Members are prominent, local, medium-sized law firms recognized for the breadth and depth of their legal expertise, their reputations in their jurisdictions, and the quality of client service.
Globalaw’s Membership & Nominating Committee evaluates the following criteria when reviewing a prospective member’s application:
• Reputation
• Size
• Capability and commitment to delivery of quality advice and work product
• Expertise in corporate, litigation, commercial and related tax matters
• Located so as to be convenient for international commerce
• Experience handling international referrals
• Compatibility with existing members
• Participation in network meetings and initiatives
Other than reputation, capability and commitment, all of the criteria should be applied recognizing the differences between major international markets and countries not as active or strategic to international commerce. Recognizing that the network was established as a non-exclusive network of independent firms, membership in only one network (“exclusivity”) could certainly be one indication of a firm’s commitment to the network.
However, exclusivity is not synonymous with commitment. In addition, exclusivity may unnecessarily inhibit the ability of the network to attract or retain members in certain jurisdictions.
All of the above criteria must be balanced with the “good faith” commitment set out in our members' letter of understanding. Therefore, exclusivity is to be evaluated as a criteria for membership in the context of the broader goals of (i) commitment to the network and active participation therein, and (ii) compliance with the good faith obligation of our letter of understanding.
Each member should disclose its membership in other networks or other formal arrangements which could reasonably negatively impact commitment to these goals. The existence of other arrangements is a significant factor in evaluating whether membership or continued membership is appropriate.
Geographical Reach With access to more than 5,000 lawyers worldwide, Globalaw member firms are able to export their services to clients across the country and the globe, ensuring a greater depth and breadth of legal excellence.
Substantive Excellence Responsive, consistently high-quality legal representation anywhere in the world.
Industry Expertise & Market Knowledge A strategic and carefully developed network of domestic and international law firms enables attorneys of member firms to expand their industry expertise and market knowledge, thereby providing their clients the best legal advise possible. This offers great flexibility and unique client benefits.
Free Time Policy Attorneys of member firms have access to a limited amount of free legal consultation from other Globalaw member firms. This allows attorneys to not only tap into domestic and cross-border legal knowledge that is useful in clients' business and legal challenges, but to do so without additional cost to the client.
