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3. The Phatshoane

Henney Group

The Phatshoane Henney Group is South Africa’s largest legal network,
comprising nearly 50 top small and medium-sized law firms in South
Africa, with 67 offices in nine Provinces and over 500 professionals in
the Group.

The Group was founded in 2006 by Bloemfontein law firm Phatshoane
Henney Attorneys to assist smaller law firms to access valuable
support services, unavailable or inaccessible to a standard law
firm. At the same time, it has aided the national expansion of the
Phatshoane Henney brand, extending the firm’s reach beyond its
Free State roots.

As one of only a limited number of large law firms that are more than
51% black-owned, Phatshoane Henney Attorneys is a transformation
success story. Recognised as the Best Free State Law Firm for the sixth
year in a row in 2017, the firm also sets the standard in the legal
arena.

Through their membership, Group firms can access support, expertise,
shared resources and economies of scale, without sacrificing
their individual identity or independence. Paired with guidance
and mentorship by Phatshoane Henney Attorneys, member firms
are prepared for the challenges facing the profession. The Group
brand, recognised as a leading legal brand, also complements and
strengthens each firm’s brand by referencing the values and quality
elements that underpin Group membership.

To increase the recognition of member firms, a multi-year campaign
has been undertaken to position each member as a new breed
of law firm. Founded on the Group values of caring, innovation,
expertise, standards and diversity, the campaign requires each firm
to adopt these values and implement best practices to give effect
thereto. Group standards provide the basis for annual monitoring
of progress, and firms are supported through appointed Group
regional directors who oversee and assist firms at board level with
guidance and strategic support, ensuring vital knowledge transfer
and mentorship within all firms. Our DNA

The Group sets a clear standard for the operation of mid-sized
law firms, establishing effective management practices, guiding
transformation, supporting regulatory compliance, and encouraging
member firms to at all times be value-adding corporate citizens of
South Africa in order to be recognised as a new breed of law firm.

A new breed of law firm 5