PRETORIA — Four of South Africa’s top law firms are contesting new government equity targets, saying the timeline is unrealistic given the expertise required. But underlying the court action are claims of systemic prejudice, as Black lawyers say slow progress in the industry is pushing them out.
In Pretoria’s High Court, a major case over race and representation in South Africa’s legal sector is unfolding. Four top law firms are suing the government over affirmative action targets.
A new code for the sector is pushing large firms to reach 50 percent Black ownership within five years, including 25 percent Black women.
The plaintiffs — Werksmans, Webber Wentzel, Bowmans, and Deneys (formerly named Norton Rose Fulbright) — say it is “irrational” and unrealistic. They argue that the path to partnership must be merit-based, and that takes years.
But supporters of the code say the profession has changed too slowly since the end of apartheid.
Inga Dyantyi was a lawyer with Deneys. She has a separate labour case against her past employer, saying the firm turned on her after she complained about racism from a director.
“The HR department, along with the firm, instead of addressing that complaint, turned it around towards me and there was retaliation. And so, I felt that I had no choice but to leave.”
Reuters spoke with 13 current and former employees of Deneys, Webber Wentzel, and Bowmans. All described either subtle or explicit discrimination. They said that made it harder for Black people to advance, and caused many to leave out of frustration.
Reuters could not independently verify their accounts. Deneys declined to comment on allegations. Webber Wentzel and Bowmans said they do not tolerate discrimination and have processes for complaints.
In a joint statement, Webber Wentzel said it had raised the share of Black partners from 25 percent in 2019 to 38 percent in 2026. Werksmans said it had increased Black partners from 20 percent to 31 percent in the same period. Bowmans said it had maintained Black ownership between 25 and 29 percent over the last decade.
White South Africans make up about seven percent of the population — and 72 percent of partners at top law firms, according to the sector’s regulator.
Among more than 400 junior advocates who left the bar over the past five years, two-thirds were Black, according to the Johannesburg Society of Advocates, the country’s largest bar.
Chairman Don Mahon says Black members, especially women, face greater challenges due to what he called “entrenched systemic realities.”
“We welcome the intervention of the state, because more is needed in order to fast track the pace of transformation of the profession.”
Source: Reuters
