Leading African law firm, Adams & Adams has announced the election of its new leadership team under a refreshed management structure championed by outgoing chairperson Kelly Thompson.
Dispute resolution partner Jac Marais assumes the role of chairperson from 1 March 2026 for a four-year term. Under his leadership of the commercial, property and litigation business unit, Africa’s pre-eminent intellectual property law firm has diversified and expanded its service offerings in litigation, real estate, corporate and commercial, administrative and regulatory, competition, constitutional and insurance law. Having served on the management committee for the past six years, Marais brings both continuity and a drive for innovation.
"It is a privilege to lead Adams & Adams, a trusted name in the African commercial landscape for 118 years. I thank Kelly for her exemplary leadership and our partners for their steadfast support. With exceptional talent across the firm and an enthusiasm for embracing innovation, we are well positioned to deliver on our core value of service excellence. I look forward to this next chapter," says Marais.
Thompson will continue practising in the firm’s trade mark litigation department and will serve as head of the newly formed Partnership Council, an advisory body to the management committee. Other partners elected to the Partnership Council are Joseph Goedhals, Grégor Wolter, and Janice Galvad.
The incoming management committee remains largely unchanged, with partners Danie Dohmen, Nishan Singh, Steven Yeates, Godfrey Budeli, Vishen Pillay, and COO Stuart Boyd continuing in their roles. Dispute resolution partner Thando Manentsa will join the management committee as Marais’ successor as business unit head.
