About Us

About Patrick Deale

Executive Dispute Resolver, Commercial Mediator, Labour Arbitrator, Acting Judge, and Author.

Patrick has worked in law and alternative dispute resolution for 25 years in a wide range of industries and sectors. As a senior legal executive for a listed company, he gained first-hand experience of the issues business managers and employees deal with day-to-day.

Patrick co-founded Tokiso Dispute Settlement (Pty) Ltd in 2000, the largest private dispute resolution agency in the country, where he was full-time CEO for six years. He is a highly skilled and experienced South African labour and employment lawyer, advisor, negotiator, mediator, labour arbitrator and facilitator. He is a commercial mediator, coach and assessor, accredited by CEDA (UK). He also serves as Acting Judge of the Labour Court of South Africa.

Patrick Deale

He is the co-author of the Labour Relations Handbook, published by Juta, and has been a regular host of the Labour Line on Talk Radio 702. Patrick established Deale Attorneys to focus on the opportunity to improve and build successful South African business relationships, in partnership with business clients. The firm specializes in labour law and commercial mediation services.

Our services include -
• Resolution of Executive & Senior Management Disputes
• Advice on Labour & Commercial Law issues
• Litigation in Labour & High Courts.
• Investigations & Recommendations
• Drafting Contracts of Employment & Commercial Agreements
• Mediation & Arbitration of Labour & Commercial disputes
• Facilitation of Multi-Stakeholder Engagements on Labour, Strategic & Commercial issues

Best Lawyers Award 2022 – 2026

Voted by Peers in the Legal Profession

What is the Best Lawyers Award?

Best Lawyers is the most prestigious, widely recognized, and comprehensive peer-review for legal professionals in South Africa. Their process is designed to capture, as accurately as possible, the consensus opinion of leading lawyers about the professional abilities of their colleagues within the same geographical and legal practice areas. About 4-5% of practising lawyers are recognised annually.

25 Years of Labour Lawyer Experience in a Wide Range of Industries & Sectors Across KZN, Gauteng, and South Africa.

We’ve conducted and represented employees and employers in the Labour Court, CCMA, Bargaining Council, Disciplinary Enquiries and Arbitrations in 400+ cases over the years.

Satisfied Client Feedback

Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Am more interested about Labour Relations matters in South Africa
Posted on Google Google
Ntlabake Moses Monnye profile picture
Ntlabake Moses Monnye
24/09/2021
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
I have been extremely impressed with Deale Attorneys. Over the past few years I have had to consult with Mr Deale in several labour matters, and what has always stood out is Mr Deale's professionalism, his up to date legal knowledge, and an innate understanding of what will be pragmatic and achievable should a dispute end up in court or another forum. Always courteous and approachable, Mr Deale is a keen listener and what for me is the hallmark of a skilled attorney is his ability to simplify a complex factual matter. I have also had the opportunity to witness Mr Deale in an opposed matter, and his cross examination skills are absolutely stellar. Such trial craft is indeed a gift.
Posted on Google Google
Some One profile picture
Some One
22/02/2021
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Patrick Deale is an excellent attorney who really goes above and beyond for his client. He is calm demeanor, business accumen, dilligence and professionalism has been a big help to our business. He communicates consistently and is our a trusted adviser. Would highly recommend his services.
Posted on Google Google
Cavelle Govender profile picture
Cavelle Govender
17/02/2021
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Patrick successfully assisted defending against a victimization case against me by a superior seeking to protect herself against findings for which she was ultimately accountable. During this traumatic experience of having to endure 19 days of hearings Patrick was fully supportive and compassionate, to the point that I have come to consider him as a friend. Going forward, for any legal matters he will always be my first point of contact. I have found his advise to always be well considered, balanced and practical.
Posted on Google Google
Stefan Poprawa profile picture
Stefan Poprawa
17/02/2021
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Patrick is an EXPERT on labour law. He has a wealth of knowledge in dispute resolution processes. His experience and knowledge of CONTENT and Skill in dealing with complex matters come's out in drafting of documents and pleading. Deale Attorneys is Highly Recommended.
Posted on Google Google
Vish Chatturgoon profile picture
Vish Chatturgoon
12/02/2021