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Energy and projects experts Themba Chauke and Emma Roberts join Pinsent Masons partnership
With roots tracing to the eighteenth century, Pinsent Masons is a global firm headquartered in London with nearly 500 partners and 3,500 employees spanning 28 locations in Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa. Among this year’s partner promotions are two talented South African lawyers.
South African energy and infrastructure specialists Themba Chauke and Emma Roberts have now joined the global partnership of international firm Pinsent Masons, effective 1 May 2026, as the firm continues to invest in its South African practice.
Their promotions were announced as part of Pinsent Masons' 2026 global partner round, which saw 23 lawyers elevated across the firm's international network.
"This year's partner promotions reflect the continued growth of our Johannesburg office and our investment in building a market-leading energy and infrastructure practice in South Africa,” said Junaid Banoobhai, partner and Head of Office in Johannesburg. “The promotion of Themba Chauke from senior associate and Emma Roberts from senior consultant highlights the depth of our local talent and our commitment to supporting clients in an increasingly complex market.”
Chauke has been with Pinsent Masons since the launch of its Johannesburg office nine years ago, having started his legal career at Bowmans. He advises local and international clients on contentious and non-contentious matters in the energy and infrastructure sectors, with particular experience in construction and project documentation, infrastructure delivery and dispute resolution.
Roberts joined the firm in 2021 after more than a decade at Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr. Her practice focuses on advising lenders, sponsors and developers on energy and infrastructure projects, including financing, development and regulatory matters across South Africa and the wider African market.
Pinsent Masons said the appointments align with its strategy of supporting clients operating at the forefront of major economic and industrial transformation trends.
“Our promotions recognise the talent shaping the future of our business,” said Andrew Masraf, Senior Partner at Pinsent Masons.
“As we develop a truly global business in both outlook and operations, this year’s promotions show the strength, ambition and diversity of talent we have across the firm. Each new partner brings deep technical excellence, commitment to collaboration, and the ability to help clients navigate their most complex challenges amidst fast changing global markets. I am proud to welcome them to the partnership as we continue to grow an ambitious, inclusive and internationally connected firm.”