AS IMMMA Advocates marks 26 years since its establishment, the law firm has emphasized on the important role of creating workable succession plans that will maintain growth and resilience of companies or institutions within the country.
The founder of IMMA Advocates and Managing Partner, Advocate Protase Ishengoma issued the call during a press conference held in Dar es Salaam yesterday, ahead of the commemorations.
Such memorials are expected to take place tomorrow in conjunction with celebrations of the retirement of Advocate Ishengoma.
According to AdvocateSadock Magai, in the 26 years of its existence, IMMA Advocates has demonstrated outstanding services to the people and country as a whole.
“Among notable success that IMMA Advocates can brag of is the firm’s involvement in the review of the Companies Act of 2003 and leading a team of lawyers from within and outside the country to propose a law that saw officials from local authorities adopted in pension funds from previous ones to provide funds,” said Advocate Ishengoma.
Besides, the firm was behind the enactment of the country’s public private partnership law, which oversees through beneficial partnerships between government and private sector.
He also noted that they have prepared the draft of Zanzibar Energy Policy and Bill as well as took part in training the country’s legal professionals at the Law School of Tanzania for three consecutive years from 2007.
Due to its strong presence and membership in global legal groups, IMMA has also offered its services in other African countries, citing the example of Somalia, whereby they supported enacting a law on oil and gas, after being contracted by the African Development Bank (AFDB).
Also, IMMA worked with Ghana to draft a PPP law in the water sector as well as offered pro bono services in Tanzania and Zambia. Likewise, over the years the firm managed to produce judges and lawyers who have been groomed and nurtured by them.
For his part, a co-Managing Partner and Founder, Advocate Sadock Magai, observed that in 2017 IMMA hosted successful investors meetings from the United Kingdom and invited former President Jakaya Kikwete to meet with the investors using the firm’s own resources.
Due to demonstrating outstanding services, IMMA which is part of DLA Africa, last year scooped the East Africa Law Firm of the Year at the Africa Awards 2023 through its regional work, including capacity building projects of the East Africa region.
Speaking on smooth passage, he said IMMA Advocates through Advocate Ishengoma who will be retiring from active legal practice, wants to show the way, demonstrating that it is possible for the founders to entrust the powers of running the company to juniors, with good preparations and succession plan.
He indicated that Mr Ishengoma will be honored for his dedication to the establishment, growth and resilience to the life of IMMA in 26 years of its existence.
“We are grateful for his commitment and dedication to the growth of the business, the belief in a succession plan for the business and legal profession in the country,” he said.
Expounding further, he said IMMA prides itself on having 23 practicing lawyers, including partners and associates.
He added: “His retirement at the peak of IMMA performance is a clear testimony of his commitment in a law firm of the future and belief in the succession plan that he and fellow partners have built over a period of 26 years.”