You do not have permission to edit this page, for the following reasons:

This IP address has been blocked from editing Wikipedia.
This does not affect your ability to read Wikipedia pages.
Most people who see this message have done nothing wrong. Some kinds of blocks restrict editing from specific service providers or telecom companies in response to recent abuse or vandalism, and can sometimes affect other users who are unrelated to that abuse. Review the information below for assistance if you do not believe that you have done anything wrong.

The IP address or range 44.199.0.0/16 has been blocked (disabled) by ‪Blablubbs‬ for the following reason(s):

The IP address that you are currently using has been blocked because it is believed to be a web host provider or colocation provider. To prevent abuse, web hosts and colocation providers may be blocked from editing Wikipedia.
You will not be able to edit Wikipedia using a web host or colocation provider because it hides your IP address, much like a proxy or VPN.
We recommend that you attempt to use another connection to edit. For example, if you use a proxy or VPN to connect to the internet, turn it off when editing Wikipedia. If you edit using a mobile connection, try using a Wi-Fi connection, and vice versa. If you are using a corporate internet connection, switch to a different Wi-Fi network. If you have a Wikipedia account, please log in.
If you do not have any other way to edit Wikipedia, you will need to request an IP block exemption.

How to appeal if you are confident that your connection does not use a colocation provider's IP address:
If you are confident that you are not using a web host, you may appeal this block by adding the following text on your talk page: ((unblock|reason=Caught by a colocation web host block but this host or IP is not a web host. My IP address is _______. Place any further information here. ~~~~)). You must fill in the blank with your IP address for this block to be investigated. Your IP address can be determined here. Alternatively, if you wish to keep your IP address private you can use the unblock ticket request system. There are several reasons you might be editing using the IP address of a web host or colocation provider (such as if you are using VPN software or a business network); please use this method of appeal only if you think your IP address is in fact not a web host or colocation provider.

Administrators: The IP block exemption user right should only be applied to allow users to edit using web host in exceptional circumstances, and requests should usually be directed to the functionaries team via email. If you intend to give the IPBE user right, a CheckUser needs to take a look at the account. This can be requested most easily at SPI Quick Checkuser Requests. Unblocking an IP or IP range with this template is highly discouraged without at least contacting the blocking administrator.

This block will expire on 12:56, 12 May 2024.

Even when blocked, you will usually still be able to edit your user talk page, as well as email administrators and other editors.

For information on how to proceed, please read the FAQ for blocked users and the guideline on block appeals. The guide to appealing blocks may also be helpful.

Other useful links: Blocking policy · Help:I have been blocked
Your IP address is in a range that has been blocked on all Wikimedia Foundation wikis. The block was made by ‪AntiCompositeNumber‬. The reason given is Open proxy/Webhost: Visit the FAQ if you are affected .
- Start of block: 13:55, 18 August 2022
- Expiry of block: 13:55, 18 May 2025
Your current IP address is 44.199.189.47. The blocked range is 44.199.0.0/16. Please include all above details in any queries you make. If you believe you were blocked by mistake, you can find additional information and instructions in the No open proxies global policy. Otherwise, to discuss the block please post a request for review on Meta-Wiki. You could also send an email to the stewards VRT queue at stewards@wikimedia.org including all above details.

You can view and copy the source of this page:

((Short description|Organisation of independent law firms))
((Multiple issues|
((Advert|date=March 2013))
((Original research|date = November 2022))))
((Infobox organization
| name                = Law firm network
| purpose             = [[Professional services networks]]
| membership          = [[ALFA International]]<br>[[Alliott Group]]<br>CICERO League of International Lawyers<br>[http://www.first-law.com First Law International]<br>[[Lex Mundi]] <br>[[Meritas (law)]]<br>[[Multilaw]] <br>The Network of Trial Law Firms, Inc.<br>Pacific Rim Advisory Council<br>
[http://www.rlilaw.com Red Legal Iberoamericana]<br>The State Capital Group<br>TerraLex<br>[[WSG - World Services Group]]
))

A '''law firm network''' ('''law firm association''' or '''legal network''') is a membership organization consisting of independent [[law firm]]s. These networks are one type of [[professional services networks]] similar to networks found in the [[Accounting networks and associations|accounting profession.]] The common purpose is to expand the resources available to each member for providing services to their clients. Prominent primary law firm networks include CICERO League of International Lawyers, First Law International, [[Alliott Group]] (multidisciplinary), [[Lex Mundi]], [[World Services Group]] (multidisciplinary), TerraLex, [[Meritas (law)|Meritas]], [[Multilaw]], The Network of Trial Law Firms, Inc., the State Capital Group, and [[Pacific Rim Advisory Council]].<ref name="LFNG">((cite web|title=Law Firm Networks in General|url=https://ailfn.wordpress.com/resources/law-firm-networks-in-general/|website=AILFN|publisher=Association of International Law Firm Networks|accessdate=28 May 2017))</ref> The largest networks have more than 10,000 [[Attorney general|attorneys]] located in hundreds of offices worldwide.<ref name="LFNG"/>

