Law Market Talent in Africa: The GRM Group

The GRM Group

There is no one in the emerging markets that is more knowledgeable or passionate about legal careers than The GRM Group. This podcast amalgamates all of our audio recordings, all our job ads, research and salary news from across Africa. globallegalmarket.substack.com

  1. South African Legal Market Remuneration Report 2026-2027

    09/30/2025

    South African Legal Market Remuneration Report 2026-2027

    It has finally arrived The most detailed analysis of the legal market’s remuneration in South Africa there has ever been. Remember, before you read it, that this is total remuneration, not just salary. And whilst it is not every lawyer, in every firm or team in the country - It is taken from thousands of interviews that the research team at Nabii have conducted, from the offices in Cape Town, over the past 9 months. We cover sole practitioners up to the largest law firms, in house remuneration across 10 industries, and ALSPs and Consulting. Download here, for free, below This is the most accurate field research report you will read. Take your total remuneration and see which band you are in, nationally, by industry and by city. And, looking ahead to the new year and beyond, it will help you to benchmark your total pay against others across other sections of the legal sector. * For now, enjoy this unprecedented report, 143 pages of data brought to you by Nabii Intel, part of The GRM Group - THE leading voice of remuneration and careers in the legal space, in South Africa. * Over 4000 Attorney remuneration packages analysed, 1000s of field research calls conducted, backed up by 12 years of historical remuneration data. * The report shows the changes the legal sector is facing are dizzying * The legal market is undergoing a fundamental paradigm shift toward a gig economy model. * Traditional billable hour structures and lockstep promotions are rapidly becoming obsolete as clients demand strategic, cost-effective legal services. * The report predicts that remuneration will become largely merit-based, with lockstep compensation dying off. And those that stand still, will find their work increasingly commoditised. Which will push prices and therefore earnings, downward Johannesburg and Cape Town maintain 10-20% salary premiums over national averages, particularly in high-demand practice areas. Other cities consistently show remuneration 20-25% below national averages, while Durban and Pretoria fall somewhere between these extremes. High-demand, high-revenue practice areas commanding premium compensation include Mergers & Acquisitions, Banking and Finance, Corporate Commercial, Litigation and Fintech. Lower-tier practice areas such as Family Law and Estates, Wills and Trusts consistently underperform the market financially. The in-house sector shows robust growth with General Counsel positions in banking, Fintech, and Mining commanding 10-15% premiums above national benchmarks in major cities. Our report issues a stark warning: lawyers who cannot deploy AI Agents by mid-2026 will likely be left behind. Legal technology adoption is no longer optional but essential for survival. Solo practitioners must leverage AI to compete with larger firms. Several transformative trends threaten traditional firm structures: * Alternative Legal Service Providers are gaining significant market share * Fractional in-house work is accelerating through platforms like Umbiie.com * Global gig platforms are enabling South African lawyers to charge in foreign currencies * Legal process outsourcing may consolidate but will evolve toward MSP-type arrangements * The report suggests that firms investing in skills, technology, and specialist expertise can command premium compensation, while generalist and fragmented segments face slower growth. The data indicates you should consider: * Immediately investing in AI and legal technology capabilities * Restructure performance compensation away from pure billable hours toward value-based metrics * Consider hybrid workforce models combining permanent staff with fractional experts * Evaluate our practice area mix for alignment with high-demand sectors The report warns of a “pay bubble” deflating for partners and senior lawyers, with most firms lacking the cash reserves to sustain outsized compensation as demand for traditional legal services wanes. There are many challenges facing the legal sector, wherever you sit in it, but there are also huge opportunities - take it all in and reach out to us. Rob on rob@thegrmgroup.com The GRM Group: The Business of Legal Talent. is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit globallegalmarket.substack.com/subscribe

    5 min
  2. A humongous, high profile, talent retention failure - absolutely catastrophic

