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Deneys: honouring a century of legacy while focusing on the future as leading South African law firm enters its next chapter of growth
In November, Norton Rose Fulbright and its South African leadership team announced the local business would return to being an independent firm on March 31, 2026. This afternoon the name of that firm - one with deep heritage - has been revealed
Today's announcement that leading law firm Norton Rose Fulbright South Africa will go by the trading name Deneys from 31 March respects the firm's century-plus heritage while equipping it for a modern legal landscape, says Brent Botha.
“By anchoring our new chapter in a century of trust, we are creating a platform that allows us to invest, innovate, and evolve in direct response to our clients' priorities,” adds Botha, the CEO of Norton Rose Fulbright South Africa, who will lead Deneys following the transition to independence. “This is a natural evolution of our legacy.”
As reported by Africa Legal last November, from 31 March - nearly 15 years after one of South Africa’s ‘Big Five’ firms, Deneys Reitz, merged with global firm Norton Rose - the South African business will return to independence, following a structured transition that concludes its membership of the Norton Rose Fulbright Verein.
Speaking to Africa Legal when the news first broke, Botha noted that for more than a century the South African law firm had adapted through political shifts, market cycles, and technological disruption - not to mention COVID.
“The ability to navigate strategic change is in our DNA,” he told Africa Legal. “This next exciting chapter is no different … At a personal level, I am excited about what lies ahead - independence means freedom to make decisions faster, build partnerships on our own terms, and invest directly in what matters to us.”
Since then, the South African business has bolstered its ranks and prepared for its exciting new chapter with several key moves. On 1 January, experienced dispute resolution lawyer Sandile Khoza became Regional Head for Durban, recognising his leadership capability, strategic mindset, and strong connection to the local market.
In December, talented employment lawyer Cameron Wilson joined the firm’s Durban office as a Director in the Employment and Labour team. Last month, it was also announced that rising stars Kiasha Nagiah and CJ Grey were both promoted to Director, as part of Norton Rose Fulbright’s global round of partner announcements, effective 1 January. Nagiah is a dispute resolution lawyer in the Johannesburg office, while Grey is part of the firm’s Banking and Finance, Projects team in Cape Town.
Building on the momentum of its transition to a fully independent firm, Norton Rose Fulbright South Africa’s leadership this afternoon confirmed Deneys as its new trading name, effective 31 March 2026. Deneys is a name with deep heritage and longstanding respect in the South African legal profession.
This choice represents the renewal of the firm's founding purpose, where its heritage provides an anchor for a firm built entirely for the future. The firm confirmed the full brand identity and market launch will be introduced after 31 March.