Top South African Law Firms Sue Govt Over 50% Black Ownership Rule In Legal Sector

The firms argue that the ownership targets are “irrational” and practically unattainable within the stipulated timeframe, citing the long and merit-based process required to attain equity partnership.

Reuters reports that the firms, Deneys, Webber Wentzel, Werksmans and Bowmans, are challenging a revised Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) legal sector code that mandates 50% Black ownership of large law firms within five years, including 25% Black women.

Webber Wentzel reported an increase in Black partners from 25% in 2019 to 38% in 2026, while Werksmans rose from 20% to 31% in the same period. Bowmans said its Black ownership has hovered between 25% and 29% over the past decade.

One account highlighted a Black mother allegedly denied reduced working hours after childbirth, a request reportedly granted to a white colleague under similar circumstances.

Among the most prominent cases is that of Inga Dyantyi, a former Deneys lawyer, who has filed a racial discrimination suit.