

Jacob van Zyl is the CEO and founder of Podium Law, a Queensland firm renowned for its outcome-focused legal services. With 35 years of experience as a solicitor, Jacob has distinguished himself in various local and international jurisdictions, consistently delivering results for major corporations and individual clients. His strategic insight and compliance expertise have led to prestigious board positions with independent wealth management schemes. Jacob's extensive career includes managing his own legal practice for over three decades, where he developed a keen ability to navigate complex legal challenges. He has a proven track record in handling construction, contract, and body corporate disputes, providing proactive solutions to mitigate potential risks. His experience spans contract drafting and litigation, equipping him with the skills to identify and address areas of concern preemptively. Throughout his career, Jacob has been involved in diverse legal roles, from serving as a special counsel at NXT Legal & Compliance to guiding strategic initiatives as a general counsel at ARBT Property Group. His role as a founder and director at JFZ Lawyers highlights his capability to manage and grow mid-tier enterprises with a focus on personal and professional client service. Jacob's involvement in alternative dispute resolution and outcome-based negotiations has become a hallmark of his practice, especially in workplace, commercial, and building disputes. Jacob's educational background includes a Bachelor of Laws from Queensland University of Technology and a Bachelor’s Degree in Law from the University of Johannesburg. His diverse qualifications and extensive hands-on experience make him a formidable advocate, dedicated to finding solutions and ensuring clients' interests are vigorously protected.
Managing Partner
Podium Law Pty Ltd
Jul 2024 - Present • 2 years 4 months

Associate Partner
PCL Lawyers
Jun 2023 - Present • 3 years 5 months

Member Board of Directors
Rhodes Asset Management Ltd
Aug 2020 - Present • 6 years 3 months
Special Counsel
NXT Legal & Compliance
Apr 2020 - Jun 2023 • 3 years 2 months
General Counsel
ARBT Property Group Pty Ltd
Jan 2019 - Apr 2020 • 1 year 3 months

Consultant
Irish Bentley Lawyers
Aug 2017 - Aug 2018 • 1 year

Relationship Manager
LegalWise
Feb 2012 - Feb 2014 • 2 years
Financial Planning and Analysis Manager
DEBT COUNSELLING LEGAL SERVICES
Dec 2010 - Jun 2015 • 4 years 6 months
Founder/Director
JFZ Lawyers
Jan 1993 - Aug 2017 • 24 years 7 months

B.Comm (Business)
University of Johannesburg

Bachelor’s Degree, Law
University of Johannesburg

Bachelor of Laws - LLB
QUT (Queensland University of Technology)
2019
Last checked: 11 Mar 2026 • Checked with Queensland Law Society