Page 6 - Trandformation Report 2020/2021.indd

Introduction

With universities in lockdown, the Group embraced digital technology and Considering the impact of the pandemic years, I am more confident than ever
in 2021 hosted the first ever virtual Phatshoane Henney Group Open Week, that the Group continues to set the standard for transformation in the legal sector
attended by more than 1500 law students from all universities across South for small and medium law firms. Without the benefit of a guiding Legal Sector
Africa. The virtual Group Open Week gave attendees exposure to 30 sessions BEE Charter, our Group BEE standards and member firm commitment support
and discussions led by member firms and representatives, allowing attendees my view that a shared and supported vision can make a substantial difference
the opportunity to learn, engage and interact with member firms in all reaches when it comes to real transformation.
of the country. This simple yet effective initiative, coupled with our centralised
graduate recruitment platform has ensured that the Group continued to attract
interest and applications from graduates applying to member firms nationally,
despite the impact of the pandemic.

With many young professionals restricted to remote work during the pandemic
and thereby limiting opportunities for client and learning engagement, the
danger existed that an entire generation of young professionals could be
impacted in their career development. Recognising this danger, the Group
established a programme of professional development webinars hosted by
senior practitioners in the Phatshoane Henney Group to focus on technical
training across all disciplines of the law for young Group professionals. The
programme has been tremendously impactful, even attracting attendance by
senior Group professionals, and has become a much-anticipated weekly fixture
in the Group calendar.

Member firms have also been working hard over the last few years to implement
our Group standards and best practices at their firms. I truly believe this has also
helped firms be better prepared and able to weather the storms of the last two
years than many of their competitors. My view is supported by the continuing Douglas Henney
growth in expenditure by Group firms on transformation initiatives, as this report Chair, Phatshoane Henney Group
will show, and underscores the importance of our Group focus on building New 28 February 2022
Breed Law Firms.

GROUP TRANSFORMATION REPORT 2020 / 2021 PAGE 6