BY: TANA MALINGA
Leading African law firm Adams & Adams has proudly announced the election of its new leadership team under a refreshed management structure championed by outgoing chairperson Kelly Thompson.
Dispute resolution partner Jac Marais will assume the role of chairperson from 1 March 2026 for a four-year term. During his tenure as head of the commercial, property and litigation business unit, the firm has strengthened and diversified its service offering across litigation, real estate, corporate and commercial, administrative and regulatory, competition, constitutional and insurance law. Having served on the management committee for the past six years, Marais brings valued continuity, strategic insight and a forward-looking approach to innovation.
“It is a privilege to lead Adams & Adams, a trusted name in the African commercial landscape for 118 years. I thank Kelly for her exemplary leadership and our partners for their steadfast support. With exceptional talent across the firm and an enthusiasm for embracing innovation, we are well positioned to deliver on our core value of service excellence. I look forward to this next chapter,” says Marais.
Thompson will continue practising in the firm’s trade mark litigation department and will serve as head of the newly established Partnership Council, an advisory body to the management committee. She will be joined on the council by respected partners Joseph Goedhals, Grégor Wolter and Janice Galvad.
The incoming management committee remains largely unchanged, ensuring stability and sustained momentum. Partners Danie Dohmen, Nishan Singh, Steven Yeates, Godfrey Budeli, Vishen Pillay, together with COO Stuart Boyd, will continue in their roles. Dispute resolution partner Thando Manentsa joins the management committee as Marais’ successor as business unit head.
This leadership transition reflects Adams & Adams’ commitment to continuity, collaboration and innovation, reinforcing its position as a trusted legal partner across Africa while confidently embracing the future.
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