Expert in international trade law Dr Gustav Brink, an extraordinary lecturer at the University of Pretoria (UP), has once again placed South Africa on the global legal map by being named a Lexology Index Thought Leader: Global Elite for 2025. This accolade is considered the highest honour in the international legal fraternity and is awarded by peers to a select group of experts worldwide.

“This is the highest accolade that can be bestowed in the international legal fraternity, and it is entirely peer-driven,” Dr Brink explained. “There are three levels of recognition: the experts with about 500 individuals globally; the Thought Leaders, comprising the top 120; and the Global Elite, a select 39, the largest group ever recognised.”

This marks the sixth time in eight years – and the third consecutive year – that Dr Brink has received this honour.

“It is an absolute honour to be recognised in this way,” he said. “I am one of only two individuals from Africa to have ever achieved this recognition. The other recipient, a friend from Mauritius, received it for the second time this year.”

Dr Brink’s expertise in mercantile law has had a significant impact on both policy and industry. His work spans government advisory roles, corporate representation and academic contributions. He drafts international trade legislation and policies, provides technical training and collaborates with top legal minds worldwide. In 2024, he delivered training sessions in Indonesia and Serbia, with another scheduled visit to Serbia in April 2025.

“I provide technical training on aspects of international trade law such as trade remedies, fisheries subsidies and World Trade Organisation dispute settlements,” he said. “I work with both governments and private entities, representing domestic industries seeking trade protection and exporters accused of unfair trade practices.”

His role as an extraordinary lecturer at UP has also influenced his research and mentorship.

“Most of my research focuses on trade remedies law. I have written the only textbook on the subject in South Africa and published extensively in international journals. This recognition has also led to an influx of postgraduate students into the Department of Mercantile Law at UP, where I supervise seven LLD students."

Dr Brink’s journey into mercantile law was not planned. Initially aspiring to become a chartered accountant, he discovered his passion for trade law while working at the Department of Trade and Industry.

“Seven months into my first role, a new directorate dealing with international trade was created, and I was invited to join,” he recalls. “I jumped at the opportunity, and more than 30 years later, I still love what I do.”

His advice to aspiring legal professionals is straightforward: “Two things are critically important: read as much as you can and stay abreast of global developments. Networking across borders is essential.”

Looking ahead, Dr Brink is working on two new books on trade remedies in South Africa and Africa, and on a series of articles on fisheries subsidies.

“I would like to be appointed as an extraordinary professor,” he says. “I’m also mentoring younger lecturers and fostering international collaborations to advance the discourse in mercantile law.”