We are passionate about our job. Whatever you want to name it - consulting, coaching or counselling - it comes down to help professionals achieve their goals.
The Ultimate Legal Writing Tip: Don't Write. Talk!
08/05/2008
How to Get More Value for Money from Outside Counsel?
05/12/2008
|
Track Record  Professional Services Firms
Strategy and Business Planning
We work with managing partners, boards, management committees, partners’ meetings and heads of practice groups to define the strategy of the firm.
Client |
Highly reputed Brussels law firm |
Project |
Helping a law firm improve its governance structure, general strategy and internal organisation |
Story |
The board had decided to analyse its strengths and weaknesses and define long-term objectives and a strategy to reach them. We were hired to coach the board throughout the entire process that touched upon governance, culture and values, compensation system for partners, internal structure and organisation, branding, and operational effectiveness, and we helped the Board shape and “sell” to the other partners a comprehensive strategic plan. |
Client |
International law firm |
Project |
Helping law firm founder define mission and values and make consistent hiring decisions |
Story |
A dynamic professional was starting his own firm. He hired us to help him make a decision about the possible hiring of several high flying partners from another firm. We helped him clarify his new firm’s vision and values, and assess his hiring options on that basis. He quickly made a decision and went forward with the launching of his firm that rapidly became a success story. |
Client |
Graphic design firm |
Project |
Helping head of a graphic design firm make long-term strategy decisions |
Story |
The head of the firm wanted to take an helicopter view on his situation and engage into long-term strategic planning. He hired us to help him identify and address issues both at personal and strategic level. After the coaching, he had reconnected with his genuine enthusiasm, had a clearer view of his priorities, and made important decisions accordingly. |
Client |
International alliance of law firms |
Project |
Advising international alliance of law firms on the launch of a new business |
Story |
Several European members of an international alliance were considering starting a new training business that had been successfully launched by the affiliated firm in the US. We were hired to advice on this opportunity. After a careful audit, a feasibility study and a market survey, we recommended dropping the project. The client followed our recommendation. |
Client |
Top Belgian law firm |
Project |
Facilitating large-scale strategic assessment in leading law firm |
Story |
This firm had been booming since its creation a few years earlier. Partners wanted to take a helicopter view and assess whether initial strategic choices were still valid. We facilitated a long-term strategic review based on our wheel model, involving all the partners of the firm. We covered issues such as governance structure, internationalisation, market positioning and service offering, quality control, marketing policy, training and development, knowledge management, etc. The process produced a refreshed enthusiasm and an updated consensus among partners on their fundamental choices. |
Paternership, Ownership, Compensation
Client |
Top Belgian law firm |
Project |
Conducting a general satisfaction survey among law firm partners |
Story |
The firm wanted to survey all the partners on issues ranging from challenges and strategic options for the firm to job satisfaction and team spirit among partners. We conducted individual interviews with each partner and presented our conclusions, showing areas of consensus and satisfaction as well as areas of concern. Our report had significant consequences for the partnership. |
Client |
Highly reputed Belgian law firm |
Project |
Advising on compensation systems for partners |
Story |
The firm wanted to reassess the basis of its compensation systems for partners. We helped identify scenarios, strengths and weaknesses of various options, and the overall consistency of the compensation system with the market strategy of the firm. |
Marketing and Business Development
Client |
International alliance of law firms |
Project |
Advising on the re-branding of the alliance |
Story |
The alliance wanted to review its brand to obtain a more distinct international positioning and align communication by the different members of the network. We mapped the branding positions of its competitors and advised on a new, differentiating positioning for the alliance. We helped define the core idea and the brand architecture and made suggestions to align communication policies of national members on the new brand. |
Client |
Top Belgian law firm |
Project |
Advising on branding exercise |
Story |
The firm wanted to refine its brand, improve internal and external brand awareness and align external communication by its lawyers. We refined the brand identity and brand architecture and set up an action plan to align external communication and internal processes to the newly defined brand. |
Client |
Various firms |
Project |
Advising on pitching and beauty parades |
Story |
