Asma Cachalia is a Director in the Employment practice, specialising in all aspects of employment law with a keen interest in collective labour law. She has extensive experience advising local and multinational companies operating in South Africa, as well as international companies. Asma offers strategic guidance on a wide range of employment-related matters.

Her clients span multiple industries, including transport, mining, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing and retail.

Career

Asma began her legal career at a boutique firm in Mbombela, where she completed her articles. She later joined Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr Inc., advancing from Associate in 2020 to Senior Associate in 2022, before being appointed as a Director in 2024. In early 2025, she joined Thomson Wilks as a Director.

Asma’s experience includes:

Asma provides comprehensive employment law support, assisting clients with:

• Representing employers in employment disputes before the CCMA, Bargaining Councils, Labour Court, Labour Appeal Court, and the Constitutional Court.

• Advising on all issues in respect of industrial action.

• Conducting workplace investigations and advising on disciplinary procedures.

• Assisting with business restructuring, transfers, and workforce planning.

• Providing legal guidance on mergers, acquisitions, and employment-related due diligence.

• Drafting employment agreements, workplace policies, and governance frameworks.

• Preparing and submitting variation and exemption applications.

• Delivering training on all employment law aspects

With and a proactive approach, Asma partners with clients to navigate complex employment law challenges and achieve sustainable solutions.