Editors' views
Continuing her European tour, EMEA editor Ella Marshall reflects on Ronaldo, cherrypicking, and changing networking practices in Portugal
Last month, I spent some time in Lisbon to attend the GC Powerlist Iberia (Portugal) and meet with several law firms ahead of The Legal 500’s next EMEA guide. For the converted, I don’t need to proselytise on what a fantastic city Portugal’s capital is, something that has been recognised by the many multinational companies …
Continue reading “Iberian nights (and days)”
Interview with...
K&L Gates’ global managing partner on the influence of legal tech, alternatives to the billable hour, and what business drivers are critical to clients
How is technology changing the way you meet client needs? Which areas will be most affected by new tech? We have sought to be very proactive in utilising technology to meet client needs because it is a key vehicle for delivery of value to clients. Much of the focus in the business of law is …
Continue reading “James Segerdahl: Price is a poor proxy for quality or value”
Training and education
San Francisco-based litigation partner Jim Basile gives fivehundred the lowdown on the Kirkland Institute for Trial Advocacy, a firm-wide trial advocacy and litigation attorney training programme that prepares associates for all a courtroom can throw at them
Please give us brief history and overview of the programme. Kirkland & Ellis started the Kirkland Institute for Trial Advocacy, or KITA, programme 41 years ago. It is the largest, most comprehensive litigation training programme at any firm. It emphasises core trial skills and becomes more complex as associates advance. In more detail, what does …
Continue reading “Creating trial-ready lawyers”
Editors' views
Asia Pacific editor John van der Luit-Drummond explains the weight placed on client feedback and how to maximise your firm’s coverage in the next rankings
And… time’s up! The submission process for The Legal 500’s Asia Pacific 2020 guide is now closed. To all firms across the 25 jurisdictions we cover, thank you for contributing to this year’s research. Over the last few weeks, a number of firms have sought clarification over the factors we consider when rankings practices and …
Continue reading “Your clients are your biggest cheerleaders, and critics”
Marketing
The IBA’s Law Firm Management Committee recently presented a webinar on the growing role that legal directories are playing in the legal profession across the globe focussing on why general counsel (GCs) and law firms work with the legal directories. This is the third instalment in a box set series of the growing influence of …
Continue reading “Why do law firms and general counsel work with legal directories?”
Diversity and inclusion
This Pride season, The Legal 500’s Amy Ulliott spoke to representatives of three UK law firms to find out how they have championed equality at home and abroad, and what advice they would give other firms yet to embrace an openly inclusive environment
From Brunei to the UK, the inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT+) people in society has rarely been out of the news in recent months. In April, Brunei introduced new legislation making sodomy an offence punishable by death, with lesbian sex now subject to corporal punishment and/or ten years imprisonment. In May, Kenya’s …
Continue reading “Being your true self at work”
Client Services
Marcello Floris, co-head of employment and pensions at Eversheds Sutherland in Italy, on the importance of managing clients’ expectations and utilising a common sense approach to legal practice
A law firm provides an array of services, ranging from consultancy to drafting of documents, to assistance in litigation, to name but a few. The reputation of a firm is deeply grounded in the quality of services it provides its clients. Many firms coach their partners on the notion of delivering excellence in client service, …
Continue reading “Never overlook the basics of client service”
Editors' views
In an increasingly competitive marketplace, client service can be a key differentiator for law firms. Georgina Stanley explains how a major new research project from The Legal 500 has set out to identify those making the best impression
Stewarts, Mishcon de Reya, and Weil, Gotshal & Manges have emerged among the top-performing law firms for client service in the UK, according to brand new Legal 500 research assessing what clients really think about their external advisers. The trio are among a host of leading US and UK firms to have been recognised by …
Continue reading “Client Service Awards – What clients really want”
Interview with...
The leaders of Crowell & Moring Brussels on the challenges of management, growth, and why law firm culture is key for clients and fee earners
How would you define your firm’s culture? Our firm was founded in the US in 1979 by a group of lawyers, staff, and clients who left a large corporate firm because they believed in doing things differently. Four decades later, this belief is still a cornerstone of the firm’s culture. Our Brussels office was started …
Continue reading “Kristof Roox and Thomas De Meese: Managing partners shouldn’t hide behind their role”
Interview with...
Galicia Abogados’ founding partner talks about developing his firm in Mexico, incentivising innovation, and what associates must do to make partner
How would you define your firm’s culture? How important is firm culture to you? Our firm’s culture is based on (i) collaboration and respect in order to offer the best possible multidisciplinary service in the market; (ii) helping our clients to make business happen and to make better business decisions; and (iii) assuring the best …
Continue reading “Manuel Galicia R: The process of institutionalisation”
