Hugo Pienaar

Director, Sector Head

Professor Hugo Pienaar is a Director in our Employment Law practice and Head of the Infrastructure, Transport & Logistics sector. He has vast experience in employment law and litigation and dispute resolution matters and represents most of the major corporations in South Africa. Hugo publishes on a regular basis on various employment law topics and has done a number of television and radio interviews.

Hugo Pienaar

About Hugo

About Hugo

Hugo Pienaar acted as a judge in the Labour Court, lectures part time in employment law subject to post-graduates at various tertiary institutions, the Da Vinci Institute, and similarly, for the Law Society of South Africa. He has contributed to textbooks and served on the government task team established to compile labour legislation for the State. Hugo has lead a study group to Malaysia and Australia to research the application of affirmative action.  He has also advised on and helped to develop a labour framework for a major institution in the United Arab Emirates. In addition, Hugo has advised on labour framework for a Japanese based motor manufacturing company and visited the Jakarta, Bangkok and other international plants for such purpose. 

Credentials

Credentials

Education

  • BJuris Cum Laude, LLB, North West University
  • Extraordinary Professor, North West University, Visiting Professor, University of the Free State
  • Admission as an attorney: 1983
  • Enrolled with the Legal Practice Council

Membership

  • The South African Society for Labour Law (SASLAW)
  • A member of the Board of the Road Freight Association

About Hugo

Hugo Pienaar acted as a judge in the Labour Court, lectures part time in employment law subject to post-graduates at various tertiary institutions, the Da Vinci Institute, and similarly, for the Law Society of South Africa. He has contributed to textbooks and served on the government task team established to compile labour legislation for the State. Hugo has lead a study group to Malaysia and Australia to research the application of affirmative action.  He has also advised on and helped to develop a labour framework for a major institution in the United Arab Emirates. In addition, Hugo has advised on labour framework for a Japanese based motor manufacturing company and visited the Jakarta, Bangkok and other international plants for such purpose. 

Credentials

Education

  • BJuris Cum Laude, LLB, North West University
  • Extraordinary Professor, North West University, Visiting Professor, University of the Free State
  • Admission as an attorney: 1983
  • Enrolled with the Legal Practice Council

Membership

  • The South African Society for Labour Law (SASLAW)
  • A member of the Board of the Road Freight Association

News

Recognition

2014-2023

Chambers Global

  • Chambers Global 2014-2023 ranked Hugo in Band 2 in Employment. 

2014-2023

Legal 500 EMEA

  • The Legal 500 EMEA series 2014-2023 recommended Hugo for employment.

2017-2019

ILO Client Choice Awards

  • He was the exclusive South African winner of the ILO Client Choice Awards 2017 and 2019 in the employment and benefits category.

Chambers Global

  • Chambers Global 2014-2023 ranked Hugo in Band 2 in Employment. 

Legal 500 EMEA

  • The Legal 500 EMEA series 2014-2023 recommended Hugo for employment.

ILO Client Choice Awards

  • He was the exclusive South African winner of the ILO Client Choice Awards 2017 and 2019 in the employment and benefits category.