Martin Vermaak Attorneys, founded by Martin Vermaak, has more than two decades of experience in the legal profession.
We built our reputation on divorce and family law, and over the years our clients have come to trust us with not just their families, but their livelihood and businesses as well.
We are well known for specialising in divorce cases with complex issues that involve private companies, trusts, or hidden assets and investments.
Due to this constant overlap with commercial law, we’ve decided to expand our expertise and appoint additional attorneys versed in commercial law. And to accommodate more business, we have offices in the three main centres of South Africa.
We are now proud to call ourselves an authority in commercial law.
All during our two decades plus of experience, we at Martin Vermaak Attorneys, have always recognised that excellence must be an endless pursuit, and we have incessantly striven to continuously improve our skills.
Our commitment is to provide you with satisfaction regarding your legal matters: the way in which we handle them and, of course, the outcome.
As part of that commitment, we’ve conducted extensive research to understand the needs and preferences of existing and potential clients so that we can better serve them.
In this article, we’re excited to share the insights we’ve gleaned from our research, as well as how we enhanced our services.
Through our research, we’ve discovered four distinct challenges that existing and potential clients constantly face:
Business Risk Management
Many business owners view legal counsel as prohibitively expensive. However, they often learn far too late that legal counsel is an investment not an expense.
Counsel is instructed, when necessary, to identify and mitigate legal risks that could impact the Client’s business, its operations and reputation of both the business and the client.
Cost-Effective Solutions
Seeking efficient and cost-effective legal services that provide value for money.
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” This old adage has proved right too many times to relate, also “Better safe than sorry”.
The most cost-effective solution to a problem is avoiding the problem in the first place. But, barring that, business owners sometimes need guidance in choosing an economical solution that still delivers the desired result.
Timely and Responsive Support
Our clients have come to expect prompt and reliable communication and support.
Swift and clear communication instills confidence in a client, which is vital for keeping composure during the legal process.
Requiring a deep understanding of their industry’s legal nuances and challenges is vital.
Each business has its own set of challenges, and owners want access to specialists that know the ins and outs of their particular industry.
Again, at Martin Vermaak Attorneys, our commitment is your satisfaction.
While aiming for a favourable outcome, we work closely with our clients and create a legal plan unique to their specific situation. We also strive to make the process pain free for our clients.
Cape Town (Kaapstad). Waterfront – Victoria Basin with historical buildings. Devil’s Peak and Table Mountain in the background
According to our research, clients’ consistently value these criteria and high standards are sought when choosing an external law firm:
Specialisation and Industry Knowledge
Clients value attorneys who have proven themselves capable of handling any issues that may arise in their business sector, or can provide practical, easily actionable advice.
In choosing Martin Vermaak Attorneys, you can expect experienced attorneys with diverse backgrounds able to effectively navigate your area of the legal system.
Cost-Effectiveness
Business owners expect competitive fee structures and only work with legal counsel who have a reputation for delivering value.
At Martin Vermaak Attorneys, we believe that legal guidance should be available to all, and we offer legal assistance, even to businesses that lack the financial capacity for full-time, in-house counsel.
Client-Centred Approach
Existing and potential clients state that the commercial law attorney that inspires trust is one that listens attentively, and tailors their legal advice according to each client’s different circumstances.
No matter how complex and challenging the case is, our goal is to guide you, our client, towards making informed decisions that are not clouded by stress. We use a personalised approach- designed for your comfort and ease – to reach the most realistic and favourable outcome.
Track Record and Reputation
Having a proven track record of favourable results instils confidence in a client.
With Martin Vermaak at the ‘helm of your ship’, our law firm has built a reputation on providing only trusted, reliable guidance to our valued clients. We are known for navigating you as safely as possible through troubled seas!
While we are glad to regale you with stories of hard-fought victories in the courtroom, we prefer that you get your information first-hand.
Visit our site to see what our many satisfied clients have to say.
There are many legal services that a business lawyer can provide, but there are two types of services that clients will never fail to outsource:
• Litigation, and
• Ongoing advice when needed.
