Callum O'Connor
Partner
Johannesburg

Callum O'Connor
Partner
Johannesburg
Contact Details
Callum has experience in high value and complex commercial disputes both in South Africa and globally.
Callum has advised on a broad spectrum of matters involving a cross section of notable clients, with a strong emphasis on asset tracing and fraud claims, compliance and investigations, restructuring and insolvency litigation and class actions. Callum has been involved in various cross-border proceedings, as lead and co-lead counsel in multijurisdictional anti-bribery and corruption investigations and fraud and asset tracing claims.
In 2023 Callum was listed as Up and Coming in Corporate Investigations by Chambers and Partners and as a Next Generation Partner by the Legal 500.
Office
Johannesburg
6th Floor, 90 Grayston, 90 Grayston Drive, Sandton
Johannesburg
2196
Qualifications
Professional
Academic
Money Laundering Control, University of Johannesburg, 2015
Advanced Company Law I & II, Advanced Contract Law, Advanced Administrative Law, Nelson Mandela Institute of the School of Law, 2010 – 2011
LLB, University of the Witwatersrand, 2008
B. Soc. Sci. Politics, Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE), University of Cape Town, 2005
Experience highlights
Advising a global software company on a DOJ and SEC investigation into alleged FCPA violations concerning various contracts concluded with South African State Owned Entities. The investigation concerned allegations of corruption, mismanagement and irregularities regarding internal compliance processes.
Advising a listed mining company pursuant to the discovery of misappropriations from a subsidiary in excess of USD44m, including litigation to reveal an offshore structure created to conceal the proceeds of various frauds, as well as advising on the recovery of funds through asset tracing and concomitant litigation in a number of jurisdictions, including Switzerland, the Netherlands, the British Virgin Islands and Curacao.
Advising a major South African bank regarding its finance (in an amount of ZAR3bn) of an acquisition in circumstances where an investigation revealed irregularities in government procurement processes. The bank was investigated by a number of South African financial, tax and criminal authorities.
Advising a South African dual-listed technology company under investigation by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and Department of Justice for alleged violations of the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, pursuant to allegations of corruption in procurement processes. The investigation resulted in a declination to prosecute.

Office
Johannesburg
6th Floor, 90 Grayston, 90 Grayston Drive, Sandton
Johannesburg
2196
Qualifications
Professional
Academic
Money Laundering Control, University of Johannesburg, 2015
Advanced Company Law I & II, Advanced Contract Law, Advanced Administrative Law, Nelson Mandela Institute of the School of Law, 2010 – 2011
LLB, University of the Witwatersrand, 2008
B. Soc. Sci. Politics, Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE), University of Cape Town, 2005
Pro bono
- Advising a leading Human Rights Organisation that seeks reparations for survivors of torture. The matter concerned prospective civil proceedings against a fugitive involved in the supply armaments and assistance in the commission of war crimes. The mandate involved asset tracing and novel advice involving leading a team of members from various A&O’ offices.
Recognition
He's always accessible and demonstrates sound legal advice within a business context
Legal500, 2023