The firms who are part of the networks may be formally or informally linked to one another depending upon the purpose of the network.<ref>((cite book |title=Courting Your Clients: The Essential Guide to Legal Marketing |last=Grisdela |first=Margaret |year=2007 |publisher=Legal Expert Connections |isbn=978-0-9795674-0-7 |pages=61–68 ))</ref>

== History of law firm networks ==
[[File:Law multisdisciplinary and specialty networks.PNG|thumb|450px|right| Growth of networks based upon published directories of networks and associations]]
There are two different reasons for networks developing in the legal profession. The first reason is that law firms needed international connections due to globalization in the 1990s.<ref>[http://www.lawcouncil.asn.au/shadomx/apps/fms/fmsdownload.cfm?file_uuid=065AE984-1E4F-17FA-D2D7-678F901BAFF4&siteName=lca/ A global practice – perspectives on the internationalization of legal services markets.]</ref> The second reason is the expansion of many large United States firms to become "national". Smaller firms or firms with a niche practice requested expertise from these networks.

The [[internationalization]] of the legal profession began later than that of the accounting profession. Unlike accounting firms that conducted worldwide audits, law firms in each country were able to deal with national client matters. This changed in 1949, when [[Baker & McKenzie]] began to expand to non-United States markets to assist U.S. clients that were expanding overseas following WWII.<ref>[http://www.bakermckenzie.com/firmfacts/firmhistory History of Baker & McKenzie]. Bakermckenzie.com. Retrieved on 2012-04-06.</ref>

Internationalization was slow because the legal profession was more restrictive than accounting in allowing foreign firms to enter and practice in other countries. One of the requirements is that the names of the partners should be present in the name of the firm.

In the late 1980s, U.S. and English firms began establishing branches in the primary commercial centers. This new competition in local markets had the immediate effect of forcing local firms to evaluate alternative ways of providing services to their international clients.<ref>((Cite web|url=http://www.pirp.harvard.edu/pubs_pdf/spar/spar-p98-3.pdf|title=A world of Lawyers: the internationalization of legal practice|last=L. spar|first=Debora|date=1998|website=pirp.harvard.edu|access-date=))</ref>

The first international networks, called clubs, generally consisted of ten firms in different countries.<ref>The first known club was the [http://www.clubdeabogadosibero.com/ Club de Abogados] which had members in all of Latin America and Spain. There was also a sister club, Club de Abogados Europeo.</ref> The typical format was to hold several meetings a year among managing partners, to compare notes on management-related issues. They were secretive networks because the members feared losing business from other firms. On the other hand, they would advertise to their clients that they had foreign connections and correspondents. Today the clubs are commonly known as "best friends networks". Examples today are Leading Counsel Network<ref>[https://www.thelawyer.com/issues/16-november-2009/nine-strong-cis%E2%80%88legal-network-gets-off-ground/ Nine Strong CIS Network Gets Off Ground]. The Lawyer (2009-11-17). Retrieved on 2017-05-28.</ref> and Slaughter & May.<ref>[http://www.slaughterandmay.com/where-we-work.aspx Slaughter & May locations]. Slaughterandmay.com. Retrieved on 2012-04-06.</ref>

The clubs evolved into networks in the 1980s. The networks were not secretive and published directories, materials, and brochures ([[Interlaw]] being one of the first examples).<ref>[http://www.interlaw.org/ Interlaw]. Interlaw. Retrieved on 2012-04-06.</ref> The members met annually. Some focused on specific practices, such as litigation, while others were more generic. Because networks were not thought of as strategic models, the membership selection process was not rigorous. This selection process is reflected today in the networks that have firms with a wide range of sizes, i.e., small firms in locations where there are firms three and four times the size of the country.<ref>[http://www.terralex.org/ TerraLex.org]</ref>

[[Lex Mundi]] was formed in 1989. It was the first network where each member had to be among the largest and most established firms in a state or country. It was a business that provided members with many alternatives to expand their resources. Lex Mundi is a network organized around strategic objectives, rather than objectives being defined after the network was established. While different from the accounting network, the concept was that of an entity that provided services to members and should also have an established brand. The staff, board, councils, and members collaborated to achieve the objectives.

