Stay Abreast
Welcome Note by Chairperson
Through our alumni network, we aim to strengthen connections and recognise the achievements and contributions of each individual who has passed through Adams & Adams, to the field of law and beyond. Whether you spent a few years or many building your career at the firm, you remain an important part of our story.
We value your time and understand that your inbox can get quite busy. To ensure you stay informed without adding to your emails, we have decided to host our alumni news online.
Instead of receiving regular newsletters, you can now conveniently access the latest information, updates, and announcements concerning the alumni network and the firm by visiting the Adams & Adams website.
Ultimately, our alumni network reflects one of our core values: the importance of our people. This includes past and present members, and we aim to celebrate that legacy and ensure it continues.
Thank you for being a valued member of the Adams & Adams family. We appreciate your ongoing support and engagement.
Kelly Thompson
Chairperson of Adams & Adams
A New Era for Adams & Adams
In 2024, Adams & Adams launched a refreshed brand identity, reflecting the firm’s evolution, and embodying its commitment to fostering enterprise in Africa.
Rebranding can be a costly and time-consuming exercise, but it offers an opportunity to redefine who we are, what we stand for, and where we are headed as a firm, which is critical for our growth within a dynamic and competitive environment.
While we are internationally recognised for our excellence in IP services, we realised that our future success involves incorporating and expanding on a wider offering of legal services. We wanted to acknowledge that we represent diverse clients, ranging from the world’s largest enterprises to small and medium-sized companies and individuals. We are consistently ranked as a top-tier law firm and our attorneys are recognised as leaders in their fields with many serving on local and international boards and committees. In addition, we aim to inspire our people while continuing to drive innovation and favourable outcomes.
Importantly, our African footprint is central to our positioning and our strategy as a firm. Since our establishment in 1908, we now have offices in four major cities in South Africa and another 23 associate offices in the rest of Africa.
Our rebranding brings all these elements of our identity and goals together. It signifies a modernisation of the firm’s image and our growth as a proudly African firm while showcasing our deep-rooted commitment to our clients’ prosperity, and our own enterprising approach, both now and in the future. This is encapsulated in our updated logo and tagline, ‘Realise African Enterprise’.
Thank you for joining us in this new era of A&A.
Where Are They Now?
Michael Gwala (2003-2016)
Michael Gwala began his career at Adams & Adams in 2003 as a candidate attorney before being promoted to a partner in the Corporate & Commercial Department. In 2016, he left the firm to serve as a law clerk to Justice Edwin Cameron at the Constitutional Court of South Africa and then was admitted as an advocate to the Johannesburg Bar.
Michael also spent time working in the United States, where he was admitted as an attorney and counsellor-at-law in the State of New York. In addition, he attended Harvard Law School in 2019, where he pursued a Master of Laws and held various roles, including serving as editor of the Harvard Kennedy School’s Africa Policy Journal.
Now serving as an advocate in Johannesburg, his practice areas encompass general corporate and commercial law; constitutional and administrative law; public interest litigation; labour law; mining; intellectual property; and competition law.
What are some of the most valuable skills or experiences that you gained during your time at Adams & Adams and how are these helping you in your current position?
I initially gained experience in general litigation as a candidate attorney, but after transitioning to the Commercial Department I focused on contractual and transactional work. As a partner, I specialised in advising clients on commercial matters, which has proved invaluable in my practice area of commercial litigation. My time at Adams & Adams provided essential practical exposure and management experience, including serving as deputy departmental chairperson, which has been instrumental in establishing my career as an advocate.
Is there a particular case or project from your time at Adams & Adams that left an impact on your career?
One notable experience was when the Government Printing Works as a client of the firm required assistance in appointing a manufacturer for the current smart IDs. As their transactional advisor in the tender procurement process, I helped in the selection of a French-based company and travelled to Paris to negotiate the agreement. This was a great experience for me as I was effectively the lead advisor in the transaction, allowing me to work closely with the Government Printing Works. I was even based at their offices for some time.
Are there any current trends or changes in the current legal landscape that you find exciting?
Electronic filing has been a significant development, which has been quickly implemented among law firms. It has been invaluable in my current role, where advancements in AI and technology require effective use of electronic document management and paperless work is now common practice. At Adams and Adams, I first gained exposure to this trend, which is critical to the legal industry today.
You mention AI, what are your views on how legal practitioners use this tool?
Recently, some lawyers have fallen into the trap of relying on AI for advice without properly verifying the information, leading to court cases. In our chambers, we tested AI with current cases to see how it integrates into practice management. While AI can increase efficiencies, it is always crucial to double-check its output. As AI continues to develop, it will have a major impact, both positive and negative, on the legal field. The ability to quickly summarise large documents, for example, is particularly beneficial, though not always 100% accurate.
Lastly, any advice you’d like to share with Adams & Adams employees or recent graduates?
When I was at Adams & Adams, my principle was to give my best to every assignment, ensuring that my work was thorough and well-executed. I didn’t differentiate between tasks, whether they were considered appealing or not, and I believed in dedicating time and effort to complete today’s work today. At a junior level, I believe it is important to focus on producing quality work consistently, rather than trying to impress specific partners. Focus on always giving your best and your work will speak for itself.
Reaching New Heights at A&A
Nnyana Mathopo
We are incredibly proud of Nnyana Mathopo for her recent results in the attorney’s board exams.
Nnyana’s journey with the firm began in 2012 when she completed our Secretarial Training School. She then joined the Africa IP department in 2013 and pursued her LLB, all while balancing her professional commitments. She is the first graduate from our Secretarial Training School to qualify as an attorney – an inspiring achievement!
Learn more about Nnyana’s incredible story:
Climbing the Ladder
Mtho Maphumulo
Congratulations to Mtho Maphumulo who was recently promoted to partner in our Insurance and Financial Sector Laws practice.
Upon completion of his LLB degree at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Mtho began his career at Adams & Adams in 2016, as a candidate attorney. Since then, he has represented and advised internationally renowned insurance companies, insurance underwriters, intermediary firms, corporate institutions, and individual clients in insurance, regulatory and other financial services-related matters. Additionally, he is a frequent speaker and commentator on legal issues on insurance and financial sector laws.
In his new role, Mtho will continue to make a positive contribution to the firm’s growth in Dispute Resolution and build on the milestones achieved in the insurance department.