Fairbridges Wertheim Becker traces its lineage to Fairbridges, established in 1812, and Wertheim Becker, founded in 1904, with the two firms merging in 2015 to form Africa's oldest law firm. With offices in Cape Town and Johannesburg, the merged firm delivers a full range of corporate and commercial legal services to local and multinational clients, handling complex transactions, regulatory matters and cross border work. The practice draws on its multi disciplinary capabilities across Estates and Trusts, Intellectual Property, Energy, Dispute Resolution and Private Client to provide integrated solutions for a diverse client base.
The firm has earned a strong reputation for client service and technical excellence, including recognition as Labour and Employment Law Firm of the Year in 2018 by Global Law Experts and top PMR Africa rankings. As the exclusive South African member of TerraLex since 1999, the firm maintains a global network that supports cross border transactions and disputes, reinforcing its status as a reliable partner for clients with international needs. Leadership under Managing Director Adela Petersen highlights strategic vision, professional standards and a commitment to practical legal outcomes.
Fairbridges Wertheim Becker prioritises ethical and empathetic client engagement and a client centric service model. With two major offices and a capable team of practitioners, the firm combines local knowledge with TerraLex connectivity to deliver seamless service across jurisdictions while maintaining a strong emphasis on personal attention, accessibility and timely communication for every matter.
