Jose Jorge

Jose Jorge is a Director in the Employment Law practice at Thomson Wilks. With over 25 years of experience, he specialises in employment litigation, collective labour law, and general employment advisory.

Jose advises a wide range of local and international clients across sectors such as sport, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, petroleum, manufacturing, energy, and retail. He is trusted by numerous well-known corporates to navigate complex employment matters and deliver strategic, legally sound solutions.

In addition to his legal practice, Jose regularly serves as an Acting Judge in the Labour Court.

Jose began his legal career at Perrott van Niekerk Woodhouse & Matyolo Inc in 1998, becoming an Equity Director before moving to Norton Rose Fulbright SA in 2013. He joined Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr Inc as an Equity Director in 2017 and took up his current role at Thomson Wilks in early 2025.

Areas of Expertise

• Employment litigation (CCMA, Bargaining Councils, Labour Court, Labour Appeal Court, Constitutional Court)
• Employment law aspects of mergers and acquisitions
• Business restructures and transfers of undertakings
• Legal and strategic employment advice
• Employment-related due diligence
• Drafting employment contracts, policies, and codes of conduct
• Legislative submissions and compliance advice
• Workplace investigations and minimum standards compliance
• Variation and exemption applications
• Employment equity and unfair discrimination advisory
• Training on disciplinary processes and arbitration procedures

Jose’s depth of experience and judicial perspective make him a highly respected leader in the field of employment law.