31/12/2020
As we approach the end of the year, I wish to take a moment to thank you for your contribution in the running of our business, reflect on 2020, and look ahead to 2021.
This year will be remembered for the worldwide Covid -19 pandemic. We all had to deal with major changes, adapt and grow accustomed to a new normal. We thank you for your support and going an extra mile during these extraordinarily challenging times.
As we approach 2021, what will it bring?
The COVID-19 pandemic is unleashing a new era of change for businesses as well. Companies have seen the effects of high-consequence, low-likelihood risks first hand. While corporate decision-makers cannot plan for every potential risk, I have examined some ways we can prepare for extraordinary risks, determine which protections are worth the investment, and position ourselves for better resiliency. As CEOs continue to develop their covid exit strategies, I have analyzed how our company have found a successful covid exit path with transformations that balance portfolio moves and performance improvements.
We will continue with our commitment to the transformation of the legal services sector in South Africa. We will continue to grow, expand and develop our service offering to our longstanding and new clients. We will continue with our efforts to the best at law we can be to each and every one of our clients. Our staff will be more tech-savvy. We will stop at nothing, upgrading and training our employees constantly.
Many law firms implemented pay cuts, layoffs and other austerity measures in the spring and summer in response to economic pressures the coronavirus pandemic created. Months later, some of them have either rolled back some austerity measures or made additional cuts, or some combination of the two. It doesn’t take a prophet to see that the COVID-19 pandemic is going to
have lasting consequences on our lives and the way we do business. The nature of these changes, however, is less clear. What will the impact be on Fakude & Associates law firm operations?
Younger or luckier firms probably haven’t considered forming an internal crisis team until now, although we also did not, we managed to stand firm and survived through. Most businesses today have been forced to embrace cloud technology and video conferencing software like Zoom or GoToMeeting — and
they’re finding that it’s not so bad. Maybe even better and so do I think, Fakude & Associates will embark on joining such companies in evolving with technology. This doesn’t just mean that our firm will adopt video conferencing software. Physical presence in the office will be supported by the digital side of things, it will be more important than ever to embrace digital transformation as a result.
Fortunately, our firm has a plan in place to ensure business continuity so that we are operational and fully available to handle client matters as seamlessly as possible. Our plan includes enhancements to our already established work capabilities, which enable our attorneys and staff to continue to be responsive to our client’s needs throughout any closures that may take place. We will remain reachable by phone, video, and email as normal, and we will continue to have full access to our systems, and face-to-face meetings, please know that with our systems in place, we will stand ready to assist our clients with any challenges they are facing or questions they have. We realize each client, each business, and each industry will feel the effects in different ways, and our attorneys and support staff are prepared to help navigate this territory, or to just lend an ear. Hence I have decided to identify the need to invest in personal growth and professional fulfilment of each and every one of our employees in 2021. It is my belief that by doing this, the firm will maximise its efficiency and profitability.
As legal clients evolve, so do their expectations no matter their level of income. Convenient solutions and immediate responses have become the norm in many sectors. Law firms have been encouraged to keep up, catch up, or be left behind and of course, how can Fakude & Associates be left behind? I am working at implementing strategies that will take our firm to greater heights in 2021 and enable it to compete at national level. This transformation will allow clients to receive more complex advice on different issues. By investing in technology, the firm will attempt to benefit from it. It is no secret that the legal industry is rapidly transforming and today, law firms and legal departments from all over the world are feeling the pressure to respond.Perhaps it’s no wonder; clients expect better and more efficient customer service and law firms feel the need to stand out from the crowd. Fakude and Associates too, feels the need to stand out to the light and serve its purpose along with the world change.
Today, I would like to acknowledge the strength in our team. Each member working tirelessly, harnessing all their energy and skills to meet the needs of our clients and colleagues, doing whatever it takes to get the job done.
For that, I want to thank all Fakude & Associates employees who have adjusted their way of working to continue supporting our valued customers and colleagues I am proud of the work values, spirit, devotion and unity I have observed in our employees across the firm, as we adapt to a new reality. I know how extraordinary these times have been for all of you guys and our business. I believe solidarity will help us get through this together. We will continue to provide the world with utmost legal support and services.
In these moments of uncertainty, there is one thing I can always count on— your commitment to my business and its success. I am extremely honoured to have each and every one of you working for me today and in the future.
Mr Fakude
