Timothy Smit
Tim Smit is a Director in our Dispute Resolution practice and Head for the Consumer Goods, Services & Retail sector. He has practiced exclusively in commercial dispute resolution since his admission as an attorney. Tim specialises in High Court litigation, private mediations and arbitrations (both domestic and international), as well as forensic investigations. Tim has successfully resolved disputes concerning administrative law reviews, complex shareholder agreements, insurance policy response, professional indemnity claims, product liability claims, public liability claims, e-commerce and merchant services agreements and fintech contractual disputes. Tim has also investigated allegations of legislative and regulatory non-compliance, employee performance related complaints, as well as numerous claims of fraud against suppliers, employees, directors and designated officers of companies.
About Timothy
About Timothy
Tim was admitted as an attorney in February 2011. Tim joined Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr Inc as a Senior Associate in 2017 and was promoted to Director in the Dispute Resolution practice in 2019.
Credentials
Credentials
Education
- B Comm, University of Witwatersrand
- LLB, University of the Witwatersrand
- Year admitted as an attorney: 2011
Languages
Languages
- English
About Timothy
Tim was admitted as an attorney in February 2011. Tim joined Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr Inc as a Senior Associate in 2017 and was promoted to Director in the Dispute Resolution practice in 2019.
Credentials
Education
- B Comm, University of Witwatersrand
- LLB, University of the Witwatersrand
- Year admitted as an attorney: 2011
Languages
- English
Experience
Telecommunications provider
Representing a major telecommunications provider and major outsourcing group in prosecuting and opposing administrative review proceedings relating to state tenders.
International retail group
Representing a major international retail group in general commercial issues regarding perfection of securities, retail and real estate disputes.
Insurers, brokerages, underwriters and individuals
Representing insurers, brokerages, underwriters and individuals in professional indemnity claims, D&O claims, construction and engineering claims, product liability claims, subrogated recovery claims, public liability claims and claims of medical malpractice.
Minority shareholder
Representing a minority shareholder of a joint venture in prosecuting derivative action proceedings against a large multinational company.
Fintech company
Representing the shareholders of an eminent fintech company in the favourable settlement of a complex dispute between shareholders relating to the sale of a fintech subsidiary.
Motor vehicle manufacturer
Acting for a major international motor vehicle manufacturer in regard to product liability claims.
Private hospital group
Representing a major private hospital group in defending claims of medical malpractice and in prosecuting construction related disputes.
Fraud investigations
Conducting fraud and under-performance related investigations for major corporations.
Major South African bank
Assisting a director of a major South African bank in respect of a claim brought by the shareholders of the bank against the directors of the bank for shareholder value diminution.
Directors declared delinquent
Pursuing actions against former directors to have those directors declared delinquent.
News
Market recognition
- Chambers Global 2025 ranked Tim Band 3 for corporate investigations.
- The Legal 500 EMEA 2025 recommended Tim for dispute resolution.
- The Legal 500 EMEA 2020 - 2023 recommended Tim as a "Next Generation Partner" in dispute resolution.
- The Legal 500 EMEA 2022 recognised Tim on its Arbitration Private Practice Powerlist - Africa Region
Market recognition
- Chambers Global 2025 ranked Tim Band 3 for corporate investigations.
- The Legal 500 EMEA 2025 recommended Tim for dispute resolution.
- The Legal 500 EMEA 2020 - 2023 recommended Tim as a "Next Generation Partner" in dispute resolution.
- The Legal 500 EMEA 2022 recognised Tim on its Arbitration Private Practice Powerlist - Africa Region
Expertise
Public Law
We have experience across key areas of public law and understand the relevant legal and policy frameworks.
Pensions & Employee Benefits
Our Pensions & Employee Benefits team works with skilled lawyers from across the firm to provide expert advice and solutions.
Corporate & White Collar Investigations
CDH’s Corporate & White Collar Investigations team can help clients navigate local and international corporate risk management requirements.
International Arbitration
We guide our clients through the complexities of international arbitration.
Insurance Law
Our lawyers combine detailed knowledge of the law with a commercial awareness of the industry.