Shane Johnson

Shane Johnson is a director designate in Baker McKenzie’s Employment & Compensation practice in Johannesburg. He advises multinational and leading domestic clients on a wide range of complex and strategic employment law matters.

His practice covers both contentious and non-contentious work, with a focus on employee relations strategy, high-stakes disputes, workplace investigations, business restructuring and redundancies, executive terminations, and employment aspects of corporate transactions. He regularly supports clients through sensitive and high-risk situations, translating complex legal issues into clear, practical and commercially workable solutions.

Shane is a trusted adviser to clients across sectors including healthcare, financial services, technology, energy, manufacturing, retail and private equity. He works closely with senior executives, HR leaders and in-house legal teams, often taking primary responsibility for managing matters, coordinating multidisciplinary teams, and delivering advice that aligns with broader business objectives. His work reflects a strong combination of technical expertise, commercial judgement and practical implementation.

A significant part of Shane’s practice involves cross-border and multi-jurisdictional work. He supports international clients on employment matters across Africa and collaborates regularly with colleagues in London, Amsterdam, the United States and other Baker McKenzie offices. He integrates local employment law considerations into global projects, including corporate transactions, business expansions and workforce transformation initiatives.

Shane also advises on immigration law matters where they intersect with employment and transactional work, particularly in the context of workforce compliance and due diligence.

Shane is actively involved in the broader life of the Firm. He sits on several internal committees, contributing to initiatives relating to graduate recruitment and inclusion & diversity. He also plays a leading role in fostering connection and comradery within the Johannesburg office and currently serves as the chair of the office padel club.