NRF becomes latest firm to rethink its South Africa strategy

Norton Rose Fulbright will spin off its South Africa business next year, with the Johannesburg office set to operate as an independent firm from 31 March 2026. The firm said it would continue working closely with the new entity, but the decision formally ends more than a decade of fully integrated operations in the country.

The departing practice will be led by  Brent Botha, the current chief executive of NRF South Africa, and will keep its focus on cross-border mandates across Africa, continuing to advise both inbound investors and African clients expanding internationally.

NRF entered South Africa through a merger with Deneys Reitz - then one of South Africa’s biggest firms - in 2011, giving it offices in Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg. Headcount today includes around 120 lawyers.

Big Law pulling back

The shift adds to a noticeable trend across Big Law. A&O Shearman closed its Johannesburg office in 2024 as part of its post-merger restructuring, with African firm Bowmans absorbing most of the team, including eight partners.  

Hogan Lovells made a similar call last year when it shut its Johannesburg base as part of a wider review of its global business.

While each firm cited different reasons, the moves collectively show international firms taking a more selective approach to on-the-ground presence in the region.

South Africa remains a competitive legal market, but the last two years have shown that international firms are rethinking how they serve it.

Domestic firm Webber Wentzel has a long-standing tie-up with Linklaters and remains one of the most influential players in South Africa. Other firms, such as Clyde & Co and DLA Piper, continue to operate through their own offices in the country.

What they said

Peter Scott, co-global managing partner of NRF, said: "This change represents a natural evolution for both firms as the dynamics of international markets and client needs progress worldwide."

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

Brent Botha, chief executive of NRF South Africa, said: "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. We are proud of our heritage within Norton Rose Fulbright and look forward to working with the firm and other global partners, wherever our clients operate."