Professional background and experience:

Peter is one of South Africa’s leading litigation and dispute resolution attorneys with extensive and varied experience, having been in practice for more than 43 years. He is an Executive Consultant at Fluxmans Attorneys, and his practice spans multiple disciplines including commercial litigation, insurance, labour law, pension disputes, and family law.

Peter has acted as a Judge and Assessor in the High Court Gauteng Division and is accredited as a mediator with Conflict Dynamics.        

He also sits as a Commissioner in the Small Claims Court. His expertise includes providing counsel on general commercial matters, pension law, insurance matters, and family law as well as representing clients in high-value disputes. He has been recognised in The Best Lawyers in South Africa and Chambers Legal Directory, among other accolades.

Peter was previously a director of the Teddy Bear Clinic for Abused Children for over 20 years and is currently a director of Woman and Men Against Child Abuse (“WMACA”).   In both these capacities he has done many high profile matters and continues to do a considerable amount of pro bono work for WMACA.

Mediation experience and style:

Though known for his skills as a fierce litigator, Peter actively advocates for mediation as the preferred method of dispute resolution. Peter's vast legal experience includes general commercial litigation, personal injury claims, employment and family law. This enables him to handle diverse situations, whether acting as a mediator or as a representative for parties. His mediation style is rooted in personal and professional integrity, consistently emphasising the importance of honourable conduct and always aligning with his firm’s values to support clients and communities.

Comments from clients:

“Practicing attorney of 43 years, Peter is regarded in the profession as a senior attorney with considerable experience, competencies and skills. Importantly, in my opinion, he is a person of integrity and honourable conduct. He has played a significant role in matters concerning the profession, and his input in society has gone beyond the profession. He has contributed to the welfare of children and the avoidance of abuse of children through his involvement in the Teddy Bear Clinic. From my own knowledge, he has been at the forefront of transformation by quietly promoting work among Black counsel, training aspiring Black attorneys and engaging in matters affecting the advancement of Black individuals.”

“Given his vast commercial experience and approachable manner, Peter is an effective mediator.”

“As a senior counsel, I have been briefed by Mr Van Niekerk in a number of complex commercial matters both by way of arbitration and litigation. In these matters, he has always shown outstanding efficiency in the preparation of the matters, in his analysis of the issues and in identifying and anticipating the critical issues at play. Whilst resolutely defending the interests of his client, he has always been courteous and professional in his treatment of opponents and is meticulous in his dealings with the Court or arbitration panel.”

“I have worked with members of the attorney profession for more than 50 years and have no hesitation in placing Mr Van Niekerk in the very first rank of his profession.”