Department profile
Bowmans

Employment

Global Guide 2026 : South Africa


Bowmans

Rankings

About

Provided by Bowmans

The drive by governments in Sub-Saharan Africa to stimulate employment, protect workers’ rights and address historical imbalances has produced a variety of distinct regulatory systems for employment in the region. This is made more complex by a strong culture of collective bargaining, and an overlap between labour and social issues, between strikes and social protest across the region.

We have been at the forefront of employment law in the region for many years.  We offer a breadth and depth of knowledge and experience in the fields of industrial relations, employment, employee benefits and pensions law in Africa that is hard to match.

We keep our clients at the forefront of developments in employment laws, regularly contribute to employment law publications and provide training and present lectures in a variety of forums.

We deliver a wide range of employment law services across both the public and the private sectors in the African countries in which we operate.

Clients (10)

  • AngloGold Ashanti
  • Barloworld
  • Eskom
  • Ericsson
  • Merrill Lynch
  • Old Mutual
  • Pick ‘n Pay
  • SA Breweries
  • Standard Bank of South Africa
  • Sun International

Industries (19)

  • Banking
  • Commercial & Professional Services
  • Construction & Materials
  • Consumer Product Manufacturing
  • Education
  • Energy
  • Financial Services
  • Food & Drink Producers
  • Government
  • Health Care
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Insurance
  • Mining & Metals
  • Pharmaceuticals & Life Sciences
  • Retail
  • Software & Computer Services
  • Transportation
  • Travel & Leisure
  • Utilities

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Employment - South Africa

Band 1

Band 1


What the Team is Known For

Bowmans maintains a highly respected South African employment team, with established teams in Johannesburg and Cape Town and ably supported by the law firm's strong presence across Africa. The firm acts for a range of blue-chip domestic and international corporations in sectors including mining, manufacturing and consumer goods, and demonstrates notable experience representing employees. The firm is additionally active representing governmental bodies, public associations and other public sector organisations. The department also impresses for its work involving workplace investigations, with expertise relating to issues of alleged fraud, whistle-blowing and misconduct, as well as discrimination claims. Recognised for its adept handling of employment issues arising from corporate restructuring, Bowmans possesses a strong employment disputes practice and is also recognised for its experience in industrial relations and collective bargaining.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Bowmans represented the Public Servants Association of South Africa in High Court proceedings against the South African Revenue Service in connection with a collective bargaining issue.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • It is a pleasure to work with the team, which offers timely and considered feedback.

    Employment respondentGlobal
  • Bowmans provides expert knowledge on labour law. The law firm has a great working model and delivers excellent service.

    Employment respondentGlobal
  • The firm's human-centered approach makes it stand out and its service is really excellent.

    Employment respondentGlobal
  • Bowmans has a team of top experts in their field and they have a client-centric approach.

    Employment respondentGlobal

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Senior StatespeopleGraham Damant
    Senior StatespeopleGraham Damant

    Graham Damant

    Graham Damant maintains a stellar reputation in the market for his employment expertise and is especially renowned for his contentious work. His extensive experience covers issues ranging from vaccine requirement policies to discrimination and equal pay.

  • Band 1Chris Todd
    Band 1Chris Todd

    Chris Todd

    Cape Town-based Chris Todd is a highly regarded practitioner with a wealth of labour law experience, often advising on sexual harassment claims and collective bargaining mandates as well as allegations of fraud and corruption.

    • Chris Todd is a very seasoned and experienced practitioner who is extremely articulate.

      Employment respondentGlobal
    • His advice and support remain outstanding and excellent.

      Employment respondentGlobal
  • Band 2Karen Fulton
    Band 2Karen Fulton

    Karen Fulton

    Karen Fulton is sought out by clients for her counsel on employment disputes, including unfair dismissals, theft and corruption allegations, as well as harassment matters. She has further experience handling retrenchments, as well as cross-border matters, with a client roster featuring a number of high-profile international names, including in the healthcare sector.

    • Karen Fulton is an excellent lawyer.

      Employment respondentGlobal
    • She is always willing to jump on a call to provide support.

      Employment respondentGlobal
    • She is a well-established employment lawyer and stands out for her turnaround times and knowledge.

      Employment respondentGlobal
  • Band 3Talita Laubscher
    Band 3Talita Laubscher

    Talita Laubscher

    Talita Laubscher is noted for her broad expertise across employment law, covering workplace investigations and vaccine requirement policies, as well as unfair discrimination cases. She regularly advises NGOs, financial institutions and retailers.

    • She is academically sound and has massive knowledge. She breaks information down into much smaller pieces so it is much more implementable to us and she can really translate academic knowledge.

      Employment respondentGlobal
    • Talita Laubscher's fast turnaround times and excellent knowledge of her field of expertise is commendable. It is always a pleasure to work with her.

      Employment respondentGlobal
  • Band 4Helen Wilsenach
    Band 4Helen Wilsenach

    Helen Wilsenach

    Helen Wilsenach is well versed in contentious and non-contentious employment issues. Her experience includes representing clients in wage disputes involving the enforcement of collective agreements, with further expertise in employment issues pertaining to market exit and transfers.

  • Up and ComingNadine Mather
    Up and ComingNadine Mather

    Nadine Mather

    Nadine Mather is recognised for her experience in employment law including regulatory mandates and collective bargaining disputes.

    • I really rate Nadine Mather for her clear thinking. She is well spoken, very efficient, effective and provides good strategies and great outcomes.

      Employment respondentGlobal
    • Her turnaround times are fantastic and I am always able to get a response quickly.

      Employment respondentGlobal
    • She is very clear and accurate in the legal processes and thinking.

      Employment respondentGlobal

Ranked Individuals at Bowmans (6)

South Africa

Members

Provided by Bowmans

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