Rising talents Kiasha Nagiah and CJ Grey promoted to Director at NRF South Africa ahead of the local firm's upcoming independence

The promotion of South African senior associates Kiasha Nagiah and CJ Grey to Director, as part of Norton Rose Fulbright’s global round recognising 51 new partners across 22 offices and 12 practice areas, is a significant milestone and reflects the pair’s “outstanding client focus, technical excellence, and commitment to collaboration”, says Brent Botha, the CEO of Norton Rose Fulbright South Africa.

Kiasha is a commercial litigation and dispute resolution lawyer in the firm’s Johannesburg office, while CJ is part of the firm’s Banking and Finance, Projects team based in Cape Town, with extensive experience in infrastructure projects. 

They will each take up their new roles as Director from 1 January 2026. 

“Kiasha consistently brings clear strategic thinking and unwavering advocacy to complex matters, earning the confidence of clients and colleagues alike,” says Botha, who will continue to lead the South African legal practice after it returns to independence from global giant Norton Rose Fulbright from 31 March 2026. 

“CJ is trusted for pragmatic execution on high‑stakes transactions and a solutions‑driven approach that moves energy and infrastructure deals forward.”

These internal promotions continue a series of recent steps bolstering the South African firm ahead of its upcoming independence, including the addition earlier this month of talented employment lawyer Cameron Wilson as a Director in the Durban office, and the announcement in late November that experienced litigator Sandile Khoza would take the baton from Craig Woolley as Durban regional head,

Yesterday’s announcement that CJ and Kiasha were being promoted to Director has been welcomed and celebrated by colleagues and peers in the legal community. 

“Stepping into the role within Litigation & Disputes is deeply meaningful,” says Kiasha, a graduate of the University of the Witwatersrand, with a Master’s degree in Human Rights Law from the University of South Africa, who began her legal career as a candidate attorney with the firm in January 2015. “This moment reflects our clients’ confidence and the dedication of the colleagues who’ve supported and challenged me along the way… I’m excited to continue advocating for our clients, resolving challenges decisively, and contributing to our firm’s growth.”

CJ, a graduate of North-West University who joined the firm as a Senior Associate in April 2023, was recently recognised as a Rising Star in Banking & Finance and Projects by IFLR1000. His experience also includes dispute resolution (domestic and cross-border) in the construction, renewable energy, and commercial sectors.

“Thank you to our clients for the opportunity to work on complex, high‑impact matters, and to my team for their commitment, excellence, and teamwork,” he shared today, while thanking his team for their support and mentorship. “ I look forward to continuing to deliver pragmatic, trusted advice and to helping our clients achieve their goals in South Africa and across the globe.”