About Us | Rupert Candy Attorneys Inc.

OUR STORY

Building a Reputation for Excellence

Rupert Candy Attorneys Inc. is a boutique litigation and dispute resolution practice headquartered in Sandton, Johannesburg, with a presence in Cape Town. Established in 2017, the firm has built a reputation for principled, strategic and high-level legal representation across commercial, constitutional, media and public interest litigation.

The firm represents clients in both the private and public sectors and has appeared in the High Courts, the Supreme Court of Appeal, the Constitutional Court, arbitration forums, and specialist tribunals across South Africa.

Founded by Rupert Candy, an admitted attorney with rights of appearance in the High Court of South Africa, the firm draws on a strong foundation in corporate law, having been established following extensive experience at Webber Wentzel, one of South Africa's leading corporate law firms, in alliance with Linklaters.

MISSION & VISION

Our Mission

To deliver practical, efficient legal solutions grounded in constitutional values, commercial insight, and uncompromising ethical standards.

Our Vision

To be recognised as a leading boutique litigation firm in South Africa, known for excellence in dispute resolution, constitutional advocacy, and complex commercial litigation.

THE FOUNDER

Rupert Candy

Director

LLB (UKZN), Certificate in Medical Law (UP), Certificate in Sports Law (UP)

The firm was founded by Rupert Candy, an admitted attorney with rights of appearance in the High Court of South Africa. Prior to establishing the firm, Mr Candy served as a senior attorney in the dispute resolution and insurance litigation practice of Webber Wentzel, one of South Africa's leading corporate law firms (in alliance with Linklaters).

He has extensive experience acting for major insurers and underwriters, banking institutions (including 3 of the 'Big 4'), telecommunications companies, and corporate entities in high-value commercial disputes.

Mr Candy is a regular media commentator and legal analyst, appearing on eNCA, Newsroom Afrika, SABC, and contributing to publications including Daily Maverick and News24. He has been recognised by the Global Freedom of Expression Institute at Columbia University for his contributions to freedom of expression jurisprudence.

Awards & Recognition

African Legal Award Winner 2019 Finalist 2019–2025 Ahmed Kathrada Anti-Racism Award 2025 Nelson Mandela Foundation Legacy Partner

PRACTICE AREAS

Core Areas of Expertise

Commercial Litigation & Dispute Resolution

Rupert Candy Attorneys Inc. specialises in complex commercial litigation and high-stakes dispute resolution. The firm advises and represents corporate entities, insurers, financial institutions and private clients in contractual disputes, corporate governance conflicts, shareholder matters, and large-scale commercial claims. With extensive High Court experience, the firm develops strategic litigation plans designed to secure commercially sound and enforceable outcomes while minimising unnecessary procedural delays.

Constitutional & Public Interest Law

The firm maintains a dedicated constitutional law practice focused on the enforcement of rights contained in the Bill of Rights. It has acted in landmark matters involving equality, hate speech, dignity, and freedom of expression. Through both commercial and pro bono work, the firm contributes to the development of South African constitutional jurisprudence while advancing accountability and transformative justice.

Media, Privacy & Defamation Law

Rupert Candy Attorneys provides specialist representation in media law, defamation, privacy disputes, and cyber-related litigation. The firm regularly appears in matters involving reputational harm, unlawful publications, and digital platform accountability. It has acted in urgent proceedings requiring immediate judicial intervention, particularly where constitutional rights and reputational interests intersect.

Insurance Law

The firm has substantial expertise in insurance and professional indemnity litigation, acting for insurers and insured parties in repudiation disputes, non-disclosure matters, public liability claims, business interruption claims, and medical negligence defence. Drawing on extensive experience in insurance law principles and policy interpretation, the firm provides strategic defence and advisory services in technically complex and high-value matters.

Labour & Employment Law

The firm represents employees and employers in complex labour disputes, including unfair dismissal claims, whistleblower protection matters, disciplinary proceedings, and arbitration before the CCMA. Particular emphasis is placed on matters involving occupational detriment and protected disclosures, ensuring that statutory protections are effectively enforced within both private and public sector environments.

Sports Law

Rupert Candy Attorneys provides advisory and litigation services within the sports sector, representing athletes, unions, clubs and governing bodies. The firm handles disciplinary proceedings, governance disputes, and regulatory compliance issues, combining legal expertise with an understanding of the unique commercial and reputational dynamics within professional sport.

LANDMARK MATTERS

Selected Landmark Matters

Qwelane v South African Human Rights Commission

The firm acted in this landmark Constitutional Court matter, which redefined the boundaries of hate speech under Section 10 of the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act. The judgment has had a lasting impact on the interpretation of freedom of expression and its limits in South African law.

Defence of Press Freedom & Media Independence

Rupert Candy Attorneys has acted in a number of significant media law matters, including cases involving the protection of journalistic sources, editorial independence, and the right of the public to receive information. The firm represents clients in both print and electronic media, acting not only in matters before the Courts, but also in proceedings before the Press Council (print and online media) and the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa (BCCSA) (electronic). The firm has represented journalists, publishers and media organisations in both urgent and trial proceedings.

Constitutional Law

The firm has been involved in high-profile equality and anti-discrimination litigation, contributing to the development of South Africa's equality jurisprudence. This work has been recognised through the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation Anti-Racism Award and in partnership with the Nelson Mandela Foundation.

Whistleblower & Protected Disclosure Cases

Rupert Candy Attorneys has acted in complex whistleblower matters involving protected disclosures under the Protected Disclosures Act, representing individuals who have suffered occupational detriment for reporting corruption and misconduct in both public and private sector institutions.

Complex Commercial & Insurance Disputes

The firm has acted in complex commercial and insurance disputes in multiple High Court divisions across South Africa, representing both insurers and corporate clients in high-value claims involving policy interpretation, business interruption, and professional indemnity.

Principled Advocacy Since 2017