For a quarter of a century, Mothle Jooma Sabdia Incorporated has combined legal expertise, transformation, and a commitment to developing South Africa’s future legal professionals.
In South Africa’s constantly evolving legal and business landscape, organisations require more than legal representation. They need trusted advisers capable of navigating complexity, managing risk, and delivering practical solutions in an increasingly competitive environment.
For the past 25 years, Mothle Jooma Sabdia Incorporated (MJS) has built its reputation on doing exactly that.
Established on 1 March 2001, MJS was founded with a vision to create a progressive, highly specialised law firm capable of delivering exceptional legal services while reflecting the changing demographics and aspirations of South Africa. Today, the firm stands as one of the country’s leading 100% Black-owned legal practices, serving clients nationally across the public and private sectors through its offices in Pretoria and Johannesburg.
From its inception, MJS has been driven by a commitment to excellence, personalised service, and a deep understanding of the legal and commercial realities facing its clients. Over the years, that commitment has enabled the firm to develop a multidisciplinary practice capable of supporting organisations across a broad spectrum of legal matters.
The firm’s expertise spans numerous specialist disciplines, including commercial and corporate law, litigation, labour and employment law, banking law, competition law, construction law, property law, environmental law, insurance law, tax law, corporate governance, compliance and regulatory matters, as well as project advisory services, including public-private partnerships. This breadth of expertise allows MJS to provide integrated legal solutions tailored to the unique needs of each client.
Its client base reflects the diversity of the sectors it serves. MJS provides legal services to government departments, state-owned entities, parastatals, financial institutions, and private-sector organisations, supporting clients in navigating complex legal frameworks while pursuing their strategic objectives.
What distinguishes MJS is not only the range of services it offers, but also the philosophy underpinning its work. The firm places a strong emphasis on understanding its clients’ businesses, industries, and long-term goals. This approach enables its legal professionals to move beyond purely technical legal advice and deliver practical, commercially focused solutions that create lasting value.
As South Africa’s legal landscape continues to evolve, transformation remains a central pillar of the firm’s identity. As a 100% Black-owned practice, MJS has consistently demonstrated its commitment to Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment, not only through ownership structures, but through meaningful investment in people and skills development.
The firm has deliberately focused on creating opportunities for aspiring legal professionals from disadvantaged backgrounds, ensuring that experienced practitioners work closely with junior attorneys and candidate attorneys to facilitate skills transfer and professional growth. This commitment extends throughout the organisation, contributing to the development of a sustainable pipeline of future legal talent.
Skills development has long been viewed as a strategic priority at MJS. The firm is registered with the Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority (SASSETA) and maintains an active programme of ongoing professional development. Through its internal Continuing Legal Education programme, legal professionals regularly share knowledge and insights, ensuring the firm remains at the forefront of legal developments across multiple practice areas.
Beyond professional training, MJS has introduced internship opportunities for law students from disadvantaged backgrounds and established a paralegal development programme aimed at creating pathways into the legal profession. These initiatives reflect the firm’s belief that the future success of both the legal sector and the broader economy depend on investing in the next generation of professionals.
The firm’s commitment to positive social impact extends beyond the workplace. MJS actively supports a range of social initiatives, including charitable organisations, shelters for vulnerable children, old-age homes, HIV/AIDS projects, arts and culture programmes, and disaster relief efforts. In addition, the firm’s directors and professional staff regularly provide pro bono legal services, helping improve access to justice for individuals who may otherwise be unable to obtain legal assistance.
Over the years, the firm’s dedication to excellence has earned recognition within the legal profession. MJS has been recognised by Legal 500, one of the world’s leading legal directories, and has received international recognition for its work, including acknowledgement as South African Personal Injury Law Firm of the Year by Global Law Experts. The firm has also been recognised among Africa’s highly regarded law firms by African Legal 100.
While such accolades are significant, they are ultimately the result of a broader commitment to service excellence. MJS continues to invest in technology, professional development, and operational efficiency to ensure that clients receive responsive, reliable, and innovative legal support in an increasingly complex environment.
As the firm marks 25 years of operation, its focus remains firmly on the future. Building on a foundation of legal expertise, transformation, and empowerment, MJS continues to strengthen its position as a trusted legal partner to organisations across South Africa.
In a profession built on trust, integrity, and expertise, MJS has spent a quarter of a century demonstrating that legal excellence and meaningful transformation can go hand in hand. As South Africa’s legal and commercial landscape continues to evolve, the firm remains committed to helping its clients navigate change with confidence while contributing to the development of a stronger, more inclusive legal profession.
Meet the Directors
Thipe Mothle
Director | 26 years’ experience
Thipe Attwell Mothle holds a B.Proc degree from the University of Durban-Westville, a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from the University of Pretoria, and a diploma in Labour Law. He also holds a Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety from the International Risk Control Academy.
With more than 26 years’ experience in the legal profession, Mothle has built a reputation as a highly respected legal practitioner with expertise across multiple disciplines. He is known for his strategic approach, depth of legal knowledge, and unwavering commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for clients.
Ebrahim Jooma
Director | 28 years’ experience
Ebrahim Jooma holds a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in Law and History, and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from the University of the Witwatersrand. His post-graduate qualifications include an H.Dip in Corporate Law, a Certificate in Competition Law, a Certificate in Advanced Corporate and Securities Law, and a Certificate in South African and International Commercial Arbitration from the Arbitration Foundation of Southern Africa. He is also a certified arbitrator. With 28 years’ experience in the legal fraternity, Jooma is recognised for his ability to navigate complex legal frameworks and provide strategic, commercially focused legal advice. His areas of specialisation include Commercial and Corporate Law, Competition and Securities Law, Municipal Law, Telecommunications Law, and Commercial Litigation.
Shiraz Sabdia
Director | 26 years’ experience
Shiraz Sabdia holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of the Witwatersrand, together with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree, a Master of Laws (LLM) degree, and a Certificate in Advanced Labour Law from the University of Pretoria.
He also holds a Certificate in Contract Comparisons – FIDIC, NEC, JBCC and GCC from Binnington Copeland and Associates, as well as a Certificate in FIDIC Contracts from the Arbitration Foundation of Southern Africa. With more than 26 years’ experience in the legal profession, Sabdia is known for his analytical approach and his ability to structure sophisticated legal solutions in complex environments. His expertise spans a broad range of legal disciplines, particularly in matters requiring strategic problem-solving and technical legal insight.