SNR Denton Adds Energy-Focused South African Firm to Network

SNR Denton has formed an alliance with Cape Town energy law boutique KapdiTwala, marking SNR Denton's second South African tie-up. The extent of the collaboration between "an international law firm and a local black-owned and managed practice" is unique for South Africa's legal profession, according to KapdiTwala.

Alex Newman

Legal Week

2012-09-12 12:00:00 AM

SNR Denton has formed an alliance with Cape Town energy law boutique KapdiTwala, marking the firm's second South African tie-up.

Five SNR Denton energy partners have been assigned to the association with the firm, which has two partners and five further lawyers.

London partners Stephen Shergold, Tom Eldridge and Charles Wood will lead the relationship alongside Washington, D.C., partner Jonathan Cahn and Dubai partner Paul Bugingo.

The latest tie-up comes after legacy Denton Wilde Sapte secured an alliance with Johannesburg-headquartered Glyn Marais in 2009, which at the time was the first South African addition to its network of African firms covering Algeria, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Rwanda, Ghana, Mauritius and Botswana.

"This agreement is historic for a number of reasons," said KapdiTwala's managing partner Noor Kapdi. "It is the first time in the South African legal profession that we will see collaboration to this extent between an international law firm and a local black-owned and managed practice, giving us a firm foothold in the highly competitive corporate legal sector."

Kapdi also said he hoped the association with SNR Denton would "significantly advance the development and independence of young black lawyers and encourage more aspirant black youths to join the legal profession."

SNR Denton global chief executive Elliott Portnoy added: "Partnering with KapdiTwala and their talented cadre of lawyers enables us to meet client expectations for the highest quality legal counsel in an increasingly important market."