Like all natures forms, we are shaped by our environment, adapting and changing in response to its demands. However, there are certain relative constants; and we consider that it is appropriate, at this stage, to understand a bit about our environment in order that we are best placed in a context, and background, that affords you the chance to appreciate the nature of our services, and how we may be able to assist with your particular requirements.
In the first instance, Zimbabwe is not a jurisdiction dominated by multi-jurisdictional mega law firms housing hundreds of lawyers. The country’s largest practices have fewer than twelve partners each, at the time of writing, and not more than twenty lawyers in total. Over ninety percent of the law firms in Zimbabwe are run by sole practitioners or partnerships, in many instances not exceeding more than two lawyers in total.
It is often said that Zimbabwe is too small a country for firms to specialize exclusively on a particular branch of the law such as intellectual property or corporate law. Most practices offer general legal services ranging from commercial law to property to criminal and labour law. However, within many of these practices, there are lawyers possessing considerable expertise or experience in a particular area of law.
In an era driven by information and technology, the veneer of professional obscurity under which many firms operated no longer exists: Clients have become more discerning and insistent on finding the right individual lawyer, not law firm, to handle their particular issues.
And in a country like Zimbabwe, the emerging sentiment is that it is not the size or age of the firm that matters, but whether a particular lawyer within that practice possesses the necessary skill or experience, or in many instances, courage, to successfully execute a particular mandate, notwithstanding its size or complexity or sensitivity.
We believe that it is only those firms which remain flexible and open to change, in a rapidly evolving Zimbabwe, that will survive and continue to be best positioned to meet the ever increasing and sophisticated nature of client needs and demands in a manner and environment they can readily relate to.
Partners
Gerald is the founder of the firm. His background is solidly in the financial services industry. Educated at Bulawayo’s Christian Brothers’ College, Gerald spent four years in the United Kingdom after which he graduated from the University of London with a Law Degree.
Gerald has expertise in Corporate Law and General Deal Structuring. He is responsible for many of the major debt restructurings on the market currently.
He is noted as a leading authority on Agricultural Law in Zimbabwe, and coordinated the SADC Tribunal cases. He led a legal team to Luxembourg to appear in the General Court of the European Union, in relation to the country’s litigation against the EU imposed economic and targeted sanctions.
Much of Gerald’s time is spent on providing Corporate and Commercial Advice to clients both in Zimbabwe and the world over.
Tawanda is a managing partner of the firm. He graduated from the University of Zimbabwe. He concentrates almost exclusively on the firm’s Conveyancing and Property Portfolio. He is also responsible for Titan Law’s Estate & Trusts Portfolios.
LLB(Hons)(Lond. Guildhall), LLM (Lond.Met)
Vengai studied for his law degree in the United Kingdom where he spent a number of years practicing. He is also qualified and admitted as a solicitor in England and Wales.
Vengai spends virtually all his time on mining and investment law providing specific and general advice to some of the country’s largest mining houses and corporates.
Professional Associates
Originally based at Titan Law’s Bulawayo Office, Tendai relocated to the firm’s Harare Office in 2016.
Tendai, who grew up in the United Kingdom, concentrates on the firm’s banking portfolio as well as for growing general commercial practice.
Innocent studied at the University of Cape Town before returning to Zimbabwe to practice law. Innocent is a well rounded practitioner with vast experience and bias towards criminal and labour law matters.
Muchengeti is an old boy of Peter House College in Marondera. He obtained his degree from the University of KwaZulu Natal.
His practice areas cover banking, corporate and general commercial laws.
LLB(Hons)(UKZN), LLM(UKZN)
Valentine holds a Bachelor and Masters from the University of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. He is also admitted to practice law in that country.
At Titan Law, Valentine has a general practice covering trusts, estates, company and commercial law as well rendering general tax advice. He has a special interest on labour law.