9 Family & Divorce Law Firm of the Year 2025 - South Africa innovative technology has boosted turnaround time while protecting confidentiality and professional standards for the firm. Regulatory and legislative developments materially affected SD Law’s case load. In family law, Muslim marriages are now recognised under the Divorce Act. In response, the practice updated its procedures accordingly and has handled a number of matters under the new regime. Likewise, property and evictions work has been influenced by the Expropriation Act, 2024 and the firm prepared investor briefings and municipal liaison protocols to address “nil compensation” scenarios. Proposed amendments to the PIE Act have kept unlawful occupation in the news and SD Law’s eviction practice keeps landlords and municipal clients updated on potential procedural impacts. Simon also anticipates the Cannabis for Private Purposes Act and the AARTO national rollout, therefore he has published briefings and added traffic-offence advisory to the existing compliance suite. “Looking ahead 12–24 months, we’re investing in secure AI workflows, expanding fixed-fee compliance products for POPIA and AARTO needs, and deepening our specialist teams in family and property law to reflect new statutes and bills as they take effect,” he states. “The goal is faster, clearer outcomes for clients, anchored in rigorous law and real-world execution.” At SD Law, the team is trained team to be client-focused, empathetic, and emotionally intelligent. Simon believes in making logical and emotional connections with all clients, showing genuine care, and serving those in need. In the recruitment process, he places as much importance on soft skills as he does on academic qualifications and legal proficiency. “Because of our philosophy of helping each other learn and grow, we don’t operate a “dog eat dog” environment, and we don’t hire candidates who are looking for that type of firm,” he adds. “We are passionate about upskilling people with initiative and the motivation to forge ahead in the field of law. We aim to optimise their work experience and maximise their potential for future success.” For its diligence and responsive approach, SD Law recently gained notable recognition in the MEA Business Awards 2025 and stood out above other entrants to attain the title of Family & Divorce Law Firm of the Year 2025 - South Africa. This award is something which Simon is extremely proud of and the rest of 2025 is about finishing strong and building replicable systems for 2026. For the organisation, this involves completing its firm-wide “Client Care Charter” roll-out, which comprises same-day responses on new matters, clear engagement letters, transparent fixed-fee menus where appropriate, and a secure digital onboarding flow. Operationally, SD Law has embedded court e-filing and AI-assisted drafting with strict privacy protection, so clients enjoy swifter service with confidentiality intact. Simon is also keen on strengthening the existing family law expertise (including complex matrimonial property, parenting plans and cross-border cases), as well as bolstering the property/evictions team with holistic strategies for landlords, bodies corporate and municipalities. He will continue to produce short, “explainer” videos on the SD Law channels and partner on targeted pro bono cases, especially in matters concerning tenant rights and domestic violence. Finally, there will be packaging of practical toolkits: privacy, workplace and fleet policies for traffic law changes, and cannabis policy guidance for employers and parents. Internal investment will see further training and a mentorship track for candidate attorneys. “Looking to 2026 and beyond, we plan to deepen our areas of specialisation and broaden our reach,” Simon finalises. “We’ll strengthen Johannesburg and Durban footprints, formalise fixed-fee compliance subscriptions for SMEs and NPOs, and grow a cross-border family law desk for Africa–EU/UK matters. We will continue to deliver outcomes that are fast and fair and delivered by a team known for its rigour, discretion and care.” Contact: Simon Dippenaar Company: Simon Dippenaar & Associates Inc (SD Law) Web Address: www.sdlaw.co.za
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