and A legal sector. His recognition as Lawyer of the Year 2025 for mergers and acquisitions highlights a career built on precision, negotiation skills, and client focused outcomes. Johannes works on complex acquisitions, private equity deals, and ownership restructures involving both local and international companies. His expertise includes conducting due diligence, drafting agreements, and securing regulatory approvals that keep transactions on track. He is widely regarded as a top M and A lawyer in South Africa 2025 due to his consistent success in high value and cross border deals that shape the corporate landscape.
1. Zaeem Soofie — Corporate governance and compliance
Zaeem Soofie leads the list as one of the best lawyers in South Africa 2025, recognized for his outstanding contributions to corporate governance and compliance. His work involves advising boards and executive teams on governance frameworks, compliance programs, and regulatory matters that affect major corporations. Zaeem’s guidance is particularly valued in industries such as banking, energy, and telecommunications where strict governance structures are essential. His recognition as Lawyer of the Year in corporate governance and compliance in 2025 further solidified his standing in the legal community. Known for clarity, thoroughness, and strategic vision, Zaeem continues to set the standard for corporate governance expertise in South Africa.