An Introduction
 Established in the early 1900s, Werksmans is a leading South African corporate law firm focused on understanding business to achieve the best legal outcomes for clients.
Operating in Gauteng and the Western Cape, and connected to an extensive African network, the firm is built on the combined experience of Werksmans and Jan S. de Villiers, which merged on 1 January 2009. With a formidable reputation in corporate and commercial legal services and litigation and dispute resolution, the firm is distinguished by the people, clients and work that it attracts and retains.
Transformation
 Our firm is committed to transformation, empowerment and diversity in South Africa. At least 70 percent of the candidate attorneys we recruit every year are from previously disadvantaged groups. Most recently we were one of the first major law firms to become a member of the Black Lawyers Association further confirming our commitment to transformation in the legal sector.
Our firm will continue to transform to reflect the demographics of the South African population and align with the requirements of the Legal Sector Black Economic Empowerment Charter.
The firm is currently rated as a Level Five BBBEE Contributor.
 |
Our Heritage
|
We have a coveted reputation as one of the oldest, most prestigious and professional law firms in Africa. Many of our lawyers are recognised as leaders and experts in their fields by their peers both locally and abroad.
 |
What We Offer Our Candidate Attorneys |
Werksmans looks for exceptional people - performers with the drive and potential to lead our firm into the future. We strive to provide an environment where these people can build a rewarding career.
The benefits of working for us:
A steep learning curve
Candidate attorneys start their tenure with us in our Litigation department where the focus is on professional development. They work alongside a highly competent team with a wealth of knowledge and experience to impart. The second year of articles is spent in the Commercial department where candidate attorneys are exposed to some of the country’s most complex deals. We also have a candidate attorney training programme. Training sessions include workshops, discussion groups, lectures and case study presentations – as well as Practical Legal Training (PLT) approved by the Law Society of South Africa.
A chance to be fast-tracked
Our performance-focused culture makes it possible to advance swiftly through the firm. As you succeed in your role, you'll be rewarded with increased responsibility and opportunity. It's realistic to progress to director status within six years of joining us as a candidate attorney!
Unrivalled career opportunities
We count many of South Africa's leading multinationals, listed companies, financial institutions and entrepreneurial concerns as clients. Our candidate attorneys work alongside some of the legal industry's brightest minds on high-profile transactions and matters. There can be no better training ground to advance your career and to make certain you stand out from the crowd.
The ability to be part of a winning team
Werksmans has a strong culture of teamwork and collaboration. We believe it's important to work AND play hard!
An excellent working environment
We were recognised by the Corporate Research Foundation as one of the 10 Best Employers in 2008/9 - the only firm in the legal sector to receive this recognition – and were placed seventh in the medium sized employee category in 2009/10. The firm also received the Gold Award in the law industry in the 2008 Magnet Student Survey.
An opportunity to a meaningful difference
We support a variety of social responsibility programmes in Gauteng and the Western Cape including Habitat for Humanity through which we have helped build homes for needy families in both Kathlehong and Ivory Park. It feels good to make a difference!
Financial independence and rewards for loyalty
We have a competitive remuneration and rewards structure and our people enjoy a diversity of life-style related benefits. Every student accepted for articles with us receives a bursary of up to R 30,000 to complete his or her studies. They also receive an allowance of R 1,500 per month from February until November of that year.
For more information visit our website.
To view current vacancies in the firm please visit the job board.
Click here for A Day in the life...of Werksmans EMPLOYEES!
Read advice here from a Werksmans director for aspiring attorneys.
|