Litigation
Litigation is a last resort when two or more parties fail to come to an amicable resolution.
Business owners prefer to avoid litigation and court as it’s costly and time-consuming, but there are times when it will be necessary in order to protect the business’ interests.
Ongoing Advice
Also known as a Retainer Agreement, is when a fixed amount is paid upfront for future legal services.
This is beneficial for businesses that seek regular advice but don’t have the capacity to pay an attorney’s hourly rate.
As we face the unknowns of the future, be assured that our team will continue to develop their skill sets to better serve existing and potential clients.
Section 4: Measuring Success and Performance
When clients employ external law firms for legal engagements, there are three things that are most important to them:
Outcome and Results
Favourable resolutions, successful negotiations, or court rulings in favour of the client are what determine the success of a legal engagement.
Timeliness and Efficiency
Apart from the outcome, using resources efficiently, and cost predictability, are important criteria for those seeking legal counsel.
Understanding Business Objectives
A successful legal battle requires lawyers that know what to sacrifice (give to get) in order to achieve a favourable outcome.
A legal strategy that aligns with the client’s objectives, and communicating what is realistically within reach can turn what looks like defeat into a best-case scenario victory.
In regards to key performance indicators (KPI), existing and potential clients always look for quality and use these KPIs to gauge the performance of legal services rendered:
• Cost Management
• Time Management
• Success Rate
• Responsiveness
• Retention Rate
• Client Referrals
At Martin Vermaak Attorneys, understanding and acting strategically on what our clients deem important is at the core of our commitment to excellence.
When getting into a legal engagement, there is intensive research to be done, during which we always take into account our clients’ precise circumstances.
No matter in what direction it may lead, or what obstacles may eventually arise, our skilled and experienced attorneys are ready to steer the legal challenges to our clients’ benefit, by securing timely and cost-effective conclusions that are in the best interests of your business.
Throughout the years, clients have shared with us their experiences with other firms thus telling us what they don’t want.
That knowledge of their past legal experiences helps us to get things right according to their preferences and it supports our drive for customer satisfaction.
Responsiveness is one of the qualities that are consistently highly valued.
During critical moments, clients appreciate prompt, logical communication and regular updates.
According to our clients, when firms lack responsiveness, it leads to undue stress and frustration for them.
Depth of expertise is another asset that clients desire. They’ll never go to a paediatrician for a brain tumour; likewise, they want an attorney that is an expert in their business sector.
For the benefit of our clients, we’ve embedded this feedback into our fundamental service principles.
We take pains to ensure that our clients receive quick answers and routine updates from us.
We have also invested in continuous professional development, ensuring our team is well-versed in various legal areas.
At Martin Vermaak Attorneys, we don’t ‘rest on our laurels’.
We are ever vigilant – constantly adapting and refining our systems and approach and committed to making steady but increasing improvements in our service to our clients.
Client-centric legal advice and perpetual learning is in the DNA of every member of our team.
We express our heartfelt gratitude to our clients, whose invaluable input is the reason for a large portion of our progress.
Their insights drive us to improve, enhance responsiveness, and deepen our legal expertise. Client feedback fuels our growth, allowing us to elevate our abilities as a law firm.
Martin Vermaak Attorneys has a lifelong commitment to providing the best possible service for companies looking to outsource their legal needs.
Our purpose is to expand our international reach, build successful and enduring partnerships, and enable clients to confidently manoeuvre through their legal challenges.
Whether it’s guidance in divorce and matters of family law, or comprehensive support in commercial law, our seasoned team at Martin Vermaak Attorneys is ready to provide tailor-made legal solutions that align with your business goals.
Whatever unique requirements your legal situation entails, we at Martin Vermaak Attorneys are determined to accompany you every step of the way.
Call us on 087 822 1639 or email litigation@martinvermaak.co.za today to explore how Martin Vermaak Attorneys can assist you in achieving favourable outcomes in your legal matters. Alternatively, visit our website to book a consultation online.
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