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INSIGHTS

SA firms take their place on ‘Best’ list

• Skill, ethics and excellence are core tenets of success, writes Penny Haw

Established 40 years ago to highlight the accomplishments of those in the legal profession, the Best Lawyers list is

Knowles Husain Lindsay (KHL) Inc, Gavin Shär who, along with other colleagues, is listed as a Best Lawyer in the litigation category for 2022. The firm is also included on the 2022 Best Lawyers list in the real estate and insurance law categories. But, says Shär, there is more to distinguishing a firm than skill, ethics and excellence.

KHL also enjoys a culture of respect and camaraderie among our professional and nonprofessional staff, which has fostered a relaxed, safe and enjoyable working environment he says. This translates into how we engage with our clients and colleagues.

I believe our corporate culture is recognised, respected and

appreciated by our clients and colleagues alike. I regard our corporate culture as a crucial ingredient in providing clients with a competitive advantage.

For Cape Town firm Smiedt & Associates, which once again features on the corporate law and real estate law categories of the Best Lawyer list, professional excellence implies accessibility, loyalty and being solutions-based, says partner and Best Lawyer in the real estate category Michelle Kucera.

“Accessibility means our clients are always comfortable with our professionalism and service. We are extremely loyal to our clients and go out of our way to assist them even in areas outside of law and, most importantly, we are solutionsbased, she says.

Listed as a Best Lawyer the regulatory practice and the competition/antitrust law categories along with three colleagues, Anthony Norton of Nortons Inc says inclusion on the list reflects the calibre of the lawyers at the firm across the board. We offer our clients a multidisciplinary service and we are also proud of our in-house economic capability, which we think sets us apart” he says. Norton adds that the

BEST LAWYERS OF SA

Listing a poignant reminder of effect of Covid-19 on staff, clients

measure of a firm is not only the work it performs for commercial clients, but also the pro bono work it performs for nongovernmental organisations.

“We have reflected on some of the most noteworthy pro bono matters we have conducted. These include representing Freedom Under Law in the application filed by the Electoral Commission in the Constitutional Court, seeking a postponement of the local government elections and in the continuing proceedings before the Constitutional Court in relation to the social grants tender, he explains. Another way of assessing the competency of a firm and its lawyers is to benchmark against the best. Shär offers his insights I have always regarded the legal skills and ethics of my senior partners as the benchmark against which I must measure myself as an attorney, he says. To now be recognised as a Best Lawyer alongside them is an unexpected, but significant, milestone in my career and something that I am grateful of and proud to have achieved. To see the full list, log on to https://www businesslive.co.za/ bd/national/2021-11-11lawyers-of-the-year-2022/

Being included on the Best Lawyers list is meaningful every year. However, for some firms, including Smiedt & Associates, being listed for 2022 is even more noteworthy.

Smiedt & Associates founder and senior partner Alan Smiedt died from Covid-19 at the end of 2020. The firm’s good showing on the 2022 Best Lawyers list three of its lawyers feature as Best Lawyers in the corporate law and real estate law categories confirms its continued excellence.

We aim to live up to Alan s good name and the legacy he left us, says Smiedt & Associates’ Michelle Kucera. “Covid-19 has affected many businesses, including those of our clients. We have tried to accommodate them where we can with payment plans and other assistance. We know that by assisting clients during tough times we will have clients for life. The approach has paid off and Smiedt & Associates has grown over the past year. We are extremely grateful to our clients who have stuck through

Specialist in African IP law celebrates 101st anniversary

24 lawyers from Spoor & Fisher are included on the list in categories including corporate law, IP and litigation

for combining our technical expertise with legal knowledge and high levels of responsiveness, together with a practical approach, we understand the intricacies and anomalies involved in registering and enforcing IP in every African country, says Cilliers, adding that the firm provides the same services across the Caribbean, a region with a developing IP landscape.

“In year 101, there are more than 300 people who make up this incredible firm, but we realise we are reaping the benefits of the efforts put in by many people during the past 100 years. It is a legacy we are proud of, and as custodians of the Spoor & Fisher brand we are determined to continue to evolve while remaining true to our core values. We are also grateful to our loyal clients for allowing us to continue on our exciting journey. Here s to the next 99 years, he says.