From our Johannesburg offices, SM Farah attorneys provide expert representation across all major areas of South African law. Whatever your legal matter, we have the experience and determination to handle it.
Civil and commercial disputes are at the core of what we do. We act for individuals, businesses and organisations across the full spectrum of contested matters — contract disputes, damages claims, debt enforcement, property litigation, urgent interdicts and defended actions. Our team appears regularly in the Gauteng High Court (Johannesburg and Pretoria), the Magistrates’ Court, and in arbitration proceedings. We guide you through every procedural step and fight for the outcome you deserve.
Recovering money owed to you requires both legal knowledge and commercial urgency. We assist creditors in pursuing outstanding amounts efficiently — through letters of demand, summons, judgment and execution — while staying fully compliant with South Africa's National Credit Act and debt collection legislation.
South African labour law is governed by the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995, the Basic Conditions of Employment Act 75 of 1997 and the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998. We advise and represent both employers and employees across the full range of employment disputes — unfair dismissals, unfair labour practices, retrenchments, constructive dismissal, disciplinary hearings, CCMA conciliations and arbitrations, and Labour Court proceedings. We also assist with the drafting of employment contracts, workplace policies and settlement agreements. Whether you are an employer managing a difficult process or an employee whose rights have been infringed, we provide clear, strategic advice and effective representation.
Whether you have suffered loss through negligence, breach of contract, unlawful conduct or injury, our team has the technical expertise to pursue your damages claim effectively. We handle quantum assessments, expert evidence and litigation — including claims against the state and organ of state under the Institution of Legal Proceedings Against Certain Organs of State Act.
Bringing a claim against the South African state or a government department requires strict compliance with notice provisions and prescribed timelines. Failure to act within the required period can result in your claim being extinguished. We assist clients in assessing the merits of their claim, issuing the required statutory notices and pursuing the matter through to resolution.
Fraud matters require a combination of criminal law expertise and commercial acumen. Whether you are a victim pursuing civil remedies or facing fraud allegations yourself, we provide strategic advice and robust representation — drawing on our experience in both criminal defence and commercial litigation.
When someone you care about is arrested, or when you are facing detention yourself, securing bail is the immediate priority. Our attorneys are experienced in bail applications across all courts, including urgent applications in the High Court. We act fast, argue persuasively, and understand what magistrates and judges need to hear to grant bail.
The Prevention of Illegal Eviction from and Unlawful Occupation of Land Act (PIE Act) governs all residential evictions in South Africa. Whether you are a landlord seeking to remove a non-paying tenant or a tenant facing unlawful removal, we provide expert guidance through every step of the process — from notices and demands to court applications and enforcement. Shortcuts in eviction proceedings are costly. We make sure it is done correctly, first time.
Family legal matters are among the most personal and high-stakes situations our clients face. We act in divorce proceedings (both uncontested and contested), Rule 43 interim applications for maintenance, contribution to legal costs and contact arrangements, parenting plans and children’s court applications, domestic violence protection orders under the Domestic Violence Act 116 of 1998, and maintenance applications and enforcement. We approach every family law instruction with sensitivity, discretion and resolve — protecting your interests and those of your children at every step.
Sequestration and insolvency carry significant legal disabilities that affect your ability to enter contracts, hold directorships or access credit. Rehabilitation under South African insolvency law restores your legal standing. We guide clients through the rehabilitation application process with empathy and expertise — helping you move forward from a difficult chapter.
When a person lacks the mental capacity to manage their own affairs, curatorship provides a legal framework to protect their interests. Our attorneys navigate these sensitive proceedings with care — advising on the appointment or contestation of curators and ensuring that the rights and dignity of the person concerned are protected throughout.
A poorly drafted contract is one of the most expensive mistakes a business can make. We draft, review and negotiate a wide range of commercial agreements — including shareholder agreements, sale of business agreements, loan agreements, deeds of suretyship, cession agreements, service level agreements, MOUs and general commercial contracts. We ensure your interests are protected, your obligations are clear, and the risk of future disputes is minimised before they start.
Our law firm specializes in a wide range of legal areas, including but not limited to:
Our fees are structured based on the complexity of the case, the expertise required, and the time involved. We offer various billing arrangements, including hourly rates, fixed fees, and contingency fees, depending on the type of legal service. We will provide you with a detailed fee agreement before commencing any work.
The duration of a divorce case can vary depending on whether it is contested or uncontested. An uncontested divorce can be finalized in a few months, while a contested divorce may take longer, depending on the complexity of the issues involved
If you are arrested, it is crucial to remain calm and exercise your right to remain silent until you have legal representation. Contact our office immediately, and we will arrange for an attorney to assist you as soon as possible.
Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution where a neutral third party helps the parties reach a mutually acceptable agreement. Litigation involves taking a dispute to court, where a judge or magistrate will make a binding decision. Mediation is generally faster and less costly than litigation.
Enforcing a court judgment may involve various methods, such as garnishing wages, attaching property, or seizing assets. Our litigation team can assist you in taking the necessary legal steps to enforce a judgment in your favour.
We’ve been at this for years, delivering solid results in tough cases. Clients stick with us because we’re reliable, affordable, and genuinely care about getting results for our clients.
You can schedule a consultation by contacting our office telephonically, by email, or through our online contact form. We will contact you thereafter and set up an appointment at a time that is convenient for you.
We pride ourselves on being available and fast. Most urgent queries get a response within a day, and we’ll turn around documents or advice as quick as possible—often faster than you’d expect.
For your first consultation, please bring any relevant documents related to your case, such as contracts, court papers, identification documents, and any correspondence that may be pertinent. This will help us understand your situation and provide you with the best possible advice.
Absolutely. Our estate planning team can assist you in drafting a will that ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes. We can also provide advice on estate taxes and other related matters.
Yes, we’ve got clients across South Africa. Whether you’re in Joburg, Cape Town, or anywhere else, we can assist, either in person or remotely.
While our primary focus is on South African law, we can assist with cases that have cross-border elements. We also work with a network of international legal partners to provide comprehensive support.
The Consumer Protection Act (CPA) is designed to protect consumers from unfair business practices. It gives you rights regarding the quality of goods and services, fair pricing, and protection against misleading advertising. If you believe your consumer rights have been violated, our attorneys can help you take appropriate action.
A civil case typically involves disputes between individuals or organizations, often related to contracts, property, or personal injury. A criminal case involves the state prosecuting an individual for violating criminal laws. The burden of proof and potential penalties differs significantly between the two