Other networks like TerraLex, [[Meritas (law)|Meritas]] also known as the Commercial Law Affiliates and International Jurists,<ref>((cite web|url=http://www.internationaljurists.com/|title=International Jurists - Global Network of Independent Law Firms|publisher=))</ref> soon followed. These networks operated as businesses. Their stated objective was to create a branded alternative to the large United States and English law firms that had expanded into their countries. ((Citation needed|date=May 2017))

U.S. national networks also developed in the 1980s. The first national network was ALFA,<ref>[http://www.alfainternational.com/ ALFA International]. ALFA International (2012-01-26). Retrieved on 2012-04-06.</ref> which was a network focused primarily on insurance litigation. The second was the State Capital Law Firm Group which began as a national network of firms practicing in government affairs. To qualify for membership, the firms needed to have a former governor at the firms. Both of these networks became international, changing their names to State Capital Global Legal Network and to [[ALFA International]].<ref>((cite web|title=Mass Torts Legal Help & Advice|url=https://ifspb.com/|publisher=Ifspb.com))</ref>

((Law firm networks table 2011))

==Management structure==
The typical network is run on a day-to-day basis by an administrative office called a secretariat or home office.<ref name="schmidt13">((cite book |last=Schmidt |first=Sally J. |title=Marketing the law firm: business development techniques |publisher=Law Journal Press |year=1991 |isbn=978-1-58852-052-4 |pages=13G-1–13G-12))</ref>

The head office is commonly located in major commercial centers in Europe or North America and does not practice law. Depending on the nature of the network (extension of the members or an independent business), the person responsible for the network will be an [[executive director]] or president/CEO.

The network may be governed by a board of directors. Networks also have representatives who form a management board with the executive director.<ref>[http://www.meritas.org/ Meritas]. Meritas. Retrieved on 2012-04-06.</ref>

==Membership==
There are three different types of networks. The original large networks – Lex Mundi, ALFA, TerraLex, and State Capital Group – tended to members who were large firms. This was because they were competing against large firms opening offices.<ref>McGarry, Stephen, Professional Services Networks, at p. 22)</ref> Newer networks are more likely to include smaller firms. Specialty law firms may participate in boutique networks based on their field of law. ((Citation needed|date=May 2017))

Law firm networks may offer their members territorial exclusivity. When that occurs, another firm can not be admitted within its exclusive territory.

Network members may together have hundreds of offices. Firms listed in the list of largest U.S. law firms have at most 4,000 attorneys. The largest networks include more than 10,000 attorneys.<ref name="LFNG"/><ref name="McGarry">((cite web|last1=McGarry|first1=Stephen J.|title=The Handbook: Law Firm Networks|url=https://www.expertisegroep.nl/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/The-Handbook-Law-Firm-Networks-9-2.pdf|publisher=Association of International Law Firm Networks|accessdate=28 May 2017|date=2017))</ref>

Membership of networks may be open to accounting firms, and accounting networks also form alliances with law networks. Some commentators<ref>“Accounting Firms Covert Forbidden Fruit: Piece of the U.S. Legal Market, Wall Street Journal,” p.B1 (May 31, 2000), Poe, “Multidisciplinary Practice,” Defense Counsel J. 245 (Apr. 2000), Cannon, “The Big Six Moves In” 50 Int’l Fin. L. Rev. 49 (October 1997), “Andersen’s Giant Step Towards World Law” Australian Fin. Rev. 33 (Jan. 1998), Rubenstein, (Accounting Firm Legal Practices Expand Rapidly. How the Big Six Firms Are Practicing Law in Europe: Europe First and then the World?” Corp. Legal Times 1 (Nov 1997)</ref> take the position that bringing together a group of lawyers and accountants to create a multidisciplinary association ultimately benefits clients as they often need a wide range of [[professional services]] advisors when involved in large transactions, for example, when incorporating a new business or in litigation matters, when for lawyers, the litigation support services of accountants can be very valuable. Bringing lawyers and accountants together does not create a multidisciplinary practice (MDP), as all firms are separate legal entities.<ref>McGarry, Stephen Multidisciplinary Practices and Partnerships, American Lawyer Media Publishing, 2002</ref> MDPs that involve law firms partnering with non-law firms remain highly regulated or forbidden in most nations and jurisdictions.<ref>((cite web|title=Market demand – a key driver of the multidisciplinary approach to legal services|url=https://www.ibanet.org/Article/NewDetail.aspx?ArticleUid=b40f0ddb-4c85-422b-84dd-f2f321eee6a5|website=International Bar Association|accessdate=28 May 2017|date=Feb 2013))</ref>

==Functions==

===Retaining firm independence===
Becoming part of a network may help firms serve new marketplaces while retaining independence, creating economies of scale, and pool resources.<ref name="slideshare1">[http://www.slideshare.net/msiglobalalliance/why-join-an-international-law-firm-network/ Why Join a Law Firm Network]. Slideshare.net (2011-06-13). Retrieved on 2012-04-06.</ref>

