Thomas James Cross

About Thomas

James practices in the fields of Environmental, Health and Safety Law. He regularly advises clients on environmental-legal administrative enforcement proceedings, litigation, administrative appeals, and environmental, mining, health and safety legal opinions. James also provides environmental-legal input to commercial transactions, due diligence investigations and renders strategic regulatory process and compliance risk advice to clients in the private sector. James has also assisted Government with the drafting of legislation, statutory interpretation and comment on draft legislation. James co-founded the law firm Cameron Cross Incorporated in 2002. The firm specialised in all aspects of environmental, health and safety law. Cameron Cross Incorporated was regarded as one of the leading firms in South Africa in Environmental Health and Safety law. James joined Tabacks as a director in 2013. Engagements James has been involved in a number of matters, such as: SHE-legal interpretation and opinion provided to companies operating within the mining and industrial sectors, property development companies, public rail transport sector, environmental assessment practitioners and multi-disciplinary consultant/engineering companies; Preparation of appeals in accordance with mining and environmental legislation; Representation of mining, industrial and construction companies regarding water law, historical water rights, access to water, drafting of water use agreements and representation of clients at the SA Water Tribunal; Assistance to clients within the waste management sector on government policy and initiatives as well as legal requirements pertaining to waste licensing; Representing multi-national industrial and mining clients in environmental litigation proceedings; Representing the Minerals Council of South Africa in parliamentary proceedings on environmental legislative developments; Advising multi-national mining clients on mine closure obligations; Advising mining and industrial clients on historical environmental-legal exposure risks; transactional implications arising from environmental-legal obligations and the transfer of permits, licences and other authorisations. Accomplishments Included in The Best Lawyers in South Africa for Environmental Law, 2021-2023 Nominated as Best Lawyers' Lawyer of The Year for Environmental Law in Johannesburg, 2022 Ranked by Chambers and Partners in South Africa for Environment, 2018-2023

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