{"id":541,"date":"2019-09-12T11:22:28","date_gmt":"2019-09-12T15:22:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rojas-lawfirm.com\/?p=541"},"modified":"2022-12-09T01:53:46","modified_gmt":"2022-12-09T01:53:46","slug":"new-approaches-for-a-new-era","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rojas-lawfirm.com\/en\/new-approaches-for-a-new-era\/","title":{"rendered":"New approaches for a new era"},"content":{"rendered":"

As the nature of business becomes increasingly globalised and multijurisdictional deals ramp up, so too does the pressure on the legal market amid evolving client expectations. While law firms grapple with these changes and the challenges they create, and adapt to meet these new demands, they must also think competitively. Law firm networks are lending a hand by helping members with new technologies and workflow processes and even improving the way they interact with their clients.<\/em><\/p>\n

BY ELIZABETH BEATTIE<\/p>\n

With cross-jurisdictional work on the rise and a burgeoning demand for the best and brightest tools, law firms across the region face similar challenges<\/p>\n

\u2013 how can they work smarter, prepare for the future, and stand out? Enter law firm networks, which are finetuning their offerings to better equip lawyers so they can give clients the very best without stretching themselves too thin.<\/p>\n

Glenn M. Cunningham, chair at Interlaw, refers to law firm networks as \u201cthe quiet giants in the global legal services revolution.\u201d Cunningham says
\nnetworks have been modelled in the image of today\u2019s clients\u2019 needs and are \u201cflexible, collaborative, specialist, and truly international.\u201d These capabilities combined with the knowledge and skills of partner firms that are market leaders in their jurisdictions birth operations that
\ncan compete with large international law firms, he adds.<\/p>\n

Similarly, Gordon Vala-Webb, senior advisor of technology and innovation at Lex Mundi tells Asian Legal Business that the rise of cross-jurisdiction work means that firms need to be able to promote their services both individually and collectively, \u201cand also be able to demonstrate
\ntheir ability to work seamlessly together.\u201d Given the many network models and client expectations have evolved over the past few years, Vala-Webb says that extensive value-added services and service standards governing what clients can expect when member firms are working together are reassurances and capabilities appreciated by clients.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe result is a novel value proposition,\u201d he says. \u201cTop law firms with extraordinary local jurisdictional capabilities with a track record of working together leveraging digital workspaces and innovative technologies. Lex Mundi helps to bring this approach to potential clients directly through our global business development team, supporting member firms doing so, and by sponsoring various client-driven events such
\nas ACC and CLOC.\u201d<\/p>\n

New Approaches<\/h3>\n

While law firms require increasingly nuanced, yet diverse support from networks as competition intensifies, networks themselves also say that new
\nmindsets and approaches are highly important to consider. It\u2019s not just about resources, but about technique, they explain.<\/p>\n

Adam Cooke, executive director at Multilaw, tells ALB that there are many different areas where law firms can implement new approaches and discover
\nsuccess. His network, for example, is \u201ctransforming\u201d the pitch process for international work, he says.<\/p>\n

\u201cOver Multilaw\u2019s 30-year history it is fair to say that a member firm somewhere is acting for the vast majority of all the international banks, Fortune 500 or FTSE 250 companies and global brands in one way for another whether it be putting together an M&A deal or simply registering a trademark. This means that our firms can call upon that experience whenever they are putting together a pitch. There will almost inevitably be
\na history or current relationship with the target and this will often provide a competitive edge,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n

This is one key advantage that networks often trade on \u2013 their ability to better connect law firms and provide referrals for lawyers and legal talent for savvy clients \u2013 but today, this is just one part of their function, say network heads.<\/p>\n

Vala-Webb of Lex Mundi says successfully identifying new approaches, as discovered by teams within its 160-member strong network, is useful data for all its members collectively. When breakthroughs are made, the network makes sure it promotes these findings widely, he adds.<\/p>\n

“Firms need to understand how, in a globally-integrated world, they can demonstrate their ability to deliver service seamlessly and efficiently across multiple jurisdictions.”<\/h2>\n

Gordon Vala-Webb, Lex Mundi<\/p>\n

One recent example in Asia has been Singapore firm Rajah & Tann releasing a mobile application called RTA Competition Trade which provides users with updates on the competition and trade regulatory landscape across Southeast Asia. Following this, the firm has promoted this both internally and
\nexternally. \u201cWe include those in our quarterly Innovation newsletter, highlight them in our conferences, and post in our members\u2019 only knowledge sharing site,\u201d Vala-Webb says.<\/p>\n

Tech at the Forefront<\/h3>\n

While new methods are essential, given the pressure all-round on legal teams to do more with less, the whole market is closely watching for new technology developments. Cunningham of Interlaw says this is also an area that networks are closely watching.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere has been an explosion in new technological solutions in the legal services market,\u201d says Cunningham.<\/p>\n