    08/30/2025

    A humongous, high profile, talent retention failure - absolutely catastrophic

    What can law firm leaders and senior legal recruiters learn from the Dallas Cowboys' shocking trade of generational NFL talent Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers? This video breaks down the entire saga: contract disputes, ego clashes, failed negotiations, and the devastating impact of losing elite talent. Discover practical lessons in communication, negotiation strategy, and talent retention tailored for legal professionals and executive search experts. Learn why bypassing professional representation sabotages trust, how ego-driven decisions cost organizations their most valuable people, and get actionable strategies for retaining rainmakers and high-performing partners. Featuring insights on proactive talent management, transparent career paths, and building a culture that top lawyers want to join, this is essential viewing for anyone involved in law firm recruitment or leadership. 🔔 Subscribe for more legal industry insights, leadership strategies, and executive recruitment tips! #LegalRecruitment #LawFirmLeadership #TalentRetention #Negotiation #ExecutiveSearch #NFLLessons #MicahParsons #Cowboys #Packers #LeadershipLessons #CareerDevelopment #LawFirmManagement #Rainmaker #PartnerRetention #LegalIndustry #BusinessStrategy This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit globallegalmarket.substack.com/subscribe

    8 min
  3. Please help us to celebrate

    08/19/2025

    Please help us to celebrate

    The GRM Group, South Africa’s benchmark for legal recruitment, executive search, events and strategic people consultancy, is proud to announce the appointment of three outstanding professionals to Director and Equity Shareholders. Kayresha Naidoo, Suzzanne Smith and Andiswa Njakazi have been promoted to run the company alongside Rob. The GRM Group has once again set itself apart, championing merit, longevity, and impact above anything else. With more than 20 years’ legacy of pioneering talent solutions across 70 cities and living on four continents, CEO Rob Green credits these promotions to years of daily dedication, exceptional performance, rigorous professional development, and an unwavering standard of excellence. “To the legal community in South Africa: every single one of you will feel the excellence and relentless work ethic that are our foundations. I am overjoyed to announce that we have appointed Kay Naidoo, Sue Smith and Andi Njakazi to Director/Shareholders within the Group following three years of exceptional contributions, rigorous training, and absolute dedication to the success of the lawyers we work with” “These are the qualities we champion above all else. Our reputation for outstanding legal recruitment, event management and strategic consultancy has been built by putting merit and talent first. Our team's diversity is a proud reflection of this ethos, not an outcome of obligation or optics - we didn’t need to change, but we are much stronger together.” Green stated. Green went on to fire a warning “To our competitors, both locally and internationally: Be afraid. These partners are built in the same mould as me - tough upbringing, nothing handed to them - this team doesn’t just chase success; we hunt it down, driven by hunger that comfort cannot buy, and we will never stop being better, every day, for the legal market we serve.” One of the most significant advantages for GRM’s South African clients is the seamless ability to engage the firm, whether to secure exceptional legal talent or to host high-profile events. With GRM now holding Level 2 BBBEE status, and on track to achieve Level 1 within the next year, there are no barriers to collaboration. This achievement goes far beyond compliance; it reflects the firm’s commitment to cultivating the next generation of leadership in South Africa, with precision, integrity, and purpose. These leaders have earned their place, are equipped to drive GRM’s reputation to new heights, and will strengthen its global impact for decades to come. Under Rob Green’s vision, the best has just become unstoppable. Kay Naidoo stated “What makes this accomplishment special is knowing it was earned through dedication, perseverance, and the mentorship I’ve received at GRM. For three years, I’ve been given the opportunity to contribute meaningfully and take on challenges that stretched my abilities. I hope my journey inspires others to know that when you put in the work, your efforts will be recognised, for your skills, your leadership, and your results.” Andi Njakazi was quoted as saying “This is the proudest moment of my career so far. Every step of the way, I am challenged to grow, learn, and perform at the highest level, not just to meet expectations, but to exceed them. This promotion is proof that hard work, consistency, and belief in yourself will always open doors. I am excited to lead with integrity and passion, and to keep delivering results that make a difference for our clients.” And finally, Sue Smith added “This promotion is more than a milestone for me, it’s a responsibility I carry with immense pride. At GRM, we set the bar high, and every event, initiative, and interaction is an opportunity to reflect our values of excellence, creativity, and client-first service. Over the years, I’ve been trusted to innovate and deliver experiences that not only connect people but also create lasting impact. I look forward to building on that foundation, driving our strategy to new heights, and contributing to GRM’s legacy of shaping the legal sector with passion and purpose." To get in touch email one of us: rob@thegrmgroup.com kay@thegrmgroup.com sue@thegrmgroup.com andi@thegrmgroup.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit globallegalmarket.substack.com/subscribe

    2 min

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There is no one in the emerging markets that is more knowledgeable or passionate about legal careers than The GRM Group. This podcast amalgamates all of our audio recordings, all our job ads, research and salary news from across Africa. globallegalmarket.substack.com