“The Africa Top 50 was launched in 2020 through an analysis of firm-supplied headcount data for their fee-earning lawyers across the 2019 calendar year. This effort, a partnership between Africa Legal and Law.Com International, was deployed in order to deliver a single source of reliable data on the true size of the cream of Africa’s legal sector,” said Thomas Pearson, Africa Legal’s Chief Commercial Officer.
“Since 2020, more data and insights have been sourced from our law firm partners. This report sets out the insights, trends and predictions we can glean from over four years’ worth of data on headcount, market perception, gender diversity and – new for 2023 – trainee intake and retention.”
The report shows that the headcount of legal professionals in the Top 50 African law firms remained largely dominated by the powerhouse region of South Africa, with firms like ENS and Bowmans consistently occupying leading positions. Simultaneously, there was a noticeable growth in headcount within international law firms operating in Africa, signifying the continent's increasing attractiveness as a hub for global legal operations. While South Africa demonstrated dominance in sheer numbers, Nigeria's representation among the Top 10 firms underscores its significant role in the continent's legal framework.
A discernible trend throughout this period was the approach towards promotions and lateral hiring. While the promotion of lawyers to partnership roles indicated an organic growth strategy, the rise in survey respondents reporting a prioritisation of lateral hiring highlighted the industry's inclination towards capitalising on experienced external talent.
There has been a very clear positive trajectory in gender diversity over the last four years, and by 2022, female representation in partnerships within the Top 50 firms had increased to 36.38%.
A noteworthy addition to the 2023 report is the “Development Score” focusing on trainee intake and retention. Judging by the data, there’s a clear emphasis on encouraging the comprehensive growth of budding legal minds.
The report shows that the years between 2020 and 2023 marked a period of significant flux in headcount trends within Africa's legal realm. From regional dominances to gender inclusivity and the focus on emerging talent, these dynamics provide a window into the African legal industry’s future trajectory.
To read the full report click here.
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