\u201cTogether, our partner firms are sharing best practice and collectively filtering the best solutions for their clients\u2019 needs \u2013 in our experience, when it comes to tech you have to use it to choose it. Interlaw has forged successful relationships with many leading technology partners \u2013 big
\nplayers and niche specialists \u2013 and we have invited them to deliver training and expertise at our meetings so that our partner firms can be sure they are abreast of the latest innovations,\u201d he adds. He cites the network\u2019s recently completed project \u2013 a digital infrastructure programme to connect partner firms with each other and their clients as an example of how connectivity and technology can be synched better.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis new digital award-winning infrastructure is a game-changer – the connectivity between our digital products is a first among law firm networks. We created a new website, with an easyto-use \u2018connect to a lawyer\u2019 button, to allow easy access to our experts across the world,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe real transformative development is digital client management and feedback system, providing every partner firm with complete visibility of
\nall referral activity in real-time and the capability to work together seamlessly in a secure online environment. With the built-in functionality to automatically generate a client feedback form for each piece of work, our new approach also supports continuous refinement in service delivery,\u201d Cunningham adds.<\/p>\n

Vala-Webb agrees that technology is indeed having a drastic impact on the legal market, and on expectations. \u201cTechnology is changing every aspect of the ways law firms operate and deliver services. Moving to use software-as-a-service with secure cloud-based data storage is dramatically shifting the advantage from the very big laws firms to those who are the most agile,\u201d he says, noting that Lex Mundi is working to accelerate member firms\u2019 shift to the cloud which encouraging innovative technology adoption more broadly.<\/p>\n

\u201cLast year we started our Technology and Innovation program to support member firms do this. The program works to help firms share information about
\ntheir successes; and we have established partnerships with technology vendors so member firms can easily try new software (e.g. Diligen\u2019s machine-learning contract review tool) or to make available HighQ\u2019s Collaborate sites for member firms to use as digital team spaces when working together on behalf of a client,\u201d he adds.<\/p>\n

Into the Future<\/h3>\n

Of course, connectivity and technology are pieces of the puzzle, but member networks say across the board firms must completely rethink the way they interact with clients. While this is already on the agenda for many firms, the practicalities of changing practice as the market enters new and uncharted territory can make this complex.<\/p>\n

“The legal sector is still in the midst of transformational change, with new technologies offering a new way of doing things, as well as impacting on the expectations and needs of clients. Clients want borderless, tech-savvy, enterprising and accessible legal service providers that can combine global reach with in-depth local expertise. Clients increasingly need a 24\/7, 365 days a year service, which means that all legal providers must keep adapting and investing if we are going to deliver the seamless cross-border service clients demand,\u201d says Cunningham.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis requires investment and careful thought so that technology is incorporated into legal services in a way that makes us more efficient and effective for our clients. While it\u2019s important to think about how technology fits into the picture, we mustn\u2019t lose sight of the fact that effective client relationships are about day to day communication and working practices. As an organisation designed to collaborate, we promote a
\n\u2018one-team\u2019 ethos with our clients. There is no \u2018them and us\u2019, we\u2019re all working together to achieve a shared goal. We know clients want commercially savvy lawyers who adopt a problem-solving approach to their work and that can only flourish in a genuinely collaborative environment,\u201d he adds.
\nVala-Webb notes that, going into the future, there are several key areas of development that firms will need to consider to stand out \u2013 and legal
\nnetworks are well equipped to support them with this.<\/p>\n

\u201cFirms need to understand how, in a globally-integrated world, they can demonstrate their ability to deliver service seamlessly and efficiently across multiple jurisdictions. The foundation of this, for Lex Mundi member firms, is the superior collection of top firms around the world who have strong relationships with one another which creates a deep cross-border capability. We add to that a set of client service standards, innovative technologies, a work management methodology (based on LeanAgile), and central support for large client matters,\u201d Vala-Webb says, addin that his network firm already assists in matters of marketing, business development strategies, professional development, and technology.<\/p>\n

“Firms need to [look] beyond the general counsel and start speaking to CEOs, CFOs, CTOs, DPOs and HR directors as well. They are increasingly the onesmwho are directly engaging law firms these days.”<\/h2>\n

Adam Cooke, Multilaw<\/p>\n

A change of mindset is also critical, warns Cooke of Multilaw, adding that firms need \u201cto understand that there is a whole world out there beyond the general counsel and start speaking to CEOs, CFOs, CTOs, DPOs and HR directors as well. They are increasingly the ones who are directly engaging law firms these days.\u201d \u201cStanding out from the crowd involves doing all the traditional things well i.e. by offering timely, expert advice and delivering value for money – which is easier said than done. The key advantage that a network can lend a firm is the opportunity to give that firm\u2019s clients access to an international network that the global law firms can,\u201d Cooke adds.<\/p>\n

