A career built on more than the brief.

Appeared as counsel before the Commission of Enquiry into Allegations of State Capture, chaired by Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo (as he then was). Represented amongst others the South African Ambassador to the Netherlands, Bruce Koloane, in proceedings before the Commission. The Zondo Commission was the most significant public inquiry in post-apartheid South Africa, examining systemic corruption involving the highest levels of government and the private sector over a period extending from approximately 2009 to 2017.

Appointed as arbitrator and adjudicator in commercial and construction disputes, including as arbitrator in the matter of Mcloughlin v Moreira (October 2013), concerning warranties given in a property sale agreement, and Cocks v Gerber Fastening Systems (Pty) Ltd (September 2013), concerning an alleged breach of an agency agreement. Has also been appointed in numerous construction adjudication matters.

Appeared as lead counsel, without fee, in the matter that reached the Constitutional Court as a challenge to the constitutional validity of legislation criminalising the private possession and use of cannabis by adults. The litigation spanned both the High Court and the Constitutional Court. The Court unanimously upheld the challenge, striking down the impugned provisions as an unreasonable infringement of the right to privacy. The judgment is the leading authority on the boundaries of State power in the private sphere and one of the most significant constitutional decisions of the post-2010 era.

Appeared without fee for the family of the late Jabulani Tsambo (HHP) in urgent High Court proceedings and the subsequent appeal before the Supreme Court of Appeal, in a matter concerning the validity of a customary law marriage and the rights arising from it. The matter raised foundational questions about the evolution of customary law and the requirements of the Recognition of Customary Marriages Act 120 of 1998. Led junior counsel in both the High Court and the SCA.

Appeared without fee in a civil trial concerning the remedies available to a spouse married in community of property where the deceased partner had, without her knowledge or consent, procured the disbursement of loan funds into an account in her name in contravention of section 15 of the Matrimonial Property Act 1984. The matter raised important questions about the protection of spousal rights in community of property marriages and the obligations of lending institutions.

Co-created and implemented an exchange programme enabling junior members of the Maisels Group to spend time at the 39 Essex Chambers in London, gaining exposure to British solicitors, the Bar of England and Wales, and the British clerking system. The programme was designed to provide junior advocates with an international profile, expand their professional networks, and foster relations between the Johannesburg Bar and one of England's leading commercial chambers. Costs are subsidised by senior members of the Group.

Listed among the Mail & Guardian's 200 Young South Africans of 2013, in recognition of his contribution to the transformation of the legal profession and his work in founding the Mahon Foundation.

Personally invited by the United States Ambassador to South Africa, Patrick H. Gaspard, to participate in President Barack Obama's Young African Leaders Initiative — the Washington Fellowship — a programme for young African leaders offering engagement with US universities, government and civil society. The invitation followed recognition by the editorial staff of the Mail & Guardian. The invitation was regrettably declined due to a prior professional commitment.