Our Services
Our services are diverse yet specialised and are offered at the High Court, Magistrates Court, Supreme Court of Appeal, Labour Court, Labour Appeal Court, and other tribunals. We provide services to numerous clients within various industries, specialising in different trades, both individual and commercial.
Commercial Law
Our law firm boasts extensive expertise and experience in commercial law, serving a diverse range of clients with precision and proficiency. With a deep understanding of the intricate dynamics of commercial transactions, contracts, and regulatory frameworks, we offer tailored solutions to businesses of all sizes and sectors. Our team of seasoned attorneys is adept at navigating complex legal issues, including mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, contract negotiations, intellectual property matters, and dispute resolution. Whether representing multinational corporations or local enterprises, our commitment remains unwavering: to provide strategic guidance and steadfast advocacy that empowers our clients to thrive in the ever-evolving landscape of commercial law
Services offered by the Firm in the commercial law field include, but are not limited to, the following:
– General commercial litigation
– Debt collection
– Contractual claims
– Drafting, vetting, and settling of – commercial agreements
– Drafting, vetting, and settling of property related agreements
– Liquidations, compulsory sequestrations
– Business rescue proceedings
– Voluntary sequestrations and rehabilitations
– Various other applications in terms of company law
– Evictions
– Banking related matters
– Insurance related matters (Long-term and Short-term)
– Urgent applications and interdicts in general
– Delictual claims such as personal injury claims and medical negligence claims
– Applications in terms of administrative action
Labour Law
As labour law continues to evolve with increased legislative involvement, navigating its complexities has become more challenging. Our mission is to assist clients in staying up-to-date with these changes, minimizing the potential financial and relational repercussions of non-compliance. Leveraging our Labor Law team’s extensive commercial knowledge, coupled with a commitment to comprehensively understanding each client’s requirements, we provide practical advice and effective solutions. By aligning our strategies with the provisions of the Labour Relations Act, we enable clients to pursue their business goals while ensuring compliance and mitigating risks effectively.
Services offered by the Firm in the labour law field include, but are not limited to, the following:
– CCMA representation
– Bargaining council litigation
– Drafting of employment related contracts
– Facilitating retrenchment processes
– Training and general advice in employment law
– Conducting disciplinary inquiries
– Chairing and initiating inquiries
– Conducting and investigating complaints
– Negotiations with employee representatives, including unions
– Conducting Labour compliance audit
Criminal Law
We pride ourselves on our unparalleled ability to serve clients in the intricate landscape of criminal law. We offer dedicated and strategic representation for individuals facing criminal charges. From minor infractions to serious offences, we provide solutions tailored to the unique circumstances of each of our clients’ cases. Our commitment to excellence, combined with our deep-rooted understanding of South African criminal law, ensures that our clients receive the highest standard of legal advocacy and support.
Services offered by the Firm in the criminal law field include, but are not limited to,
the following:
– 24-Hour Police Bail Applications
– Formal Bail Applications
– Plea and Sentence Agreements
– Formal Representations
– Criminal Litigation
– Appeal and Reviews to High Court, Supreme Court of Appeal and Constitutional Court – Expungement of Criminal Record Applications
Family & Matrimonial law
Vilakazi Smith Incorporated recognises that family law encompasses more than just marriage and divorce; it extends to civil unions, domestic partnerships, and issues regarding the primary residency and contact arrangements for minor children.
Services offered by the Firm in the family law field include, but are not limited to, the following:
– Divorce proceedings
– Maintenance Court proceedings
– Children’s Court proceedings
– Domestic Violence/Harassment Court proceedings
– Antenuptial Contracts
– Parental Agreements
– Adoption proceedings
– Guardianship Applications
Banking, Finance
& Securities
Our versatile team of lawyers is renowned for their excellence and extensive experience, handling complex local and international transactions for a diverse clientele, including leading financial institutions, corporate banks, regulatory bodies, individuals and governments. We provide comprehensive advisory services on regulatory matters, maintaining strong relationships with key authorities such as the South African Reserve Bank Prudential Authority and the Financial Sector Conduct Authority. We regularly advise clients on South African regulatory compliance across various sectors, including banking, fund management, credit provision, pension funds, and emerging fintech firms.
Services offered by the Firm in the financial law field include, but are not limited to, the following:
– Registration and cancellation of bonds
– Foreclosure proceedings
– Business rescue assistance
– Insolvency related matters
Wills, Estates & Trusts
An individual’s estate encompasses all assets and debts they possess at a specific moment. Estates are relevant not only in the event of a person’s death but also when they become incapable of managing their own affairs. Expanding our assistance beyond estate management, we provide comprehensive services including consultation, guidance, and the drafting of legal documents concerning the formation
of trusts. Trusts can serve various purposes such as functioning as a business entity or ensuring the protection of your minor children’s interests in the event of unforeseen circumstances.
Services offered by Vilakazi Smith Incorporated in the Wills, Estates & Trusts sectors include, but are not limited to, the following:
– Administration of deceased estates
– Drafting and reviewing Wills and Testaments
– Drafting, Registration and Administration of Trusts
– Curators and trustee representation
– Curatorship applications and administration
– Drafting and Registration of notarial documents
Insurance law
Insurance Law pertains to claims made against insured individuals and entities, primarily concerning liability for harm or damage inflicted on others. This encompasses incidents such as property loss or damage, as well as personal injury or death. We serve both insurance companies and individual clients, handling a spectrum of legal matters in Magistrates’, Regional, and High Courts. Our Insurance Law department manages cases involving fires, slip and falls, assaults, motor vehicle collisions, and related incidents. Additionally, we provide support for professional indemnity claims, addressing issues such as lapsed claims, inadequate settlements, and overcharging by Professionals.
Services offered by the Firm in the finacial law field include, but are not limited to, the following:
– Referral of claims to FAIS Ombudsman
– Appealing outcome of claims
– Short- long tern insurance review and/or negotiation
– Recoveries
– Legal opinions
– Litigation
Insolvency law & Business Rescue
As a firm specialising in insolvency law and business rescue, we offer expertise in navigating the complex landscape of financial distress for businesses. Our services encompass the legal frameworks necessary for companies facing insolvency, providing solutions such as restructuring and rehabilitation under business rescue. Through our guidance and support, we strive to safeguard the interests of all stakeholders involved, preserving value and facilitating the continued operation of distressed businesses.
Services offered by the Firm in the insolvency law field include, but are not limited to, the following:
– Debt restructuring
– Liquidation and Sequestration Applications
– Business rescue facilitation
– Creditor representation
– Asset protection planning
– Litigation
Conveyancing
& Real Estate
Conveyancing in refers to the legal process of transferring ownership of immovable property from one party to another. This intricate procedure involves various steps, including conducting title searches, drafting and reviewing contracts, facilitating property inspections, and registering the transfer of ownership with the relevant authorities. Experienced conveyancers play a crucial role in ensuring that property transactions adhere to legal requirements and safeguard the interests of both buyers and sellers. From residential homes to commercial real estate, conveyancing serves as a vital component of the property transfer process, providing clarity and security to all parties involved
Services offered by the Firm in the Conveyancing law field include, but are not limited to, the following:
– Transfer of properties
– Registration of Mortgage bonds
– Subdivision and Consolidation of properties
– Cancellation of Mortgage Bonds
– Extension of Sectional title units