Letter from the Director

The question of “what clients really think of their external providers” is one that has always pre-occupied law firm business development and marketing staff. In this issue of Martindale- Hubbell International News, we focus on this crucial issue from two angles.

The first relates to perhaps the most important change to Martindale-Hubbell’s service since it went live on the Internet (lawyers.com) in 1994: beginning in March 2007 we will offer Client Review feedback on law firms with a Martindale listing. Subscribing firms will be able to nominate former and current clients to participate. Martindale-Hubbell will approach nominated clients confidentially and ask them to complete a simple online survey on the nominating subject in crucial areas such as service, quality of advice and value for money. Those firms that take part in this complimentary service will clearly enjoy the weight these third-party validations and recommendations give their firm listings. (See article “Client Review comes to martindale.com.”)

The second is the completion of a major new research study entitled “How mid-sized companies in Europe select and review their legal service providers”. The study provides important intelligence on the needs and expectations of this potentially lucrative but largely forgotten market. (See article “An untapped market”.)

We continue to expand our programme of marketing lunches in Europe. This year we introduced new elements that focus attention on the European/international legal market, especially the cross-border promotional challenges that face law firm marketers. (See article “Research and lunch”) Our guest speakers and experts attend these informal sessions to help participants develop their approach to critical initiatives such as Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and brand management, as well as to converse and share best practices amongst themselves.

This month we will be closing one of our busiest and most popular years, thanks in part to hugely successful Counsel to Counsel events in London and São Paulo. Whilst next year’s programme is still being formalised, law firm co-hosting reservations are already being taken (email paul.chapman@martindale.com for more information).

Many of our subscribers know Lou Duffy who has led and represented Martindale in the United States and abroad. LexisNexis in conjunction with the International Bar Association has established a new scholarship in his name. We include our warmest congratulations on this latest and well-deserved honor.

As always, we would welcome your comments and feedback on Martindale-Hubbell International News. Please send them to international2@martindale.com.

Derek Benton