Small by design, bold by nature – we customise our legal teams to create the right blend of expertise, efficiency and cultural fit.
Tailor-made team
We tailor-make our legal teams to match deal specifics.
To do this, we use a collaboration model. We work with like-minded law firms, legal consultancies and lawyers from within our network, who have the specialist expertise and level of experience needed to support our clients and their projects.
This means we have the freedom to select the right people for each deal, in consultation with the client team.
We only work with people who have first-hand experience of the challenges of drafting, negotiating and finalising high-value, time-sensitive transactions. On a human level, they must be the right fit for the client team and share our mindset.
Using this collaboration model gives us the flexibility to offer cost-effective, custom-built legal teams with the right blend of skills and experience for each deal. Unlike other panel based legal services providers, we do not cover a wide range of legal expertise; we only operate in the sectors, legal fields and jurisdictions we know really well – construction, infrastructure and energy in emerging markets. We believe this sets us apart.
Benefits
We offer clients greater flexibility and value for money through our collaboration model when compared to building in-house legal teams, or using traditional law firms. Here’s why:
- Handpicked legal teams
- Focus on sector strengths
- Cross-border reach
- Remote & in person support
- Value for money
Our mindset
Our people share the same goals; to cut through complexity and promote an objective led approach to contract negotiation – helping all parties involved in a deal to reach agreement collaboratively.
Human first, lawyer second
Speak like a human. Say what you mean. Don’t be shy to ask the tough questions. Deals get done quicker that way.
When in doubt, simplify
The days of 10 page memos and long-winded explanations are gone. Make it brief. Get to the point. If it’s complex, break it down. Clarity matters, every time.
No blind spots
Lawyers shouldn’t work behind closed doors. Get to know the other experts in the deal team. Make them feel comfortable to share their views. Collaborating with other experts – technical, financial, insurance, ESG – will lead to better, quicker outcomes.
Know the market, inside out
You can’t hide from what’s happening in the market, especially in fast moving sectors like energy. Stay in the loop. Build strong networks in the industry.
Gear up for negotiations
Negotiation does not come naturally to lawyers. Many fear it. The client helms the boat, while the lawyer holds firmly to the mast whispering “let me know if you need another pair of hands!” Let’s change that. Negotiation should be a team game. Plan it carefully; brainstorm issues, deal constraints and goals. Set negotiation parameters. Know what Plan B and C look like. Don’t get caught out by lack of prep.
About our founder
Stephanie is an English law qualified lawyer with 25 years’ experience advising clients on the structuring, negotiation and delivery of construction, engineering and technology projects across a broad range of sectors.
Born and educated in Glasgow, Scotland, Stephanie spent the first 15 years of her career practising as a solicitor in London. She was a partner in the London office of Nabarro LLP (now part of CMS Cameron McKenna) and head of the firm’s Africa desk, before moving to South Africa in 2015. Since then, she has gained significant experience in construction, infrastructure and energy projects in the African region.
Recognized in both the Chambers & Partners and Legal 500 rankings, and achieving a place in the coveted Legal 500 “Hall of Fame” in 2024, Stephanie holds an LLB (Hons), RICS Dip Adj (Africa), and is a RICS Accredited Mediator.
Outside of the business world, Stephanie is a swimmer, guitar player and ocean sailor!