WHAT WE OFFEROur Services
Environmental Law
Environment, Water and Natural Resources Law
We lead in instituting or defending proceedings on any environmental matter. We can manage internal appeals, and a variety of other court processes provided for under different statutes. We stand ready to prepare compliance and formal responses to Orders and Directives which may be issued under the Environmental Management Act [Chapter 20:27], and Environmental Management (Ecosystem Protection) Regulations. Our team is best placed to assist in any criminal proceedings, which may be instituted against your company, managers, directors and/or shareholders.
Under the National Development Strategy, and its successor programmes, environment, water and natural resources are cross-cutting sectors that are some of the key pillars of economic development. Consequently, the legal complexities involved in these fast-changing fluid sectors requires up to date legal advice. Our firm is well placed to handle these matters on your behalf.
Climate Change
Climate Change has emerged as a key legal issue nationally and internationally. Climate change laws are a reality for Zimbabwe’s future and for that of the African continent. This is in keeping with Environmental Management Act [Chapter 20:27], Statutory Instrument 150 of 2023 on Carbon Credits Trading (General) Regulations, 2023, Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy, National Climate Change Policy, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Paris Climate Change Agreement and similar agreements adopted under the Conference of Parties (COP). Our multi-disciplinary team is well positioned to provide comprehensive legal guidance on the various obligations introduced by both the domestic and international regulatory regimes.
We also have excellent and seamless synergies with key national and international technical experts who specialise in this broad scientific space.
Wildlife Law
At Thomas Nelson Attorneys, we recognize the significant economic value of wildlife. Our experienced team of lawyers provides strategic advice on a variety of matters related to wildlife, including compliance and permitting, due diligence, policy, and legislative reform.
We advise a diverse range of clients, including government entities, civil society organizations, and private sector companies, on the evolving legal landscape surrounding wildlife conservation and management.
As wildlife tourism continues to grow as an economic pillar, our firm is committed to supporting investors in navigating the complexities of the wildlife sector, offering tailored legal advice to maximize their investments in this promising area.
Property Law and Conveyance
Our firm offers tailored advice related to property law and conveyancing. Our expertise spans from transactional based work, such as the buying and selling or leasing of property, right up to litigation of related issues. We take instructions from residential to commercial clients involved in large scale developments to small business premises for a sole trader. Our work includes but not limited to negotiating of land contracts, drafting commercial leases and due diligence, conveyancing etc. Other property related matters include residential and commercial leases, evictions and rental disputes, spoliation applications including applications to restore the supply of services to an occupant of a premise or home, rei vindication, building agreements and disputes, property related arbitrations, estate planning and drafting of wills, letters of wishes, but and sell agreements and other estate planning instruments, all aspects of loan account management, all types of sale and lease agreements (including all forms of corporate financing agreements), and all aspects of credit security including notarial bonds, suretyship agreements, indemnities, guarantees, cessions and pledge of shares or other securities, and mortgage bonds corporate restructuring for property rich entities, exchange control advice and applications for approval. Our reach is not only confined with Zimbabwean borders but spans across Africa.
Mining and Energy Law
Our dedicated team of legal practitioners, mining, and energy experts have the knowledge and expertise to provide tailored advice on exploration, mining, oil and energy transactions. We ensure that our clients are kept abreast of substantive issues relating to contracts, financing, and regulatory compliance matters that are relevant before, during and post project implementation. Our experienced network and team of experts work in all sectors of the industry and have the knowledge and legal acumen and stamina to make sure your business succeed. Whether you are working on an issue relating to Mining, Oil and Gas (MOG), or Renewable Green or Blue Energy, we are ready to ensure that your mission is realised.
MOG will continue to play a critical part of the national ‘energy mix’ during the implementation of the National Development Strategy. The transition away from fossil fuels as agreed at COP 28 does not undermine investment in this space as the demand for hydrocarbons is projected to increase to meet Zimbabwe’s unique and special energy circumstances and capabilities. Our inhouse expertise will help you navigate this space, including providing advice on Just Transition, E-mobility and Climate Impact Assessments.
We are prolific in issuing legal opinions on mining and energy legislation and regulations, as well as initiating civil and administrative litigation on behalf of clients. Our team of experts provide the following services: –
- Advising on mining rights, conducting due diligence exercises on mining companies;
- Advising on a wide range of mining sector contracts including mining JVAs, royalty agreements, minerals and precious stones legislation, sale agreements for minerals;
- Regulatory compliance assistance;
- Environmental compliance issues; and
- Litigation
Data Protection, Cyber security and Information Management
In the contemporary operating environment, businesses create, collect and use different types of data. In this respect, the Cyber and Data Protection Act [Chapter 12:07] provides for data protection with due regard to the Declaration of Rights under the Constitution and the public and national interest and Cyber Security. It also amplifies the need for a technology driven business environment and the lawful use of technology. Organisations require a structured approach to the governance and protection of data as failure to manage data appropriately can lead to major liability and reputational harm. The increased importance of data raises fundamental questions about how organisations should legally and safely create, collect and store data, as well as when is it permissible to use and access data.
Given that data is typically stored and utilised through multiple technologies, this raises overlapping issues around security and risk management. We understand the legal frameworks (Protection of Personal Information Act [Chapter 10:27], Cyber and Data Protection Act [Chapter 12:07] and other applicable normative frameworks.
We further possess cutting edge industry legal knowledge on best practices, and international standards that help businesses and organisations develop sensible information governance frameworks.
Governance Risk and Compliance
Corporate governance, risk management and compliance are ever-changing and dynamic spheres. As such, are well placed to assist our clients and companies in managing operational and regulatory risks and provide them with on-going, up-to-the-minute specialist advice. We help clients navigate the maze of legislation and best practice codes relevant to corporate governance, risk management and compliance. We provide bespoke substantive and procedural advice to our clients on the legal issues which most regularly impact their businesses and operating environments. Our practitioner led boardroom practice covers all elements of company law, from advice on board procedures to issues arising in takeover situations, as well as, analysing corporate policies, codes of conduct, and assistance with shareholder engagement. Our experts advise on domestic and international corporate issues including corporate law, sector-specific regulations, relevant listing rules, liability and risks for board directors and senior executives.
Environmental, Social and Governance
We understand that contemporary investors are looking for ways to sustainable utilise their capital in order to eliminating irreversible harm to people and the environment. They strive to create long-term value through socially desirable activities. The fast paced and rapidly evolving landscape of environmental, social and governance (ESG) demands that expert led advice be available at all times in order to support investors who wish to make socially responsible investment decisions. We are endowed with subject matter expertise to guide clients through the increasingly complex ESG legal landscape.
Our ESG team’s advice is informed by decades of collective experience in environmental, social and governance matters, and by tracking the latest developments in ESG-related regulation. We bring together renowned national and international experts in specialist practice areas in Business and Human Rights, Sustainable Public and Private Finance, Corporate Governance, Employee Engagement and Data protection and Cybersecurity, as well as Consulting Services.
Pharmaceutical & Healthcare Law
The COVID-19 pandemic revealed how critical strong pharmaceutical and healthcare enterprises are in many respects. At TNA we realise the urgent need to address the legal complexities in this sector. Our team (consisting of corporate, competition, regulatory, and dispute resolution lawyers with experience in the pharmaceuticals and healthcare industries) is well positioned to work with our clients and assist them in their needs.