Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr Promotes Haafizah Khota, Kobus Smith And Lutfiyya Kara To Counsel

Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr Promotes Haafizah Khota, Kobus Smith and Lutfiyya Kara to Counsel

The full-service law firm primarily focused on the African continent, Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr Inc has announced the promotion of Haafizah Khota, Kobus Smith, and Lutfiyya Kara to Counsel, effective 1 April 2026, reinforcing the firm’s commitment to recognising internal talent and strengthening its practice capabilities.

The Counsel role represents a significant professional milestone within the firm, acknowledging lawyers who demonstrate deep technical expertise, sound judgment, and the ability to independently lead complex matters while contributing to the growth and strength of their respective practice areas.

Haafizah Khota is part of the firm’s Corporate & Commercial practice and has developed strong expertise advising both local and multinational clients on mergers and acquisitions, due diligence, corporate restructures, and commercial contracts. She also brings specialised knowledge of regulatory frameworks, including Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment and corporate governance, with sectoral experience spanning mining, aviation, film, industrial, and logistics industries. She began her career as a Legal Analyst at Herbert Smith Freehills South Africa LLP before moving to Hogan Lovells Johannesburg Inc., later joining Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr as a Candidate Attorney and progressing to Senior Associate.

Kobus Smith, from the Banking, Finance & Projects practice, focuses on banking and corporate finance transactions, advising both lenders and borrowers. His experience includes asset finance, leveraged finance, trade finance, and cross-border transactions. He has also gained international exposure through a stint with Clifford Chance in London. Known for his strong commercial approach, he has advised on a wide range of complex financing mandates across jurisdictions.

Lutfiyya Kara, part of the Real Estate & Conveyancing practice, has built a strong practice in property law, advising clients on a wide range of real estate matters. She began her career in dispute resolution, gaining experience in civil and commercial litigation before transitioning into property law. As a Senior Associate, she has developed significant expertise in conveyancing and real estate advisory, offering clients practical and commercially sound legal solutions.

Academically, Haafizah Khota holds an LLB with distinction from the University of the Witwatersrand, along with postgraduate certifications in Advanced Company Law and Cyber Law. Kobus Smith holds both an LLB and a BCom Law degree (cum laude) from the University of Pretoria and is a member of the Loan Market Association and Golden Key International Honour Society. Lutfiyya Kara holds an LLB from the University of the Witwatersrand, has been admitted as an Attorney, Conveyancer, and Notary, and was recognised on the Dean’s List during her academic years.

These promotions highlight the firm’s continued focus on nurturing high-performing lawyers and strengthening its bench across key practice areas, ensuring continued delivery of high-quality legal services to clients.

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