The Big Five law firms is a term informally used in South Africa to refer to those law firms which, collectively, are perceived to be the leading law firms based in South Africa.
The following firms are usually seen as comprising the "Big Five" (listed alphabetically):
Chambers and Partners Global Rankings of the number of departments recognised as leaders in their respective fields in South Africa in 2020. This list is non-exhaustive.
Note<sup>1</sup>: Based on Band 1 rankings.
Law firms included in the Global 100 aren't assigned a specific ranking.
Note<sup>3</sup>: firms listed alphabetically
Firms with more than 50 attorneys are generally viewed as midsize law firms.
Note<sup>1</sup>: On 1 June 2011, Deneys Reitz Inc joined UK based firm Norton Rose. Deneis Reitz, and then Norton Rose Fulbright, was formerly considered to form part of the big five law firms. Due to its decline, Werksmans, which was formerly outside of the big five law firms, took its place.