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Lukas Rootman - 600 X 600
Partner

Lukas Rootman

Languages
  • English
  • Afrikaans
Social media

Lukas Rootman is a Partner in our Environment and Health & Safety team with particular expertise in regulatory matters covering incidents and advisory work. He has extensive advocacy experience and has represented a variety of clients in relation to regulatory matters.

Lukas regularly assists clients from the start of an incident, advising on internal investigations; engagement with the Police, regulators and coroners; representation during PACE interviews; advising on appeals against enforcement notices; inquests; and representation during prosecutions. 

Lukas is well regarded by the legal directories, which recognises that: "He's very experienced and is really respected in the market." "He has an in-depth knowledge of environmental issues and very good judgement."  They also comment "He always gives the clients 100%." "He is incredibly hard-working and committed to his clients. He is tough and not afraid to tackle the most unattractive of cases." "He's very determined and has a very strong practice.".

Awards & Recognitions
01
  • Quote
    "Lukas Rootman has provided very valuable support for us."
    Chambers, 2025
  • Quote
    "Lukas is fantastic, pragmatic and direct."
    Chambers, 2025
  • Quote
    "Lukas Rootman has a huge breadth of knowledge."
    Chambers, 2025
  • Quote
    "He is our go-to as he understands our business."
    Chambers, 2025
  • Quote
    "He stands out as a singularly committed and exceptional lawyer - if you are in trouble in the environmental sphere there is no better to call upon."
    Legal 500, 2025
  • Quote
    "Clear opinion and able to present a strong evidential case."
    Legal 500, 2025
  • Quote
    "Very clear and direct advice, targeted at helping the client understand the risks and options available to it."
    Legal 500, 2025
  • Quote
    "He is exceptional - he is very hard-working and has a huge client base."
    Chambers, 2025
  • Quote
    "Lukas Rootman is an amazing lawyer who listens to his clients and is also very experienced in his field. You can rely on him for solid, decisive and pragmatic advice."
    Chambers, 2024
  • Quote
    "He is down to earth, talks straight and he is pragmatic. Lukas is results-oriented."
    Chambers, 2024
  • Quote
    "Lukas drives a hard bargain and will always be looking for best value for his clients."
    Chambers, 2024
  • Quote
    "He is a very able lawyer who is astute and appreciates what clients expect. Lukas never forgets which side he's on and this manner commands trust. He is also very able and a hard-working lawyer."
    Chambers, 2024
  • Quote
    "I was very pleased with Lukas's sharp intellect, knowledge of the issues and ability to develop a strong strategic vision and tactics for our matter."
    Chambers, 2024
  • Quote
    "Lukas is a true domain expert, a clear communicator and a great person to work with. We felt very comfortable knowing he was representing us."
    Chambers, 2024
  • Quote
    "He is very commercial and pragmatic, and provides sound and clear advice."
    Chambers, 2023
  • Quote
    "Lukas has a very in-depth knowledge and, with his background in litigious matters, can bring that experience to bear in providing commercial yet compliant advice."
    Chambers, 2023
  • Quote
    "Lukas Rootman, Partner, stands out for his exceptional commitment and incredible work ethic."
    Legal 500, 2023
  • Quote
    "Lukas Rootman never fails to give practical, real world advice. He understands the wants and needs of clients and helps them alleviate the internal pressures they face with a sensible common-sense approach to law."
    Legal 500, 2023

Relevant experience

  • Representing a landfill operator in respect of Environment Agency enforcement action, which included enforcement notices, suspension notice and a closure notice.
  • A client in respect of extended producer responsibilities regarding packaging material. 
  • Clients in respect of enforcement undertakings for environmental breaches. 
  • A company in relation to an Environment Agency prosecution relating to allegations that wastepaper destined for export, which should have been described as household waste due to the level of contamination.
  • A manufacturer in respect of a prosecution brought by a water company in respect of breaches of its effluent discharge consent.
  • A company in respect of statutory nuisance proceedings.
  • A manufacturer in respect of a water pollution incident.
  • A company in respect of alleged breaches of its environmental permit.
  • A client in respect of a HSE investigation following the electrocution of a worker undertaking electrical maintenance work.
  • A chemical company in respect of a HSE prosecution for breaching COMAH regulations. 
  • A company in respect of machinery safety breaches after a worker lost fingers, which were caught in an unguarded machine.
  • A company in respect of a fatal accident involving a refuse collection vehicle, including representation during the inquest. 
  • A company following fall from height of a contractor doing window cleaning. 
  • A construction company following life changing injuries to a site worker who was struck by a piece of cladding that was blown off the building.  
  • A client in respect of issues relating to the stability of a building following the service of a prohibition notice by the HSE.
  • A company in respect of a fire safety prosecution following a fire at a block of flats that lead to fatal injuries to a resident.
  • A client in respect of health and safety issues arising from work related driving. 
  • A client in respect of fire safety issues arising from construction methods and the use of cladding on a building.
  • A data centre client in respect of health and safety, and fire safety issues. 
  • A real estate company in respect of compliance with the Building Safety Act and fire safety legislation.
  • Companies in respect of appeals against enforcement notices served in respect of noise, fire safety and health and safety breaches.

Memberships & Roles

  • Lukas is a member of the Environmental Services Association (ESA).

Education

  • 1999 – B. Proc., University of Johannesburg Johannesburg.