NSDV creates a contemporary legal and corporate advisory brand to service the mining, construction, environmental, and commercial industries in Africa

Lawyers and corporate advisors are known for a lot of things, but a seize-the-day sort of disposition wrapped up in hot pink branding isn’t usually one of them. Nupen Staude de Vries have rebranded to NSDV, selecting the pink, blue, and grey acronym to represent their modern brand of law and corporate advisory. 

“We are usually more interested in making our clients look good, but we realised that our particular brand of law and mining sector stewardship needed a fresh new look,” said Lili Nupen, Director and Co-founder at NSDV.

Lili Nupen, Cameron Staude, and the late Sonia de Vries launched the boutique firm three years ago. Having worked at top international law firms as well as at some of the “Big 5” in South Africa, the founders have attracted bright, young talent and today, NSDV is a team of 26 people (and growing) who provide second-to-none construction, commercial, mining, and environmental law services to some of the largest players in those industries. 

NSDV has also evolved over the past three years to incorporate a team of strategic business advisors. The team of ex C-suite executives provide risk advisory, corporate finance guidance, economic development strategies, and Black Economic Empowerment services. “We’re not only helping companies raise capital and expand, we’re also helping solve some of South Africa’s most pressing problems.” Comments Mark Gilbert, Head of Advisory at NSDV. 

Since expanding NSDV has been responsible for raising over R6-billion ($400-million) into the South African mining industry. Alongside the mining and construction sectors, the advisory team is currently involved in developing the local cannabis export industry, launching a gold-backed crypto currency, and developing the first 100% black-owned, national stokvel cooperative bank. 

“We wanted to take a less formal and more hands-on approach to our business and branding. Our vision was to actually enjoy the process of partnering with new people and helping their companies grow, and this meant leaving the boys’ club behind, along with its exclusionary language - if you ever hear us say things like lis alibi pendens, just bloody fire us,” adds Nupen.

Alongside the rebrand, the firm has also relooked their workplace policies and offer flexible working times and unlimited leave days for their team. “We hire adults and treat them as such,” says Nupen. 

NSDV’s new brand extends beyond its new logo, creative treatment, and modern employee policies to the firm’s approach to content and knowledge sharing. Easy to understand and often humour-laden tip and insight posts for the construction and financial sectors can already be found on their LinkedIn page and website, with more unique content planned in the months to come.