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Leading international law firm Herbert Smith Freehills has appointed Jean Meijer as the firm's Managing Partner for its Johannesburg office, effective from 1 May 2022. Jean succeeds finance partner Ed Baring, who has completed his two terms in the role and has returned to focus full-time on his practice.

Jean is a competition partner with over 20 years' experience, recognised as one of the "top 100 women in antitrust" and a leading competition lawyer by multiple legal guides and directories. Jean is lauded as "one of the pre-eminent competition lawyers in South Africa" and "outstanding – clever, strategic and has a lot of experience to use to her benefit".

Jean maintains her focus on her client relationships and fee-earning, alongside her new management responsibilities.

Alison Brown, Executive Partner, commented:

"I would like to thank Ed for his great leadership and dedication to the business in the past few years, during which our Johannesburg office has achieved impressive growth and market standing.

"Jean will be an excellent leader for our next phase of growth in the region – I look forward to working with her to lead our team to further success."

Key contacts

Jean Meijer photo

Jean Meijer

Managing Partner, Johannesburg

Jean Meijer

Media contact

For further information on this article please contact

Lydia Lam

Head of Communications, UK, US & EMEA

London