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Dispute resolution

Comprehensive Dispute Resolution, litigation, mediation and arbitration advisory services with a strategic, global edge.

The transformed, female led CMS Dispute Resolution team offers the full range of integrated dispute resolution support, sector and commercial experience and a world-class service to respond quickly to you - a true 360° approach, from long-term planning and deployment of case strategy to emergency response, injunctions and applications and expedited procedures.

Whatever your risks, you need to deal with them in ways that build your resilience and protect your reputation. We will be there around the clock and around the world, whenever and wherever you need us.

At CMS, we are future facing. In this complex and fast paced commercial environment, you do not want to litigate. You want to avoid disputes and when they do arise, have the right team to resolve them.

We work with our clients to navigate the most high value complex matters and embrace a range of technologies, project management expertise and resources to deliver value for them. Where your dispute cannot be resolved in any other way, we will deploy our expertise and resources to fight in your corner to the end.

Members of our team are specialised in financial services, private equity, mining, construction and engineering, development finance, telecommunications, media and technology to name a few.
 

What we offer

Our Dispute Resolution services include:

  • arbitration, mediation, and alternative dispute resolution
  • asset recovery
  • banking and finance disputes
  • business rescue, financial restructuring, and insolvency
  • class actions
  • constitutional and administrative law reviews 
  • construction and engineering
  • cross-border disputes 
  • insurance
  • international arbitration
  • judicial review
  • mining
  • product liability, including automotive, pharmaceuticals and medical device
  • professional negligence
  • public and administrative law
  • reputation management
  • securities litigation and enforcement
  • shareholder disputes and activism
  • tax litigation 
Awards & Recognitions
01
  • Quote
    CMS is my go-to firm for arbitration and litigation cases as it is prompt in answering, very solution-oriented, sharp and provides to-the-point advice. Moreover it is procedurally savvy and highly efficient. I like that it doesn’t waste our time with dozens of pages of theoretical evaluations
    Chambers & Partners
  • Quote
    CMS is known for a well-respected practice… Predominantly focuses on banking and commercial litigation, contract disputes and corporate investigations. Also recommended for international arbitration
    Chambers & Partners
  • Quote
    They are feisty and ready to take action. They followed up with and updated me regularly on where we were. An approachable and accessible team.
    Legal 500 | Dispute Resolution, South Africa, 2023
  • Quote
    They are professional and very to the point.
    Legal 500 | Dispute Resolution, South Africa, 2023
  • Quote
    They are highly skilled, attentive and responsive.
    Legal 500 | Dispute Resolution, South Africa, 2023
  • Quote
    The practicality of this team was quite impressive.
    Legal 500, South Africa, Dispute Resolution, 2024
  • Quote
    Siphokazi’s respectful, strong and considered leadership of her team was a breath of fresh air.
    Legal 500, South Africa, Dispute Resolution, 2024
  • Quote
    Siphokazi brings in the right resources and ensures the deadlines are met. She is very practical when approaching issues.
    Chambers & Partners, South Africa, 2025
  • Quote
    They go over and above to ensure that the client's interests are protected.
    Legal 500, South Africa, 2025
  • Quote
    It is an absolute pleasure to work with Siphokazi Kayana and the rest of the team. They are a group of capable, skilled and highly intelligent lawyers. Siphokazi is always available to provide legal guidance.
    Chambers & Partners, South Africa, 2025
  • Quote
    Siphokazi Kayana has incredible talent, is quick on her feet and strategic in her thinking.
    Chambers & Partners, 2026
  • Quote
    Siphokazi Kayana is a true professional. She has sophisticated clients and understands each particular client's needs. She always has the client's needs at the top of her priority.
    Chambers & Partners, 2026
  • Quote
    Siphokazi Kayana handles a broad range of disputes on behalf of clients, such as contractual issues, procurement and data protection-related disputes. Her clients are mainly in the TMT space.
    Chambers & Partners, 2026
  • Quote
    Flexible, diverse and determined to serve. Agile and understanding clarity for execution I noticed alignment within the team.
    Legal 500, South Africa, 2026
  • Quote
    Customer centric focused for successful outcome, being authentic and realistic, determined for fair and honest results.
    Legal 500, South Africa, 2026

Dispute resolution Insights

CMS Expert Guide to International Arbitration

27 Mar 2026 3 min read

Redefining inclusion: How SA workplaces can lead in LGBTQIA+ rights

20 Nov 2025 6 min read

Global uncertainty and South Africa’s role in international dispute resolution

25 Sep 2025 4 min read

Transition then transformation: AI in construction disputes

07 Jul 2025 2 min read

High Court jurisdiction to determine tax disputes

02 May 2025 11 min read

High Court jurisdiction to determine tax disputes

02 May 2025 11 min read

Law & Technology: the future of commissioning in South Africa

27 Feb 2025 10 min read

Landmark Judgment on the Voting Rights of Post Commencement Creditors in Business Rescue

21 Feb 2025 16 min read

Events

  • South Africa
    08 Apr 2026

    CMS at Fordham IP & Policy Conference

  • South Africa
    16 Apr 2026

    Green claims in focus

  • South Africa
    21 Apr 2026

    On the Pulse webinar series 2026 - Spring/Summer

  • South Africa
    28 Apr 2026

    IP Insights webinar series 2026

  • South Africa
    02 May 2026

    CMS at INTA 2026

  • South Africa
    05 May 2026

    Joint seminar with CMS and Tannenbaum Helpern - A global perspective on securing, maintaining, and enforcing...

  • South Africa
    28 May 2026

    CMS International Crypto Forum 2026

Local market knowledge. Global outlook

We provide future-facing legal advice to help your organisation thrive. Combining local market knowledge and a global perspective, and with lawyers in locations worldwide, your organisation benefits from the expertise it needs, even across borders.

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