Herbert Smith Freehills boosts engineering and construction offering with director appointment in Johannesburg

Leading international law firm Herbert Smith Freehills has hired Spencer Naicker as a director in its Projects, Energy and Infrastructure (PEI) practice based in the Johannesburg office.

Specialising in engineering, procurement and construction law, Spencer joins the firm with multi-jurisdictional experience, both in-house and within private practice. His background includes advising local and international clients, lenders, sponsors, contractors as well as acting on behalf of government entities.

Having advised extensively on matters related to renewable energy technologies, Spencer's appointment will further strengthen the firm's expertise in, and commitment to, the energy transition, a key strategic growth area for Herbert Smith Freehills.

Jean Meijer, the firm's Johannesburg Managing Partner, commented:

"Spencer's arrival at the firm underscores our ongoing commitment to investing in, and strengthening, our team in Johannesburg and to ensuring that we have the right skillset and capabilities to meet our clients' needs in South Africa and the wider African market."

Brigette Baillie, partner and head of PEI Johannesburg, Herbert Smith Freehills, commented:

"We are delighted to welcome Spencer to the firm. His specific experience in engineering, procurement and construction law provides further depth to our PEI practice in Johannesburg and globally. Having worked across multiple jurisdictions, he will also bring additional value to the complex cross-border matters we advise on."

Spencer commented:

"I am looking forward to working with the teams in Johannesburg and across the firm's global network. Herbert Smith Freehills is an established front runner in the projects, energy and infrastructure space in Africa, and I am excited to be involved in the firm's market-leading practice."

Spencer is the latest senior hire following the firm's announcement that Ziyanda Ntshona will be joining as a partner to lead its South Africa Corporate practice and Patrick Hirsch's appointment as PEI partner in August 2024.