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Many international law firms claim to be global – with experts across all sectors, specialisms, and jurisdictions. But can law firms truly be global? 

½Û×ÓÊÓƵ spoke to the UK-based leaders of some of the world's biggest international law firms to get their views on whether it is possible to be a truly global firm in today's age.

Mark Smith, director of strategic markets at ½Û×ÓÊÓƵ, says, "For organisations operating across multiple markets and jurisdictions, an international law firm is often the first port of call".

He adds, "It's not just detailed knowledge of local law that these firms offer. It's the ‘boots on the ground’ insight, connections, influence, and deep understanding that a locally qualified lawyer practising remotely may lack." 

Whilst many firms claim a global presence, we must ask - can one single law firm really give you access to the very best lawyers across all jurisdictions and practice areas?

"Experience tells me that it's nonsense – I think many firms believe it, though," says Andrew Cooke, general counsel of business travel platform, Travelperk, which employs over 1,000 people.

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Can one firm be world-class at everything? 

Cooke recounts a time when he issued a panel request for a proposal (RFP) offering global firms the opportunity to bid in territories (for work inherently linked to a region, like real estate and litigation) or specific risk verticals (like privacy).

"We told firms beforehand: you say you're world-class at everything, but you're not, so don't bid on everything. Of the 36 firms we went out to, 14 tried to take the whole lot; and when we pointed out, we'd advised them not to, eight came back and said: we've thought about it and, actually, we are definitely world-class in everything. Madness."

Natalie Salunke, the general counsel for consumer credit provider Zilch, says the international reach of a global firm appeals to her, and it can make life a lot easier, too.

However, it still depends on market factors, says Salunke. "Just because a law firm has an office somewhere doesn't always mean it has the greatest calibre of people or the breadth of different experiences in that office," she says, pointing out that lawyers often feel obliged to refer work to colleagues in overseas offices even when they know they're not at the same level.

"I think it comes down to that age-old issue – do you buy the law firm, or do you buy the people in the law firm?" she says. "Just because the law firm has a great reputation doesn't always mean every single lawyer is exceptional."

Smith adds, "Providing a consistent, high-quality service across multiple offices is not easy, even for a firm with multiple levers of control. Yet whether the firm is international or national, doing so is critical and will shape the winners and losers in the global arena."

This is why a growing number of companies are turning to the Big Four accountancy firms – all of which offer legal services with a global reach.

David Wilkins, Lester Kissel Professor of Law at Harvard Law School, says: "The Big Four can offer a far higher integration of technology, project management and process management; they employ a huge number of people across a huge range of specialities, and they are way more global than even the most global law firm."

You have to take a strategic approach based on client demand

Global law firm, Dechert, is a truly international outfit with 21 offices worldwide, and a significant proportion of its client work spans multiple jurisdictions and practice areas of the law.

Andrew Levander, the firm's chair, says, "The firm takes a strategic approach to the areas of the law and jurisdictions it covers based on client demand."

"A global platform provides clients with access to teams who possess local knowledge and expertise but who can consult with their counterparts in other parts of the world to most efficiently and effectively support clients," he says.

"This doesn't mean being all things to all clients but attracting and retaining the best talent to deliver the services needed by clients and in the specific jurisdictions and areas of critical importance that they need the support."

Morgan Lewis, which has over 2,200 lawyers and legal professionals across more than 30 offices and ten countries, has reimagined how its lawyers collaborate by implementing a "SWAT Team" style task force to tackle workloads.

"We form around a single issue to create swiftness and dexterity while bringing to bear the resources and proficiency of a global law firm to deliver an innovative client service," says Frances Murphy, partner and managing partner of Morgan Lewis's London office.

While clients still want global reach from their law firms, they have become more strategic, with a growing number reaching out for niche knowledge. As a result, law firms are expected to offer specialist advice. The ability to provide a high calibre of legal experts across multiple jurisdictions differs from firm to firm. Some will be able to achieve this, but not all.

For more insight on delivering a global legal service, read our new report