Ezra Davids named new chairman, senior partner of Bowmans

Ezra Davids | image supplied

‘Ezra is a superb M&A lawyer who understands the complexity of our clients’ businesses and the increasingly sophisticated regulatory environment across Africa. Within the firm, he is seen as an inclusive, inspirational leader with a strong commitment to fairness and social justice,’ says David F.K. Mpanga, deputy chairman based in Bowmans’ Kampala office.

Davids, the first practising African lawyer to be featured on the front page of the American Lawyer, has advised or been a lead adviser on some of the largest and most significant transactions on the continent in recent times.

Bowmans managing partner, Alan Keep says, ‘The partnership was unanimous in our selection of Ezra as a leader. I can think of no one better to take us forward in our quest to build the pre-eminent African law firm, supporting our clients and our people as they seek to unlock opportunities, overcome challenges and realise the potential on the continent.’

Apart from his responsibilities at Bowmans, Davids is actively involved with various NGOs in the spheres of education, social justice and rule of law advocacy. He serves on the boards of the Social Justice Initiative and Freedom of Law, advises the Legal Resources Centre on fundraising and is a patron of the student sponsorship programme, which raises funds for the high school education of talented children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

He also serves on the council of the University of Cape Town (UCT) and is an officer of the International Bar Association’s Corporate/M&A Committee.

He will continue to be actively involved in advising Bowmans’ clients. His term as chairman and senior partner of Bowmans runs for five years, during which time his focus will also be on further enhancing client service and widening the firm’s African footprint.