Department profile
Baker McKenzie

Employment

Global Guide 2026 : South Africa


Baker McKenzie

Rankings

About

Provided by Baker McKenzie

We are award-winning, best-in-class employment law problem solvers who combine our multijurisdictional expert knowledge of employment law and employee relations with strong commercial acumen and dogmatic pragmatism to provide proven solutions that support our clients' overall business objectives. We are part of the Firm's Band 1 ranked Global Employment and Compensation practice, which has more than 700 locally qualified employment lawyers in 46 countries - more than any other global law firm.

We apply innovative, best-practice solutions across multiple jurisdictions, using our global footprint. These solutions are uncompromised in quality and provide our clients with a practical and globally standardized approach to legal advice, integrating differences in legal systems, languages and cultures.

We partner with our clients to manage their primary asset, their employees, by operating as an extension of our clients’ legal and HR teams. We understand their ultimate business goals and the sectors in which they operate, while protecting their reputation and guiding them through the myriad of modern-day challenges that global businesses face.

We also provide a range of local litigation and advisory services to support the implementation of global policies, expansions into African markets and international restructurings.

Our One Team solution for cross-border transactions results in faster and more cost-effective processes for our clients from inception to implementation.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Employment - South Africa

Band 4

Band 4


What the Team is Known For

Baker McKenzie is well recognised for its expertise in employment law mandates. The law firm has considerable experience in employment issues around M&A, as well as business reorganisations, regulations and health and safety obligations. It is adept at dealing with employment law compliance matters in several jurisdictions. The department assists multinationals from a variety of industries, including pharmaceuticals, food and technology.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Baker McKenzie advised Infinite Partners on the employment aspects of its investment in a group of technology and telecommunications companies.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The law firm provides commercial thinking based on its industry knowledge and expertise.

    Employment respondentGlobal
  • Baker McKenzie's expertise is valuable in navigating complex employment regulations and ensuring compliance with local laws.

    Employment respondentGlobal
  • The firm has a complete knowledge of the landscape.

    Employment respondentGlobal
  • Baker McKenzie provides solution-focused advice, taking the time to understand what our business wants to achieve and providing easy-to-understand advice on how to do this.

    Employment respondentGlobal
  • The firm stands out for its deep expertise in South African labour law, its global reach and its ability to provide commercially pragmatic advice.

    Employment respondentGlobal

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 2Johan Botes
    Band 2Johan Botes

    Johan Botes

    Johan Botes provides an impressive array of labour law services, ranging from restructuring and regulatory advice to workplace investigations and disputes.

    • Johan is an absolute gem of an attorney. He is a capable, articulate and out-of-the-box thinker.

      Employment respondentGlobal
    • Johan Botes is a fantastic lawyer.

      Employment respondentGlobal
    • Johan Botes provides brilliant support. He is very knowledgeable and provides easy-to-understand advice and options. He is a pleasure to work with.

      Employment respondentGlobal
    • He gives clear sound advise, is engaging and knowledgeable.

      Employment respondentGlobal
    • He has a sharp mind and has a lot of experience so when I have a challenge he can immediately discuss with me.

      Employment respondentGlobal

Ranked Individuals at Baker McKenzie (1)

South Africa

Members

Provided by Baker McKenzie

Baker McKenzie has rankings in the following guides

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