While it may feel like there are a vast array of options, Cunningham meanwhile notes that given how swiftly the market is evolving, being decisive is important.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is a competitive landscape and to stand out, you can\u2019t afford to stand still. We take our training program very seriously at Interlaw to ensure our lawyers have access to world-class continual learning opportunities,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe want to help our firms evolve and grow in response to client needs. There can still be a tendency for the profession to be inward-facing \u2013 preoccupied with the day-to-day challenges of running a law firm. Our focus is firmly on the client and their multijurisdictional needs, looking out to the ever-changing business landscape and adapting our offer to meet the needs of global enterprise,\u201d Cunningham says.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

As the nature of business becomes increasingly globalised and multijurisdictional deals ramp up, so too does the pressure on the legal market amid evolving client expectations. While law firms grapple with these changes and the challenges they create, and adapt to meet these new demands, they must also think competitively. Law firm networks are lending […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2125,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"ocean_post_layout":"","ocean_both_sidebars_style":"","ocean_both_sidebars_content_width":0,"ocean_both_sidebars_sidebars_width":0,"ocean_sidebar":"0","ocean_second_sidebar":"0","ocean_disable_margins":"enable","ocean_add_body_class":"","ocean_shortcode_before_top_bar":"","ocean_shortcode_after_top_bar":"","ocean_shortcode_before_header":"","ocean_shortcode_after_header":"","ocean_has_shortcode":"","ocean_shortcode_after_title":"","ocean_shortcode_before_footer_widgets":"","ocean_shortcode_after_footer_widgets":"","ocean_shortcode_before_footer_bottom":"","ocean_shortcode_after_footer_bottom":"","ocean_display_top_bar":"default","ocean_display_header":"default","ocean_header_style":"","ocean_center_header_left_menu":"0","ocean_custom_header_template":"0","ocean_custom_logo":0,"ocean_custom_retina_logo":0,"ocean_custom_logo_max_width":0,"ocean_custom_logo_tablet_max_width":0,"ocean_custom_logo_mobile_max_width":0,"ocean_custom_logo_max_height":0,"ocean_custom_logo_tablet_max_height":0,"ocean_custom_logo_mobile_max_height":0,"ocean_header_custom_menu":"0","ocean_menu_typo_font_family":"0","ocean_menu_typo_font_subset":"","ocean_menu_typo_font_size":0,"ocean_menu_typo_font_size_tablet":0,"ocean_menu_typo_font_size_mobile":0,"ocean_menu_typo_font_size_unit":"px","ocean_menu_typo_font_weight":"","ocean_menu_typo_font_weight_tablet":"","ocean_menu_typo_font_weight_mobile":"","ocean_menu_typo_transform":"","ocean_menu_typo_transform_tablet":"","ocean_menu_typo_transform_mobile":"","ocean_menu_typo_line_height":0,"ocean_menu_typo_line_height_tablet":0,"ocean_menu_typo_line_height_mobile":0,"ocean_menu_typo_line_height_unit":"","ocean_menu_typo_spacing":0,"ocean_menu_typo_spacing_tablet":0,"ocean_menu_typo_spacing_mobile":0,"ocean_menu_typo_spacing_unit":"","ocean_menu_link_color":"","ocean_menu_link_color_hover":"","ocean_menu_link_color_active":"","ocean_menu_link_background":"","ocean_menu_link_hover_background":"","ocean_menu_link_active_background":"","ocean_menu_social_links_bg":"","ocean_menu_social_hover_links_bg":"","ocean_menu_social_links_color":"","ocean_menu_social_hover_links_color":"","ocean_disable_title":"default","ocean_disable_heading":"default","ocean_post_title":"","ocean_post_subheading":"","ocean_post_title_style":"","ocean_post_title_background_color":"","ocean_post_title_background":0,"ocean_post_title_bg_image_position":"","ocean_post_title_bg_image_attachment":"","ocean_post_title_bg_image_repeat":"","ocean_post_title_bg_image_size":"","ocean_post_title_height":0,"ocean_post_title_bg_overlay":0.5,"ocean_post_title_bg_overlay_color":"","ocean_disable_breadcrumbs":"default","ocean_breadcrumbs_color":"","ocean_breadcrumbs_separator_color":"","ocean_breadcrumbs_links_color":"","ocean_breadcrumbs_links_hover_color":"","ocean_display_footer_widgets":"default","ocean_display_footer_bottom":"default","ocean_custom_footer_template":"0","ocean_post_oembed":"","ocean_post_self_hosted_media":"","ocean_post_video_embed":"","ocean_link_format":"","ocean_link_format_target":"self","ocean_quote_format":"","ocean_quote_format_link":"post","ocean_gallery_link_images":"off","ocean_gallery_id":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[180],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-541","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","entry","has-media"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/rojas-lawfirm.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/541","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/rojas-lawfirm.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/rojas-lawfirm.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rojas-lawfirm.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rojas-lawfirm.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=541"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/rojas-lawfirm.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/541\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rojas-lawfirm.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2125"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/rojas-lawfirm.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=541"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rojas-lawfirm.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=541"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rojas-lawfirm.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=541"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}