Upcoming independence of Norton Rose Fulbright SA a ‘natural progression’ for longstanding firm

The transition of the current Norton Rose Fulbright South Africa back to an independent law firm represents a natural progression and evolution for both the global and South Africa practices as they navigate increasingly complex global markets and changing client needs, say senior leaders Brent Botha and Peter Scott. 

This morning, Norton Rose Fulbright and its South African leadership team announced that its South African business, with offices in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban, will become an independent law firm on March 31, 2026, after what the firm describes as “a carefully structured transition”. Botha, the current CEO of Norton Rose Fulbright South Africa, will lead the independent South African firm. 

“This is a meaningful step for our firm and for everyone who’s been part of its journey,” says Botha, who began his career in 2005 as a candidate attorney at Deneys Reitz, then one of South Africa’s ‘Big Five’ firms, which would go on to merge with Norton Rose in June 2011. “It represents growth, confidence, and the chance to shape our future in ways that reflect who we are and what we stand for.”

Over his 20 years at the South African firm, Botha says he’s seen it grow through change and opportunity, an experience that’s demonstrated a simple truth: success is based on the people who show up every day committed to doing their best work.

Speaking to Africa Legal following this morning’s announcement, 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.”

The South African firm is financially robust, says Botha, with a healthy client base and a depth and range of work that keeps them moving forward. Most importantly, he tells Africa Legal, it has an inspiring team of passionate professionals ready to contribute to Africa’s future. “As we make the transition back to independence we remain fully committed to safeguarding our legacy and ensuring a transition that serves the best long-term interests of our firm, its clients, and its people.” 

Today’s news makes Norton Rose Fulbright the third large global law firm to announce its exit from South Africa in the past fifteen months, following on from fellow top-20 global law firm Hogan Lovells, and top five firm A&O Shearman. 

Conversely, global firms including Dentons, DLA Piper, Baker McKenzie, and Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer have continued to invest in South Africa and the wider region. 

“This change represents a natural evolution for both firms as the dynamics of international markets and client needs progress worldwide,” said Scott, Co-Global Managing Partner of Norton Rose Fulbright, as the news was announced today. 

“We thank our South African colleagues for their contributions to our shared success and will support them through this transition,” he continued. “We look forward to continuing to collaborate where our clients’ interests align.”

Tracing its roots back to the early 1920s, the South African firm has a century of legacy and strong track record of advising clients across key markets. Before merging with Norton Rose in 2011, Deneys Reitz Inc was a highly regarded, leading South African law firm providing specialist services across a spectrum of legal disciplines. It won African Law Firm of the Year at the Chambers Global Awards. 

“We look forward to building on our 100-year legacy in South Africa and across Africa, and to investing, innovating, and evolving in line with the needs of our clients and people,” says Botha. “We value the strong professional relationships established with our Norton Rose Fulbright colleagues and will continue to collaborate where it serves our clients’ best interests. To our colleagues, clients, and partners, I say this: thank you. The future of our great firm is bright because of you.”