KZN's largest locally based legal practice, Cox Yeats Attorneys, recently made another bold 'move' to provide space for an approximate threefold increase in professionals in the last few years. The law firm's move to the purpose-built Ncondo Chambers on uMhlanga Ridge with its mid-century modern architectural theme and state-of-the-art facilities, not only accommodates these professionals but perfectly reflects Cox Yeats' mix of traditional values and contemporary expertise.

About 10 years ago, Cox Yeats moved to uMhlanga Ridge - making it one of the first law firms to relocate to north of the city centre. Over the past eight years, the firm has grown from having 10 partners with a total of 14 lawyers to one with 28 partners and 46 lawyers, all of whom who are fully committed to Cox Yeats. In addition, many of these are listed in top legal publications, such as Best Lawyers as well as various industry-specific guides to the world's leading lawyers.

However, the firm's growth over the past few years resulted in their attorneys working in disjointed spaces on four floors of their building. This resulted in the need for purposebuilt offices to ensure that all professionals and support staff were logically placed together and to accommodate the steady growth being experienced.  The realisation of this long-term goal has been successfully achieved with careful adherence to budget in challenging economic times.

Conveniently located, with easy access from Umhlanga Rocks Drive, Ncondo Chambers is another defining landmark on the uMhlanga Ridge skyline. Ncondo Chambers reflect the culture of openness and future vision that define Cox Yeats as a law firm. Mid-century modern architecture incorporates elements such as flat planes, large windows for natural lighting and an integration with nature.

The top floor comprises a client reception area, a feature staircase with a wrap-around library, boardrooms, meeting rooms, and client waiting areas. The reception area is intended to make clients feel comfortable and at home and to be rather like the lobby area of a small boutique mid-century hotel. The building
has spectacular views as well as plenty of parking on five levels for clients and guests.

Cox Yeats prides itself on being a firm that teaches young lawyers and values research. Consequently, the placement of the library within the heart of the firm emphasises the importance of this ethos and shows that learning is central to the way the firm practices.  The university lecture style chairs, reminiscent of mid-century, are also chosen to reflect that learning is imperative.

Significantly, in the 'engine room' of the firm, professionals have been situated to enhance the opportunity of regular interaction between them, ultimately for the benefit of the firm's clients, but also serving as an enabler for future growth in the firm. The law firm, which operates locally, nationally and internationally, offers growing expertise and specialisation in the commercial and personal legal fields. Cox Yeats' signature strategy is to employ specialised teams made up of professionals and specialists in their fields who then connect directly with the clients. The eight teams also draw on other teams' expertise, which creates much attention to detail and vibrant 'cross-pollination' that makes the firm a 'true life partner' for clients. Two teams concentrate on construction and engineering, two teams on property, one on corporate law and natural resources, one on labour, one on maritime and insurance, and one on business rescue and company restructuring.

"The move to new offices presents an exciting opportunity for the professionals, and teams, to maximise their potential by consulting and giving presentations to clients in an environment that visually reflects the DNA of the firm. There is a well struck balance in the new offices between the 'old' and the 'new' -  namely, a recognition of the importance of the firm's history and the need to remain relevant by ensuring that all forms of modern technology are available to assist professionals in meeting clients' requirements," commented Andrew Clark, Partner and Head of the Maritime & Insurance Team.

The last few years have brought much change to the legal and business profession as advances in technology has made it necessary for lawyers to adapt in the way they practice. Michael Jackson, Managing Partner, says that the firm has recognised not only the need to keep abreast of the times, but to keep focused on what is clearly the most important element of their operation - the needs of the client. The fundamental DNA of the firm is: "To make a positive difference in our world and to do this by consistently being the most dynamic and innovative law firm possible, offering highly personalised expertise to our clients."

"We are very inspired and excited with this new chapter in our firm's journey," concluded Jackson. "We are committed to continuously growing in expertise and people, so that we remain in the best position to serve our clients. We now have a building and premises with amazing reception areas and capacity to accommodate at least up to 70 attorneys."

Cox Yeats is proud of having set the platform for many more years of growth and progress. 

www.coxyeats.co.za