Big Five (law firms) in South Africa

The Big Five law firms is a term  informally used in South Africa to refer to those law firms 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.  Its affiliation with DLA Piper ended at the end of August 2015.

Note2: On 1 June 2011, Deneys Reitz Inc joined UK based firm Norton Rose.

Note3: Webber Wentzel is an associate of ALN.  On 1 February 2013, the firm entered into a collaborative alliance with global law firm Linklaters.

Rankings

Chambers and Partners Global Rankings
Chambers and Partners Global Rankings of the number of lawyers recognised as leaders in their respective fields.

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

Mergermarket M&A Awards: Legal Advisor of the Year - Sub-Saharan Africa

Other major law firms
Firms with more than 50 attorneys are generally viewed as midsize law firms. 

Note1: Baker & McKenzie opened its office in South Africa with lawyers, staff and partners from Dewey & LeBoeuf’s defunct Johannesburg office following that firm's bankruptcy.

Note2: Routledge Modise was formerly part of Eversheds from 2008 to 2012.

See also
List of law firms in Uganda
Magic Circle (law)
Silver Circle (law)
Big Six law firms

References

 
South Africa
Category:Law firms of Africa