Page 9 - Transformation Report.indd

4. GROUP BEE STANDARDS

4.1 Overview
Our goal that member firms set the standard for transformation in the legal
industry requires a deeply-rooted commitment to BEE coupled with progressive
initiatives if such aspirations are to become a reality. Recognising that more is
required than just commitment, Group firms unanimously adopted the Group
BEE Standards to formalise this commitment across all firms and thereby set
clear standards as an example of how transformation can be achieved in the
legal sector. Group firms

To assist firms with implementing BEE initiatives and providing guidance and
mentorship, black regional directors from Phatshoane Henney Attorneys are unanimously
responsible for support, oversight and mentorship of firms in their respective
regions to help firms plan for and meet the targets set by the Group BEE adopted the
Standards.
Group BEE

4.2 The Challenge for Regional Firms Standards to

Regional member firms away from the main city centres and universities formalise the
are typically smaller law firms practising in low-income rural economies.
These firms are hard-pressed to attract and retain quality black candidates, communal
particularly at a professional level given lower-income levels in these regions
as well as greater distance from universities and cities which impact on the commitment
ability to identify, attract and ultimately retain quality black candidates at such
firms.
towards BEE
Despite progressive Group efforts to assist these regional firms to develop
their professional base, it remains a reality that such development is far more
difficult than in the large centres. Accordingly, a differentiation is made in
the Group BEE Standards between member firms that are located in the
main centres and those in the regional areas in terms of their year-on-year
compliance targets under the Group BEE Standards in respect of black
appointments at firms.

4.3 The Group BEE Standards

Each member firm is required to meet the following minimum standards in
order to demonstrate its overall BEE compliance and focus on transformation
at the firm:
1. The firm must achieve at least a Level 6 BEE Certificate under the Amended
BEE Codes.

a new breed of law firm 7