Maurice Crespi

Introduction

Maurice is a highly skilled and knowledgeable legal professional with extensive litigation experience in the High Court, Supreme Court of Appeal, and Constitutional Court. He joined Schindler’s Attorneys in 1997 and quickly established himself as a valuable member of the team. He was promoted to partner the following year and has since become the longest serving equity and managing partner at the firm.
Maurice has a proven track record of success in commercial, administrative, insolvency, blockchain, and labour law litigation.

Commercial Litigation

Maurice is a highly skilled commercial litigation attorney with over 25 years of experience representing clients in complex commercial disputes.

Throughout his career, Maurice has successfully litigated cases in the High Court and Constitutional Court, as well as in local and international arbitration proceedings. His practice focuses on a range of commercial disputes, including breach of contract, fraud, intellectual property disputes, company and securities litigation.

Labour Disputes

Maurice’s extensive litigation experience in labour law matters includes representing CEOs and CFOs of major parastatals, companies, and entrepreneurs. He has helped clients navigate intricate employment issues such as discrimination claims, wage disputes, and wrongful dismissal cases. He has represented both employers and employees, giving him a comprehensive understanding of the legal issues and challenges faced by both sides.

Constitutional and Administrative Law

Maurice also has a passion for administrative law and constitutional matters. He has represented clients before courts, government agencies and administrative tribunals, successfully interdicting the awarding of numerous irregular government tenders, and pursuing claims for damages suffered as a result. His successes in the Constitutional Court include the notable judgment that legalized marijuana in South Africa for personal use and the landmark Constitutional Court case in relation to the government’s obligations to unlawful occupiers in eviction proceedings.

Solvency Law

Maurice is also a seasoned business insolvency and rescue expert and served as the lead attorney on the first Supreme Court of Appeal case dealing with business rescue. Maurice formed COBRA (COvid Business Rescue Assistance), South Africa’s largest pro-bono initiative in history, which played a vital role in helping over six hundred companies during the Covid pandemic. Maurice utilised his business rescue expertise to salvage businesses affected by Covid. This initiative further underscores Maurice’s commitment to providing legal solutions that help businesses navigate challenging times.

Blockchain

Maurice is undoubtedly one of South Africa’s most proficient blockchain experts (see here). He leverages his extensive knowledge of blockchain law and regulations, as well as his litigation skills, coupled with over twenty-five years of litigation experience.

Conclusion

Maurice’s dedication to his clients is unparalleled, and he always takes the time to understand their goals and objectives. His exceptional legal acumen, strategic thinking, and pragmatic approach to problem-solving have earned him a reputation as a trusted advisor and attorney for businesses and individuals alike.

His passion for the law and his unwavering commitment to excellence make him a valuable asset to any legal team and a highly respected member of the legal community.