Areas of Practice
Commercial Attorneys Cape Town
Practical, business-focused commercial legal services for entrepreneurs and established businesses across the Western Cape.
Running a business in South Africa involves navigating a complex legal environment. At VDH Attorneys we provide practical, commercially minded legal advice to entrepreneurs, SMEs and established businesses — from drafting and reviewing contracts to resolving commercial disputes and advising on employment matters.
What We Handle
- Commercial contracts (drafting and review)
- Company formation and governance
- Shareholders' agreements
- Business sale and acquisition
- Employment and labour disputes
- CCMA representation
- Debt recovery for businesses
- Commercial litigation
- Franchise agreements
- Intellectual property basics
A well-drafted contract is the foundation of any successful business relationship. Our attorneys draft and review a wide range of commercial agreements — from service agreements and supply contracts to shareholders' agreements and employment contracts — ensuring that your interests are protected and that the agreement is enforceable under South African law.
Employment law is one of the most complex and rapidly evolving areas of South African law. The Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995, the Basic Conditions of Employment Act 75 of 1997 and the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998 impose significant obligations on employers. We assist employers to comply with these obligations and to defend unfair dismissal and unfair labour practice claims at the CCMA and the Labour Court.
When commercial disputes arise, our litigation team is ready to act swiftly and decisively. We represent businesses in the Magistrates' Court, the High Court and specialist tribunals, and we are experienced in both negotiated settlements and fully contested commercial trials.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a shareholders' agreement for my company?
While a shareholders' agreement is not legally required, it is strongly recommended for any company with more than one shareholder. It governs the relationship between shareholders, sets out their rights and obligations, and provides mechanisms for resolving disputes and dealing with events such as the death or departure of a shareholder.
What is the CCMA?
The Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) is a dispute resolution body established under the Labour Relations Act. It handles unfair dismissal and unfair labour practice disputes. Most employment disputes must be referred to the CCMA before they can be taken to the Labour Court.
How do I recover a debt from a business that owes me money?
The first step is a formal letter of demand. If the debtor does not pay, we can issue summons in the Magistrates' Court or High Court depending on the amount. If the debtor does not defend the action, we can apply for a default judgment and proceed to execute against their assets.
What should I include in a commercial contract?
A well-drafted commercial contract should clearly identify the parties, describe the goods or services to be provided, set out the price and payment terms, allocate risk and liability, include dispute resolution provisions, and specify the governing law. Our attorneys will ensure that your contracts are comprehensive and enforceable.