Expertise
David Short is a seasoned employment law specialist with over 30 years of post-admission experience. Admitted as an attorney in 1993, David advises and represents a broad range of clients, including state-owned enterprises and multinational companies across the manufacturing, conservation, professional services, and tourism sectors.
His practice covers all aspects of labour law, including representing employers and employees in disputes before the CCMA, Bargaining Councils, and the Labour and Labour Appeal Courts. David has extensive experience chairing disciplinary enquiries, acting as initiator in misconduct cases, and assisting with collective bargaining, wage negotiations, and strike management.
David also advises on compliance with the Employment Equity Act, Occupational Health and Safety legislation, the Labour Relations Act, and the Basic Conditions of Employment Act. He drafts employment policies, procedures, and contracts, providing strategic labour advice to employers facing both individual and collective challenges.
Methodology
Clients appreciate David’s pragmatic, commercially sensitive advice and his ability to manage complex employment disputes with clarity and precision. His strong litigation background, combined with a collaborative approach to problem-solving, ensures tailored, effective solutions for his clients.
Qualifications
- B Proc (University of Pretoria, 1989)
Membership of Professional Bodies
- Member of the South African Society for Labour Law (SASLAW)
Recognition
- Listed in The Best Lawyers in South Africa 2022 for Labour and Employment Law
- Served as Acting Judge of the Labour Court of South Africa on two occasions
- Labour Court matters he has litigated have been reported in the Industrial Law Journal
- Recognised by Best Lawyers in Labour and Employment Law (2025)
