South Africa’s Webber Wentzel has entered a collaborative alliance with global law firm Linklaters, offering clients cross-border legal services.

The alliance would launch on February 1, Webber Wentzel senior partner David Lancaster said.

The South African firm’s clients would gain access to Linklaters’ lawyers located in Africa’s key trading partners in the Asia Pacific, Europe, the America’s and the Middle East, as well as specialist Africa-focused resources in Linklaters’ London, Paris and Lisbon offices.

“With the demand for cross-border legal services continuing to grow, Webber Wentzel and Linklaters will be working together for the benefit of clients across Africa,” Lancaster said.

He added that Africa’s fast-growing economy was attracting record investment and subsequently international law firms. “There is huge potential for African growth - and, therefore, legal work - in a large and complex market. We have worked closely with lawyers from Linklaters on many occasions and have always been impressed with their knowledge, experience and unwavering client focus.

“The firms have similar values with complementary practice areas, many shared clients and strength of brand in our respective markets. We have been working with Linklaters for 20 years, often advising the same clients. It makes sense to enter into a more formal arrangement.”

Linklaters firm-wide managing partner Simon Davies noted that the collaborative alliance would further enable the group to build lasting relationships with clients in Africa and those outside it looking to enter the market.