Adela Petersen

Managing Director
Cape Town
Phone: +27 21 405 7337
Mobile: +27 71 624 1598
Email: adela.p@fairbridges.co.za
Areas of Expertise

• Administrative, Regulatory, and Constitutional Law

• Public and Local Government Law

• Town Planning and Environmental Law

• Procurement and Supply Chain Management

• Building and Construction Law

• Employment Law

• Energy Law

• Forensics Investigations



Expertise

Adela Petersen is the Managing Director of Fairbridges and a seasoned public law specialist with over 26 years of post-admission experience. Her expertise spans a broad range of legal disciplines, including administrative, constitutional, and public law, procurement, employment law, and energy law. Recognised for her leadership and contributions to the legal field, Adela was honoured as a TerraLex Trailblazer in 2024 and was shortlisted for the prestigious “Women Leaders in Law” category at the 2024 Law.com International’s African Legal Awards. She was named in the Best Lawyer publication for 2024.

Adela has represented and advised a wide range of clients including municipalities, academic institutions, and organs of state in sectors such as biodiversity, petroleum/ energy, gambling and construction. She has also been involved in by-law development and policy reform projects and regularly handles high-stakes litigation involving public law reviews, environmental and zoning disputes, and administrative appeals.

She has litigated in the High Court, Supreme Court of Appeal, Constitutional Court and Equality Court and has been the lead attorney in a number of reported judgments in these Courts.

Career

Adela joined Fairbridges in 2008 and was appointed Managing Director in 2023. She chairs the firm’s Management Committee and plays a key strategic leadership role, with responsibility for firm-wide growth and client engagement. She holds BA and LLB degrees from the University of Cape Town and has completed advanced training in Financial Management.

 

Methodology

Respected for her clarity, diligence, and sound judgement, Adela takes a client-centric approach focused on compliance, sustainability, and tailored legal outcomes. She fosters long-term relationships through clear communication and strategic, legally sound guidance.

 

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Arts (University of Cape Town, 1993)
  • Bachelor of Laws (University of Cape Town, 1996)
  • Financial Management Course (University of Cape Town 2023)

 

Membership of Professional Bodies

  • Institute of Commercial Forensic Practitioners

 

Recognition

  • TerraLex Trailblazer (2024)
  • Shortlisted for “Women Leaders in Law” – Law.com International’s African Legal Awards (2024)
  • Best Lawyer Recognition (2024)

Community Involvement

  • Active supporter of St. Luke’s Hospice, reflecting her commitment to ethical legal service and community upliftment.

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Adela Petersen

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