Werksmans Attorneys recently announced a round of internal promotions, elevating a number of associates to senior associate and senior associates to director. While promotions are common across large commercial law firms, what stood out in this instance was the apparent pace at which some lawyers progressed through the ranks.
In some cases, individuals appear to have been promoted after spending only two years in their previous roles. This was particularly noticeable among lawyers who began their careers at the firm as candidate attorneys and have since moved up internally.
For young lawyers watching the market, this raises an interesting point. Firms that promote talent more quickly may offer an environment where careers can accelerate faster than the traditional timelines often associated with Big Law.
Promotion criteria in law firms vary from firm to firm. Factors such as performance, technical expertise, client relationships, leadership potential, and business development are typically considered. In many firms, however, lawyers often remain in a role for at least three years before being considered for promotion.
Against that backdrop, the relatively quick progression seen in this round of promotions is notable. It may reflect the firm’s willingness to recognise high-performing lawyers earlier than expected.
It could also signal something broader. Promotions in professional services often coincide with growth, as firms expand teams and strengthen leadership capacity to meet increasing client demand.
The fact that many of the promoted lawyers started their careers at the firm as candidate attorneys is also significant. South African law firms often invest heavily in their candidate attorney programmes as a pipeline for future leadership. When those lawyers remain with the firm and progress steadily through the ranks, it can reflect a successful long-term talent development strategy.
For aspiring lawyers and junior practitioners, the message may be twofold. First, choosing the right institutional environment can play a meaningful role in shaping the pace and direction of a legal career. Second, firms that demonstrate a willingness to recognise and reward talent internally may provide opportunities for accelerated professional growth.
