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NEW LEADERSHIP FOR COX YEATS

The firm is proud of the fact that Yeats to embrace our fast-
it continues to attract and retain changing and challenging world
the top talents as they enter the with enthusiasm and excellence,
profession. January 2021 brought and give its clients the best
about the appointment of eight possible legal advantage.
new professionals. This steady Cox Yeats has a clear and
growth in skills and expertise
is necessary to provide clients compelling purpose: “To make a
positive difference in this world
with the level of services needed. through consistently being the
Being part of a firm where every most dynamic and innovative
individual is encouraged to reach
their potential is one of Cox Yeats’ law firm that offers highly
personalised expertise.”
most appealing offerings.
This purpose is apparent in
It is therefore unsurprising
that ten of the firm’s senior the firm’s response to the Covid
19 pandemic. Cox Yeats has
attorneys were ranked by the
legal publication Best Lawyers as continued to protect and care
leaders in their fields, which is a for its people – its greatest assets
– while providing a seamless
compelling indication of the high service to clients. During 2020
calibre of legal professionals who
are part of this growing firm. and now in 2021 the firm has
been working remotely, with
The principles of hard work its professionals on call when
Michael Jackson Andrew Clark and commitment – coupled with required. The firm is determined
young and energetic attorneys to remain agile in the face of
the partners. I am confident by corporate business. Cox Yeats who pride themselves on their adversity to ensure it continues to
FTER A DECADE of that, under his leadership, the is honoured and humbled to have individuality, innovation and deliver a personalised and expert
steering the firm through firm will continue to grow and received this award, and believes competitiveness; characteristics
Aa successful period of service to its clients. 
continuous growth, Michael prosper,” says Jackson who it owes this recognition to its that are tempered by the
Jackson has confidently handed will still be on hand to provide clients and the commitment of its experience of long-standing For more information, visit
over the wheel. foundational support. professionals and support staff. professionals – will enable Cox www.coxyeats.co.za
Jackson joined Cox Yeats as a “I intend working, health
candidate attorney in January permitting, for many years to
1988. His early career, he says, come. I will provide Andrew with
was based on a lot of hard work whatever support is required,
and some luck. In addition, during this transition period,
Jackson said that he was fortunate and will continue to be involved
to work with some good people. in firm finances. I look forward
“I was privileged to work closely to new and different challenges
with Graham Cox (who at that going forward.”
time was undoubtedly the best Commenting on his
lawyer in Durban) and with appointment, Andrew Clark
Jeremy Yeats.” said, “I am very excited about the
A highlight of his career was new challenge of being the firm’s
making partner in 1990, after managing partner. I am fortunate
only one year out of articles. enough to be surrounded by a
From the outset, Jackson said that fantastic group of partners, all
he was exposed to large clients of whom are excellent lawyers
and important matters. A big in their own right, and a core
opportunity arose when Jeremy group of senior partners who will
Yeats fell ill, and Jackson took continue to play an important
over the work that he handled role in both the management and
for Richards Bay Minerals and strategic direction of the firm
Tongaat Hulett on land, the going forward. Our intention is
environment, and minerals. It was to take the firm from strength
through this exposure that he then to strength.”
specialised in natural resource
law, which was something that Clark added, “Michael’s role
Jackson he had not considered at in guiding the firm over this
university, where he had focused period and remaining one of
on tax, finance and corporate the best commercial attorneys
law. He was appointed managing in the country cannot be
partner in 2011. underestimated.”
Jackson commented, “For some Over the ten years of Jackson’s
time, I have indicated that I leadership, Cox Yeats has
would be resigning as managing constantly been rated one of
partner during the first part of South Africa’s top law firms in
this financial year. I have always the annual PMR.africa national
set ten years as the limit and the survey. In 2020, despite the
ten years is up in June. I have difficulties faced in responding to
achieved all that I sought to do Covid-19 the firm was awarded a
in this role and it is now time for Diamond Arrow Award, for the
new ideas, fresh energy and a new fourth consecutive year, as the
vision.” top-rated law firm in South Africa
in the Medium-Sized Law Firms
As such, Cox Yeats is delighted category.
to advise that Andrew Clark has
agreed to accept the appointment The firm was also awarded a
as the firm’s new managing Diamond Arrow Award in the
partner. “Importantly, he has PMR.africa provincial survey as
the unanimous support of all the top law firm in the province

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