Roelf Nel

Experience

Roelf Nel has extensive experience in alternative dispute resolution, regularly acting in arbitration and mediation proceedings for both employers and contractors. He has served as an adjudicator and arbitrator, representing parties under various contract forms including JBCC, GCC, FIDIC, and NEC. Roelf has also represented parties under the rules of AFSA, the Association of Arbitrators, and the ICC. He is trained in mediation by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and has been appointed to the RICS Presidents’ Panel of Mediators.

Specialty

Roelf Nel specializes in Construction and Engineering Law, with a strong focus on alternative dispute resolution. His expertise includes claims preparation, appraisal, and defense, dispute avoidance, representation in arbitration and other ADR procedures, and the analysis, advice, and mitigation of project risks. He advises on procurement and contracting strategy, project-specific insurance requirements, and the structuring and financing of projects.

Education

Roelf Nel obtained his LLB degree cum laude from the University of Pretoria in 2002. He also holds a Certificate in Income Tax from the University of Pretoria, completed in 2001.

Recognized in The Best Lawyers in South Africa™ 2025 for Construction Law1 2
Fellow of the Association of Arbitrators (AoA), 20211
Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (MCIArb), 20171
Appointed to RICS President’s Panel of Mediators, 20161
Appointed to South African Institute of Civil Engineers’ (SAICE) Presidents List of Mediators, 20161
Director and sole founder of RN Incorporated, a firm specializing in construction, building, and engineering law with regional partnerships across Africa2
Serves as mediator, adjudicator, and arbitrator on SAICE President’s list, advising on contract strategy and dispute resolution in construction and infrastructure projects1

FAQ about Roelf Nel

What areas of law does Roelf Nel specialize in?

Roelf Nel specializes in Construction and Engineering Law, with a focus on alternative dispute resolution, claims preparation, dispute avoidance, and project risk mitigation.

What types of dispute resolution proceedings does Roelf Nel have experience in?

Roelf Nel has extensive experience in arbitration and mediation proceedings, serving as an adjudicator, arbitrator, and mediator under various rules and contract forms.

What qualifications and recognitions does Roelf Nel have?

Roelf Nel was recognized in The Best Lawyers in South Africa™ 2025 for Construction Law, is a Fellow of the Association of Arbitrators since 2021, and a Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators since 2017. He is also appointed to the RICS President’s Panel of Mediators and the SAICE Presidents List of Mediators.

Which contract frameworks has Roelf Nel represented parties under?

Roelf Nel has represented parties under JBCC, GCC, FIDIC, NEC, AFSA, and ICC rules and frameworks.

What is Roelf Nel's educational background?

Roelf Nel obtained his LLB degree cum laude from the University of Pretoria in 2002 and holds a Certificate in Income Tax from the same university, completed in 2001.

What role does Roelf Nel play in the construction industry outside of legal practice?

He is the director and sole founder of RN Incorporated, a firm that specializes in construction, building, and engineering law with regional partnerships across Africa, and he serves as a mediator, adjudicator, and arbitrator on the SAICE President’s list.