ENS Strengthens Johannesburg Office with Addition of IP Specialist Craig Shapiro

ENS, a prominent South African law firm, announced the strategic expansion of its commercial intellectual property (IP) practice with the recruitment of Craig Shapiro, a distinguished IP lawyer with 16 years of expertise in both domestic and international IP matters. The announcement was made on 15 January at ENS’s Johannesburg office.

Craig Shapiro is recognized as one of the few specialist IP lawyers in South Africa, holding qualifications as a trademark lawyer and fellowship status with the South African Institute of Intellectual Property Law. His extensive experience spans commercial IP law, transactional advisory, corporate commercial law, and tax-related legal services.

At ENS, Shapiro will work under the guidance of commercial IP lead Janine Thomas, contributing to the firm’s transactional and advisory mandates. His role is designed to complement and enhance the firm’s integrated approach to IP within a full-service legal framework.

Before joining ENS, Shapiro co-founded Witz Inc Attorneys in 2014, where he played a pivotal role in establishing the firm’s IP practice. He served as CEO of Witz Inc Attorneys in 2022 prior to his transition to ENS. His career also includes significant tenures at notable firms such as DM Kisch (now Kisch IP), Bowmans, Adams & Adams, and Eversheds Sutherland. Additionally, Shapiro held the position of group head of legal at Famous Brands, a leading South African restaurant conglomerate, for one year.

Gaelyn Scott, head of IP at ENS, emphasized the importance of commercial IP within the firm’s service offerings. She stated, “Commercial IP is a growing area of specialisation and a key component of our full-service IP practice within a full-service law firm.” Scott further remarked, “Craig’s appointment reinforces our commitment to providing holistic IP legal services that meet our clients’ business needs across Africa.”

In a related development, ENS also welcomed Deborah Carmichael back to its Johannesburg office as an executive in December of the previous year. Carmichael, a banking and finance lawyer, returned after her departure from A&O Shearman, further strengthening ENS’s legal expertise in the region.

These strategic hires reflect ENS’s ongoing dedication to expanding its legal capabilities and delivering comprehensive, client-focused IP solutions across the African continent.