For many years, the rule of thumb for any business was "the client is always right". But the difference now; the client knows they are right. As more and more work gets brought in-house, law firms are needing to get creative about ways to provide value to their clients. Law firm networks are one of those ways, and if used correctly, network membership can help to make your law firm successful in the new legal world. 

Deutsch Kerrigan LLP is actively involved in law firm networks, such as The Professional Liability Network and the Network of Trial Law Firms, by participating in research and the study of advances in the state-of-the-art of legal representation, and continuing legal education seminars. By being involved, we provide our clients with high-quality trial and litigation experienced attorneys.

5 Ways Law Firm Networks Help Drive Success

According to Lindsay Griffiths, the International Lawyers Network’s Director of Global Relationship Management, there are 5 key ways law firm networks help law firms.

1. Confidence
   The network offers you instant access to vetted counsel around the world, whom you know will treat your clients the same way you would treat them. The network offers quality control mechanisms and due diligence, and has a razor-sharp focus on the next point, building relationships, which allows you to confidently work with firms in any of the jurisdictions represented.

2. Relationships
   Human capital and personal connections have never been more important than they are today. You already know the value of relationships to your success, and networks understand that these are the lifeblood of their organization. All activities are designed to allow you to build trust and understanding, for the benefit of your clients, with your fellow members around the world.

3. Geographic Breadth
   Network membership allows you to supercharge your marketing efforts – where you’re currently highlighting your efforts in your local and regional markets, your network can broaden your outreach internationally, or in carefully chosen, targeted markets, and in the places where you do (or want to do) the most business.
    
4. Support
   Network personnel develop strong relationships with member-firm lawyers and dedicate themselves entirely to becoming experts on their members. They’re there as a resource to help you and your colleagues coordinate direct and multi-jurisdictional referrals, to market your firm within the network, and to market the network within your firm and to your clients. They’re also your “member matchmakers” for practice and industry expertise, and jurisdictional relationship-building.
    
5. Referrals
   Fellow members are looking for trusted international solutions for their clients – being a part of their network gives you the opportunity to be the first firm they call, not because you’re a name in a directory, but because you’re a person they know and trust, or because you’re a person that their network knows and trusts.