The Big Five law firms is a term informally used in

South Africa South Africa, officially the Republic of South Africa (RSA), is the southernmost country in Africa. It is bounded to the south by of coastline that stretch along the South Atlantic and Indian Oceans; to the north by the neighbouring countri ...

to refer to those

law firms A law firm is a business entity formed by one or more lawyers to engage in the practice of law. The primary service rendered by a law firm is to advise consumer, clients (individuals or corporations) about their legal rights and Obligation, respon ...

which, collectively, are perceived to be the leading law firms based in South Africa. The following firms are usually seen as comprising the "Big Five" (listed alphabetically): Note¹: Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr was formerly allied with

DLA Piper DLA Piper is a multinational law firm with offices in over 40 countries throughout the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. In 2021, it had a total revenue of US$3.47 billion, an average profit per equity partner of ...

. Its affiliation with DLA Piper ended at the end of August 2015. Note²: On 1 February 2013, the firm entered into a collaborative alliance with global law firm

Linklaters Linklaters LLP is a multinational law firm, headquartered in London, England. Founded in 1838, it is a member of the "Magic Circle" of elite London-headquartered law firms. It currently employs over 5,000 lawyers across 31 offices in 21 count ...

. Note³:

Deneys Reitz Inc Deneys Reitz was a large South African law firm based in Sandton, Johannesburg with offices in Cape Town and Durban. It was one of the "Big Five law firms (South Africa), Big Five" law firms in South Africa. On 1 June 2011 Deneys Reitz Inc joined ...

, and then Norton Rose Fulbright, was formerly considered to form part of the big five law firms. Due to its decline, Werksmans, which was not part of the big five law firms, took its place.

Rankings

Chambers and Partners Global rankings

Chambers and Partners Chambers and Partners (often noted elsewhere as Chambers & Partners) produces international rankings for the legal industry, which is headquartered in London, United Kingdom. Orbach and Chambers Orbach and Chambers Publishing Limited was founded ...

Global Rankings of the number of departments recognised as leaders in their respective fields in South Africa in 2020. This list is non-exhaustive. Note¹: Based on Band 1 rankings.

Who's Who Legal Global 100

Law firms included in the Global 100 aren't assigned a specific ranking. Note³: firms listed alphabetically

Who's Who Legal South African Law firm of the year

Midsized law firms

Firms with more than 50 attorneys are generally viewed as midsize law firms. Note¹: On 1 June 2011,

joined UK based firm Norton Rose. Ogilvy Renault and Deneys Reitz to join Norton Rose Group Retrieved 31 December 2010 Deneis Reitz, and then Norton Rose Fulbright, was formerly considered to form part of the big five law firms. Due to its decline, Werksmans, which was formerly outside of the big five law firms, took its place.

References

{{Law firms of South Africa