- Goldberg started Goldberg Attorneys Inc in Braamfontein in May 2011 after spending time at several other legal practices.
- He held BA, LLB and LLM degrees in Labour Law and spent 22 years working as a lawyer.
- He also served as an acting judge of the Labour Court and was known for his work in labour law and his dedication to workplace justice.
South Africa’s legal profession is mourning Andrew Goldberg, a prominent labour lawyer, founder of Goldberg Attorneys Inc and former acting judge of the Labour Court. His death was announced by his family on Monday, 2 November 2026, prompting tributes from the legal profession and colleagues who recognised his contribution to labour law.
Goldberg had a 22-year career as a lawyer and held BA, LLB and LLM degrees in Labour Law. He opened Goldberg Attorneys Inc in May 2011, creating a practice focused on labour and employment law at Arbour Square Building, 86 Juta Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg.
The firm took on employment disputes, disciplinary hearings, arbitration and cases at the Labour Court and Labour Appeal Court. Goldberg also prepared legal opinions, pleadings and heads of argument, chaired disciplinary hearings and represented clients at the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA).
His office was in the same building as the Labour Court, and he often represented clients there in employment matters. He also worked with attorneys and advocates from all over South Africa, providing correspondent legal services.
A career built around labour law
Goldberg began his legal career in November 2003 at Perrott Van Niekerk & Woodhouse Incorporated in Sandton, where he stayed until July 2005. He then joined Nomali Tshabalala Attorneys in Kensington and worked there until November 2010.
While working at the firm, he gained a lot of experience in labour litigation and arbitration. He appeared in over 80 Labour Court cases and 25 arbitrations, with eight of those cases being officially reported.
In November 2010, he joined Jansens Attorneys as a partner and office manager before starting Goldberg Attorneys Inc in May 2011. Since then, the firm has opened more than 1,000 files and built up 350 correspondent accounts, providing legal support to practitioners in places like Potchefstroom, Phalaborwa and Cape Town.
Goldberg’s work went beyond just representing clients in court. He wrote legal opinions and court papers, handled mediation and arbitration, chaired disciplinary hearings and represented both employers and employees in workplace disputes.
He also served as an acting judge in the Labour Court, bringing his experience in labour litigation and employment law to the bench.
LSSA recognises his contribution to the administration of justice
The Law Society of South Africa (LSSA) said Goldberg’s passing was a loss to the attorneys’ profession, the justice system and the labour law community. LSSA President Machini Motloung noted that Goldberg served the administration of justice both as a lawyer and as a judge.
“The passing of Andrew Goldberg is a loss to the attorneys’ profession and to the labour law community. As a lawyer, as the founder of his own firm and as an acting judge of the Labour Court, he served the administration of justice from the practice and from the bench,” Motloung said.
He said labour law shapes the working lives of millions of South Africans and that lawyers who work with skill and integrity help ensure fairness in the workplace and uphold the rule of law. Motloung offered the LSSA’s condolences to Goldberg’s family, his colleagues at Goldberg Attorneys Inc, the Labour Court and everyone who knew him.
Colleagues remember his commitment to workplace justice
Toto Geza, founder and CEO of Geza Advisory, also paid tribute to Goldberg and described him as a respected lawyer and an important voice for workplace justice and fairness.
Geza said Goldberg was a strong voice in labour law and a champion for workers’ rights, social justice and accountability in the workplace. He also pointed out Goldberg’s commitment to sharing his knowledge and experience with others in the legal profession.
He said Goldberg was generous with his expertise, always willing to talk with colleagues, challenge conventional thinking and share knowledge to help strengthen the profession and support those pursuing justice.
Geza also remembered him for his conviction, his willingness to stand his ground and his contribution to the growth of labour law practice in South Africa.
He said Goldberg’s influence would live on through the knowledge he shared, the professionals he inspired and the principles he stood for. Geza also offered his condolences to the family, friends, colleagues and everyone whose life Goldberg touched.
Family remembers a devoted husband and father
In a statement announcing his death, Goldberg’s family described him as a remarkable man whose compassion and kindness touched everyone around him. The family said he was an exceptional lawyer who did everything with passion, but made it clear that his commitment to his family was just as important. Goldberg is survived by his wife and three children.
“He was the best husband and father to his three children,” the family said, adding that his love for them would stay with them forever. The family also thanked everyone who sent messages of support and condolences after his passing, saying the tributes showed just how much Goldberg cared for those around him.
Funeral arrangements
Goldberg’s funeral will be held on Wednesday, 4 November 2026, at 10.30am at Westpark Cemetery in Johannesburg. Family and friends are invited to attend and celebrate his life.
The LSSA said it joins the legal profession and the Labour Court in mourning his passing and recognising his contribution to labour law in South Africa.
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