Most recommended law firms named

Most recommended law firms named
Ten global law firms have been named the most recommended by general counsel for more than 15 years.

BTI consulting says that GCs will share unprompted recommendations with peers based on those law firms that are the best and most reliable.

"Top legal decision makers have a time-honored code — they will recommend the law firms who do a much better job than anyone else," the report says. "Every recommendation is a personal statement about the type of provider — the commitment, service, quality, and demeanour — you are willing to entrust to a peer, from whom they would expect the same.”

The 5 key factors in recommendations are:

• Putting the client’s needs first in all aspects of the work;
• Adding business context through your keen understanding of your client’s business;
• Making your client's life easier by providing key information and insights before they ever ask;
• Delivering higher value than expected;
• Meeting your client’s targeted objectives.

The 10 firms which have consistently earned unprompted recommendations for more than 15 years include Baker McKenzie, Latham & Watkins, Ropes & Gray and Sidley.

Herbert Smith Freehills appoints new Greater China leader
Leading arbitration lawyer May Tai will lead the Greater China practice of Herbert Smith Freehills as managing partner from 1st October 2017.

With over 300 partners, lawyers and staff in Beijing, Hong Kong and Shanghai, the practice corporate, capital markets, finance and disputes advice to local and international clients.

"Herbert Smith Freehills' Asia practice is growing at a rapid rate, especially in Greater China," said Justin D'Agostino, Managing Partner, Asia and Australia. "May knows our business and our people, and is the ideal candidate to lead the team to further success," said Justin.

Former Simmons & Simmons consultant rejoins firm
Matthew Durham is rejoining Simmons & Simmons as an employment partner in Shanghai.

He leaves Winston & Strawn where he was a partner in the Beijing and Shanghai offices but was previously with Simmons as a consultant having been with the firm for many years.

His experience in labour issues will help the international firm expand its employment practice in Asia Pacific, which expects to add a total of new lawyers between now and the end of the year.