Network of Small, Midsize Firms Look for Opportunity in Hard Times
It is always nice to read an article that supports your views. This article comments on the virtues of law firm networks, and I completely agree. Good law firm networks are formalized and structured "best friends" relationships that are maintained in large part by a professional staff at the network level. Of course, as with any best friends relationship, you get out of the relationship what you put into it. The same is true of law firm networks. You get out of them what you put into them. Thus, there are still costs to maintaining a firm's presence in a law firm network. These costs include, network dues, the cost of attending network meetings, and the costs of participating in network sponsored programs and activities. All things considered, however, these costs are usually less than those required to maintain a series of ad hoc best friends relationships.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Mapping the Legal Globe
Mapping the Legal Globe
This looks like a very worthwhile project that anyone interested in the delivery of legal services internationally should definitely follow and support. One thing that needs much closer study is the belief that only the largest law firms can successfully enter the international arena. I do not subscribe to that view, but there is no formal evidence that suggests that small firms can be successful as well. With more study of the means and methods of delivering international legal services, I suspect that it will be possible to demonstrate that most firms can enjoy an international practice, if they have the right skill sets and the right mix of "best friends" or law firm network connections.
This looks like a very worthwhile project that anyone interested in the delivery of legal services internationally should definitely follow and support. One thing that needs much closer study is the belief that only the largest law firms can successfully enter the international arena. I do not subscribe to that view, but there is no formal evidence that suggests that small firms can be successful as well. With more study of the means and methods of delivering international legal services, I suspect that it will be possible to demonstrate that most firms can enjoy an international practice, if they have the right skill sets and the right mix of "best friends" or law firm network connections.
BigLaw Firm Breaks Out the Good China
BigLaw Firm Breaks Out the Good China
It is good to see more articles about firms forming alliances and opening offices and fewer articles about staff reductions, pay cuts, and law firm closings. At the end of the day, a large part of the future of the practice of law rests with international practice, and those firms who have remained true to their commitment to enhance their ability to practice internationally will be much better off for it.
It is good to see more articles about firms forming alliances and opening offices and fewer articles about staff reductions, pay cuts, and law firm closings. At the end of the day, a large part of the future of the practice of law rests with international practice, and those firms who have remained true to their commitment to enhance their ability to practice internationally will be much better off for it.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
BigLaw Firm Takes Lateral Hiring Spree Across the Pond
BigLaw Firm Takes Lateral Hiring Spree Across the Pond
There may be several interesting old and new trends in this article. The old trend is the continuing mobility of lawyers at the top of their profession. The new trend is that some firms obviously think better times are coming and are getting ready for them. Greenberg Traurig obviously is not troubled by the current economic climate and must obviously think the worst it behind us. Let's hope they are right.
There may be several interesting old and new trends in this article. The old trend is the continuing mobility of lawyers at the top of their profession. The new trend is that some firms obviously think better times are coming and are getting ready for them. Greenberg Traurig obviously is not troubled by the current economic climate and must obviously think the worst it behind us. Let's hope they are right.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
White & Case prepares for Qatar launch | News | The Lawyer
White & Case prepares for Qatar launch News The Lawyer
If you read this article quickly without looking at other factors, it seems to suggest that the economy is turning around and that firms are starting to take reasonable forward looking risks again. However, at the same time, it looks as if DLA is still pulling back in the region. Several other firms have done the same recently. They all cannot be right in their assessment of the situation. While I tend to think it is important to seize opportunities, and that difficult times can mask opportunities unless you look closely, W&C's new office seems like a bold move that bears further watching.
If you read this article quickly without looking at other factors, it seems to suggest that the economy is turning around and that firms are starting to take reasonable forward looking risks again. However, at the same time, it looks as if DLA is still pulling back in the region. Several other firms have done the same recently. They all cannot be right in their assessment of the situation. While I tend to think it is important to seize opportunities, and that difficult times can mask opportunities unless you look closely, W&C's new office seems like a bold move that bears further watching.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Norton Rose signs tie-up with Australia's Deacons | News | The Lawyer
Norton Rose signs tie-up with Australia's Deacons News The Lawyer
This is an interesting combination, and it must reflect a certain confidence that the economy is going to be turning around soon, particularly in the Australia and Asia markets. What is also interesting is how Deacons' Hong Kong and other China offices are going to fit in. There is not too much said about that other than they are not part of the merger. I guess this is one of those stay tuned issues that will come out later.
This is an interesting combination, and it must reflect a certain confidence that the economy is going to be turning around soon, particularly in the Australia and Asia markets. What is also interesting is how Deacons' Hong Kong and other China offices are going to fit in. There is not too much said about that other than they are not part of the merger. I guess this is one of those stay tuned issues that will come out later.
Pinsent Masons to Outsource Litigation Work to South Africa
Pinsent Masons to Outsource Litigation Work to South Africa
South Africa is rapidly becoming a favored outsourcing jurisdiction it seems, particularly among UK firms. The interesting question is how long will it be before US firms start to discover South Africa?
South Africa is rapidly becoming a favored outsourcing jurisdiction it seems, particularly among UK firms. The interesting question is how long will it be before US firms start to discover South Africa?
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