===Client retention===
Networks allow firms to refer their clients to similar-sized members in another jurisdiction, rather than lose clients to a larger international firm.<ref name="slideshare1"/> Many firms((Who|date=November 2022)) believe that being part of a network provides clients with reassurance that they will receive similar levels of service from any firm in the network

===Practice development===
Networks allow firms to attract larger clients operating on a multi-jurisdictional basis. Others disagree that law firm networks offer practice development opportunities.<ref>((cite web|last1=Bodine|first1=Larry|title=Marketing via legal networks (consortia): Is it worth the money?|url=http://legalmarketing.typepad.com/blog/2005/02/marketing_via_l.html/|website=Larry Bodine's LegalMarketing Blog|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120331093103/http://legalmarketing.typepad.com/blog/2005/02/marketing_via_l.html/|archivedate=31 March 2012|date=21 Feb 2005))</ref>

===Advantages of exclusivity===
Networks may offer firms exclusivity. This may be a city, state, or country.<ref>[http://www.inblf.com/ International Network of Boutique Law Firms]. Inblf.com (2005-02-03). Retrieved on 2012-04-06.</ref>

===Branding===
Membership in a network gives members the right to promote their affiliation in its territory using the network's logo.<ref>[http://www.grahamthompson.com/memberships.php Graham Thompson]. Graham Thompson. Retrieved on 2012-04-06.</ref> Use of the brand is encouraged, but not usually required, and would typically be implemented across firm stationery, marketing brochures, and web pages.

===Open discussion in a non-competitive environment===
Many networks consist of non-competing firms and therefore provide their members with the opportunity to openly discuss issues affecting their firm.<ref name="schmidt13"/>

==See also==
* [[Bar association]]
* [[Umbrella organization]]
* [[Business networking]]
* [[Professional services networks]]
* [[Multidisciplinary professional services networks]]
* [[Accounting networks and associations]]

==References==
((reflist|colwidth=30em))

((DEFAULTSORT:Law Firm Network))
[[Category:Professional networks]]
[[Category:Law firms| ]]
[[Category:Legal organizations]]

Pages transcluded onto the current version of this page (help):

Law firm network (edit)
Template:Advert (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Ambox (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Category handler (view source) (protected)
Template:Citation needed (view source) (protected)
Template:Cite book (view source) (protected)
Template:Cite web (view source) (protected)
Template:Comma separated entries (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Delink (view source) (protected)
Template:Fix (view source) (protected)
Template:Fix/category (view source) (protected)
Template:If empty (view source) (protected)
Template:Infobox (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Infobox organization (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Law firm networks table 2011 (edit)
Template:Longitem (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Main other (view source) (protected)
Template:Multiple issues (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Multiple issues/styles.css (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Original research (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Pagetype (view source) (protected)
Template:Plainlist/styles.css (view source) (protected)
Template:Reflist (view source) (protected)
Template:Reflist/styles.css (view source) (protected)
Template:SDcat (view source) (protected)
Template:Short description (view source) (protected)
Template:Short description/lowercasecheck (view source) (protected)
Template:Template other (view source) (protected)
Template:Unbulleted list (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Who (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Arguments (view source) (protected)
Module:Category handler (view source) (protected)
Module:Category handler/blacklist (view source) (protected)
Module:Category handler/config (view source) (protected)
Module:Category handler/data (view source) (protected)
Module:Category handler/shared (view source) (protected)
Module:Check for unknown parameters (view source) (protected)
Module:Citation/CS1 (view source) (protected)
Module:Citation/CS1/COinS (view source) (protected)
Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration (view source) (protected)
Module:Citation/CS1/Date validation (view source) (protected)
Module:Citation/CS1/Identifiers (view source) (protected)
Module:Citation/CS1/Utilities (view source) (protected)
Module:Citation/CS1/Whitelist (view source) (protected)
Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css (view source) (protected)
Module:Delink (view source) (protected)
Module:Disambiguation/templates (view source) (protected)
Module:If empty (view source) (protected)
Module:Infobox (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Infobox/styles.css (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:InfoboxImage (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:List (view source) (protected)
Module:Message box (view source) (protected)
Module:Message box/ambox.css (view source) (protected)
Module:Message box/configuration (view source) (protected)
Module:Namespace detect/config (view source) (protected)
Module:Namespace detect/data (view source) (protected)
Module:Pagetype (view source) (protected)
Module:Pagetype/config (view source) (protected)
Module:Pagetype/disambiguation (view source) (protected)
Module:Pagetype/setindex (view source) (protected)
Module:Pagetype/softredirect (view source) (protected)
Module:SDcat (view source) (protected)
Module:Separated entries (view source) (protected)
Module:String (view source) (protected)
Module:TableTools (view source) (protected)
Module:Unsubst (view source) (protected)
Module:Wikitext Parsing (view source) (protected)
Module:Yesno (view source) (protected)

Return to Law firm network.

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Law_firm_network"