Nandi Basson

As an advocate with over 16 years of experience at the High Court of South Africa, I have developed a comprehensive and multifaceted legal skill set, honed through diverse experiences in Labour, Commercial, Corporate and Civil law. Each area has refined my expertise, enabling me to provide legal solutions while maintaining a steadfast commitment to justice and integrity. My legal journey began with a focus on Labour Law, where I helped resolve workplace disputes and advised both employers and employees on compliance. Over the years, I expanded my practice to include Commercial Law and Corporate Law, which introduced me to the intricacies of contract review and negotiation, as well as legal compliance in business operations. These areas of law have allowed me to refine my skills in contract drafting, corporate governance, and litigation strategy development.

In Civil Law, I have represented clients in contractual disputes and delictual claims, delivering tailored legal solutions rooted in precedent and practicality. I have also worked on Constitutional Law matters, particularly where civil or human rights were at stake, ensuring that my clients’ constitutional protections were rigorously upheld through strategic litigation and principled advocacy. I ensure that each case is handled with careful preparation and legal insight.

Through my work, I have developed a wide range of practical skills essential to everyday legal practice. My ability to offer legal counselling has been crucial in guiding clients through difficult decisions, from urgent court applications to settlement negotiations. I’ve represented clients in courtroom proceedings, CCMA proceedings, bail applications, and criminal defence matters, combining my legal expertise with a compassionate approach to each case.

Key    Skills

Legal Expertise

• Labour Law
• Commercial Law
• Corporate Law
• Civil Law
• Criminal Law
• Legal Compliance
• Contract Review and Negotiation
• Litigation Support
• Arbitration and Mediation
• Urgent Applications

Legal   Practice

• Legal Counselling
• Client Representation
• Courtroom Procedures
• Urgent Court Applications
• Criminal Defence
• Case Management
• Legal Document Drafting and Processing
• Settlement Negotiation
• Corporate Contracts
• Bail Applications
• Constitutional Law Matters

Research and   Analysis

• Legal Research
• Case Law and Outcome Analysis
• Legislation Tracking
• Criminal Case Strategy and Defence
• Problem-Solving
• Creative and Critical Thinking

Technical   Skills

• Microsoft Office Suite
• Document Management
• Non-Profit Operations Policy Knowledge
• Contract Drafting and Review
• Litigation Strategy Development
• Compliance Analysis

Language   Proficiency

• English: Bilingual, proficient as a first language (spoken and written) (C2)
• Afrikaans: Bilingual, proficient as a first language (spoken and written) (C2)
• French: Upper-intermediate proficiency (B2)

• Drafted clear, concise legal documents, including motions, briefs, pleadings, and urgent applications, contributing to successful outcomes in both civil and criminal proceedings.
• Provided expert legal counsel across various areas of law, guiding clients on their rights and options to achieve informed and practical solutions.
• Negotiated favourable settlements through mediation, balancing the need for swift resolution with the protection of client interests.
• Upheld high ethical standards, maintaining integrity and fairness in complex, high-stakes cases.
• Reviewed and drafted contracts and commercial agreements, ensuring compliance with legislation and mitigating legal risks for clients, especially in corporate law.
• Utilised a deep understanding of legal precedents to provide clients with strategic advice on the likely outcomes of their cases.
• Represented clients in both urgent and standard litigation, ensuring timely and favourable results in various court proceedings.
• Represented clients in criminal defence, including urgent bail applications, wrongful charge defences, and constitutional issues in court.
• Collaborated with human resources and management teams to prevent potential legal claims, particularly in labour law, ensuring clients’ legal compliance.
• Conducted comprehensive legal research in labour, criminal, and civil law to strengthen courtroom arguments and provide thorough representation.
• Drafted contracts and commercial agreements for executives, ensuring regulatory compliance and minimising risk for companies.
• Managed urgent court applications, representing clients in matters requiring immediate action, including interdicts, bail applications, and emergency relief.
• Represented clients in complex civil disputes, offering strategic legal solutions in contractual issues and delictual claims.
• Represented clients in both the CCMA and Bargaining Councils, ensuring timely and favourable results.
• Handled high-stakes litigation, particularly constitutional law challenges, ensuring clients’ rights were protected in both civil and criminal court systems.

• Achieved cum laude distinction on LLB thesis on a cutting-edge workplace legal issue: “HIV and AIDS in the Workplace”
• Extensive litigation experience serving as counsel in Labour Court trials, motions, and hearings across South Africa
• Secured wins in complex cases representing C-suite executives and trade unions, including mining, governmental and aviation industry disputes
• Trusted chairperson tapped to preside over multiple enquiries and grievance hearings dealing with dismissals of senior employees
• I have represented clients in contractual disputes and delictual claims, delivering tailored legal solutions rooted in precedent and practicality. I have also worked on Constitutional Law matters, particularly where civil or human rights were at stake, ensuring that my clients’ constitutional protections were rigorously upheld through strategic litigation and principled advocacy. I ensure that each case is handled with careful preparation and legal insight.
• In Criminal Law, I have handled urgent bail applications and criminal defence matters, ensuring that my clients' constitutional rights are protected. Through these varied fields, I’ve developed a broad expertise that allows me to navigate complex legal landscapes and deliver effective results for my clients.
• My ability to offer legal counselling has been crucial in guiding clients through difficult decisions, from urgent court applications to settlement negotiations. I’ve represented clients in courtroom proceedings, CCMA proceedings, bail applications, and criminal defence matters, combining my legal expertise with a compassionate approach to each case.
• Throughout my career, I have taken on roles beyond traditional advocacy. As one of Business Solutions Southern Africa’s speakers, I share my knowledge of Labour Law with senior professionals in the field. Through nationwide seminars and workshops, I have contributed to the development of the Labour Law community, demonstrating my commitment to education and professional development.

• Trusted chairperson for complex dismissals and grievance hearings dealing with C-suite mining executives and government officials
• Extensive litigation experience serving as counsel across provinces in Labour Court trials, motions, and hearings
• Secured wins representing trade unions and employers in grievance arbitration cases between organizations
• Completed my pupillage and successfully passed the Bar exam in 2010, officially qualifying as an Advocate of the High Court of South Africa. This achievement marked the culmination of my practical training and formal qualification as an advocate.
• I am one of the speakers for Business Solutions Southern Africa, delivering labour law seminars nationwide to senior members of the labour law community. These seminars offer insights into emerging trends, legislative changes, and practical applications of labour law, thereby contributing to the professional development of legal professionals nationwide. In addition, I have delivered webinars on the latest developments in South African Labour Law, including the new Schedule 8 of the Labour Relations Act.
• Strong academic foundation in labour law with cum laude LLB thesis analyzing “HIV and AIDS in the Workplace”
• Tutor in Labour Law Department (2004 – 2007): Worked as a tutor from my second year to my fourth year in the Labour Law department at the University of Pretoria, assisting fellow students and contributing to the academic environment.
• Cum Laude Final Year Dissertation: Graduated with distinction for my final year dissertation, demonstrating my ability to conduct thorough legal research and produce high-quality academic work.

• Playing Piano
• Art Nouveau Films
• Art Museums
• Travel