Two of East London’s established law firms merge as new force

Bax Kaplan Russell Inc willing to go the extra mile

ON MARCH 1, 2015 two of East London’s oldest legal entities Bax Kaplan Incorporated and Russell Incorporated merged into a new legal force which is now known as Bax Kaplan Russell Inc.

Both firms have long and proud histories of providing top quality legal services and will continue to make an impact on the practice of law in the metro of East London and its surrounds.

The directors of the new practice are Mike Francis, Steve Clarke, Bridgette Magnus and Bradley Sparg.

Mike Francis is a conveyancer and Notary Public and specialises in all aspects of property law. He has been involved in the establishment of many property developments and sectional title schemes.

Steve Clarke heads up the litigation department and specialises in High Court litigation, matrimonial litigation, arbitration and commercial and construction disputes.

Bridgette Magnus specialises in all aspects of labour law with specific emphasis on government and municipal and public entity matters, specifically those relating to procurement as well as forensic investigations focusing on fraud. She is also involved in civil litigation and all aspects of family law.

Bradley Sparg specialises in commercial litigation and the drafting of commercial contracts as well as aspects relating to company law, inclusive of business rescue, evictions, mergers and acquisitions. He is also a conveyancer and deals in all areas of property law.

The directors are supported by consultants Kingsley Kingon and Jon Bax.

Kingsley specialises in conveyancing and commercial work and Jon is a specialist in all aspects of property law with a special interest in municipal law and local government land issues.

The firm also has two professional assistants in Robyn Adams and Somila Sizani.

Robyn focuses on Magistrates Court litigation, matrimonial litigation and all aspects of the Consumer Protection Act, evictions and rental collections. Somila’s interests lie in insurance matters, commercial boards of inquiry and all aspects of labour law.

“The amalgamation could never have taken place without our loyal clients and suppliers, whom we thank for their continued support and assistance.”

Whether it involves the preparation of Memoranda of Incorporation, drafting of contracts, the resolution of complicated commercial disputes, conveyancing, the registration of mortgage bonds, sectional title schemes or complicated township subdivisions and registrations, the new firm will have the necessary skills to add value to their clients’ businesses.

The firm also has an estates division which is ably headed up by Heather Dewing who is a certified financial planner.

The firm offers a comprehensive package of legal services which is backed up by state-ofthe-art technology, comfortable offices with secure parking and a quiet and relaxed atmosphere and a team of professional staff who are willing to go the extra mile to ensure the best service for their clients.

The firm currently employs approximately 40 employees.

Bax Kaplan Russell Inc specialises in: ● Administration of Estates ● Administrative Law ● Arbitrations ● Conveyancing: The firm is appointed to the conveyancing panels of ABSA Bank, Standard Bank, FNB, Nedbank, BOE Bank and Investec

● Commercial Recoveries and Collections

● Corporate Law including Business Rescue, Mergers, Acquisitions and take-overs ● Labour Law ● Litigation ● Liquidation and sequestrations ● Matrimonial and Family Law ● Property Development ● Sales of Businesses ● Sales of Shares and Members Interests ● Sectional Title Development ● Local Government and Constitutional Law

● Wills, Estate Planning and Trusts