Unfair Dismissal & CCMA Legal Advice in Johannesburg
Dismissal disputes require a clear assessment of the reason, procedure, evidence and forum. Hugh Raichlin Attorneys assists employers and selected executive-level employees with unfair-dismissal advice, CCMA and bargaining-council preparation, and representation where permitted.
Brief initial telephone discussion at no charge. A paid consultation is arranged where appropriate. Attorney follow-up is ordinarily within one working day.
This page is for you if…
- You are an employer responding to a dismissal referral.
- You need advice before taking a dismissal decision.
- An executive-level employment termination is disputed.
- You have a conciliation, arbitration or related court deadline.
How Hugh Raichlin Attorneys can help
Assess fairness and the evidence
We review the reason for dismissal, process followed, records, witnesses and the applicable contractual or statutory framework. Misconduct, incapacity and operational requirements are not the same legal issue.
Prepare for the correct forum and stage
Conciliation, con-arb, arbitration, bargaining-council proceedings and Labour Court processes have different roles and requirements. Preparation includes documents, witness readiness and settlement authority.
Address representation properly
Legal representation is subject to the applicable rules and may require consent or permission in particular proceedings. The firm does not promise an automatic right to appear at every CCMA stage.
What to consider before deciding
Deadlines require immediate attention
Provide the referral, outcome, notice and key dates. Do not wait for a website response on the assumption that an enquiry extends time. Condonation, where available, is not guaranteed.
Settlement and merits need separate consideration
A practical settlement may be worth exploring, but the terms and consequences should be understood. Do not assume compensation or reinstatement is automatic.
Keep records factual
Contemporaneous reasons, process records and witness evidence are important. Reconstructing a justification after the event can create additional problems.
Choosing the right forum and stage
Internal process
Assess the workplace process and records before external referral.
Conciliation
Prepare for CCMA or bargaining-council conciliation.
Arbitration
Prepare evidence and witnesses for arbitration where referred.
Labour Court
Consider Labour Court proceedings where appropriate.
Not every dispute follows every stage. The forum depends on the dispute, the applicable rules and the relief sought.
The next steps
- 1Identify the parties, dismissal reason, stage and dates.
- 2Review the evidence and relevant procedure.
- 3Prepare the case, settlement approach and any representation request.
- 4Attend or support the permitted process and assess follow-up remedies.
Information to prepare
Employment contract; policies; allegations or notices; hearing/performance records; termination letter; referral and hearing documents; payroll details; witness list and relevant correspondence.
Common mistakes to avoid
Avoid missing time limits, assuming any attorney may appear at every stage, confusing review with an ordinary appeal or promising a predetermined compensation figure.
Relevant experience for your matter
Tshepo Mohapi has practised in labour law since 2012, with experience in disciplinary hearings, the CCMA, bargaining councils and Labour Court matters. His role is tailored to the applicable forum and representation rules.
Tshepo Mohapi
Attorney & Labour Law Consultant
LLB · University of Johannesburg
Labour-law experience in disciplinary hearings, the CCMA, bargaining councils and Labour Court matters.
View Tshepo's profile
Hugh Raichlin
Principal Attorney & Accredited Mediator
BA, LLB · University of the Witwatersrand
Commercial and litigation experience relevant to employment disputes and business restructuring.
View Hugh's profileFrequently asked questions
Can you represent me at every CCMA meeting?
Representation depends on the stage, dispute and applicable rules. Consent or permission may be required.
Can I submit a CCMA referral through HRA's enquiry form?
No. The form requests private legal assistance and is not an official filing.
Who is this service primarily for?
Employers and selected executive-level employees. Suitability and conflicts are checked before acceptance.
Can an unfair-dismissal outcome be guaranteed?
No. The evidence, law, process and decision-maker determine the result.
Related services
Legal Insights
Get advice before the deadline passes.
Tell us the dismissal reason, stage and dates. We will assess the evidence, forum and the representation the firm can provide.
What happens next?
Start with a brief telephone discussion so the firm can understand your matter and decide whether it may assist. That initial discussion is free. Where appropriate, a paid consultation is arranged, usually in person; remote arrangements may be considered.
You can begin through our AI-assisted WhatsApp enquiry service at any time. It gathers initial information and does not provide legal advice. Suitable prospective clients ordinarily receive an attorney call within one working day. A message does not confirm an appointment, acceptance of a matter or action on a deadline.
Speak to Hugh Raichlin Attorneys
Visit us by arrangement at 1 The Avenue, Norwood, Johannesburg 2192. Office hours are Monday–Friday, 08:30–17:00. New enquiries and WhatsApp: 011 010 8336. Email: reception@raichlin.co.za. Existing clients should use 011 483 1527.
Website information is general and is not legal advice. Every matter depends on its facts. Please send sensitive documents only when requested through an appropriate channel.
This website provides general information, not legal advice. Sending an enquiry does not by itself create an attorney-client relationship. Each matter is assessed on its own facts.