Pitching and beauty parades are increasingly important for professional services firms. We advise on the internal organisation to prepare proposals, we train professionals on proposals and presentations, and we coach firms preparing pitches for important projects or clients. |
Client |
Belgian member of an international alliance of law firms |
Project |
Business development action plan and coaching of practice groups |
Story |
The firm wanted partners to invest more time and energy in marketing and business development. We were hired to help set up a firm wide business development action plan and to coach the different practice groups in executing the business plan and developing products. |
Client |
International law firm |
Project |
Referral strategy |
Story |
A law firm based in Eastern Europe is heavily depending on referrals from Belgian and Dutch law firms and wanted to secure and further develop its independent position as preferred referral firm. We helped to refine the referral strategy and set up an action plan to increase referrals. |
Client Relationship Management
Client |
Top Belgian law firm |
Project |
Setting up a client relationship program |
Story |
The firm had a double objective: develop relationships with existing clients through a more personal approach and improve cross-selling by a better circulation of client information. We helped setting up a client relationship programme based on regular client relationship meetings and internal reporting techniques. |
Client |
Top Belgian law firm |
Project |
Engagement letters |
Story |
To improve communication on fees and billing, our client had decided to send engagement letters at the outset of any new engagement. We revised the letters and advised on the way to use them. |
Client Survey and Market Research
Client |
Belgian offices of a first tier international law firm |
Project |
Conducting a general client survey |
Story |
The firm wanted feedback from a number of important clients and non-clients on a broad range of issues. We structured and conducted a survey through face-to-face interviews with 15 general counsels and general managers. The survey results set off a broad review of the firm’s strategy and operations and a strategic off site. |
Client |
First-tier Brussels law firm |
Project |
Conducting a general client survey |
Story |
The firm wanted feedback from its key clients on a broad range of issues. We structured and conducted a survey through face-to-face interviews with 30 general counsels and general managers. Based on the survey results, the firm decided to address several issues raised by the clients and to improve its business model and its strategy. |
Client |
Professional services firm |
Project |
Market research for merger candidates |
Story |
Our client was considering strengthening its market position in Belgium through a merger with another firm. To obtain a better view on the possible candidates, we performed a market study and set up a priority list. Our study resulted in a short list of firms to be contacted. |
Mergers and Restructurings
Client |
Belgian law firm |
Project |
Facilitating decision-making on merger proposal |
Story |
The firm had been approached by another with a proposal to merge. The managing partner hired us to identify and advise on the various options available, and to facilitate discussions and decision-making among partners. Eventually, the firm decided to reject the merger proposal. |
Client |
International law firm |
Project |
Strategic coaching for a law firm founder on a merger proposal |
Story |
Our client was facing tough choices for the future of his firm and his own, as he had received an offer to join another law firm. We helped him make up his mind and find a creative “third-way” solution that he quickly decided to follow. He is now more successful than ever.
|
HR Stragegy and People Management
Client |
Top Belgian law firm |
Project |
Advising on competency management plans |
Story |
The firm wanted to set up a comprehensive competency management system. We advised the managing partner and made recommendations to make the system more relevant, user-friendly, effective and consistent with existing HR policies and tools. |
Client |
Belgian member of an international alliance of law firms |
Project |
Implementing a transparent ‘Career Path’ |
Story |
To retain and motivate its best associates, the firm asked us to interview its associates and make recommendations. The most important recommendation was to install a transparent career path within the firm. We identified the different career levels in the firm and detailed for each level the selection and assessment criteria, including the criteria to make partner. We also assisted the managing partner in having the career path accepted by all the partners and with internal communication. |
Client |
Top Belgian law firm |
Project |
Advising on performance appraisal systems and tools for partners and associates |
Story |
The firm had decided to review and update its performance appraisal policy and practice, both for partners and associates. We designed an innovative appraisal system for partners, we drafted new appraisal forms for associates, we clarified the appraisal procedure, and we trained all senior lawyers to use the new system and tools. |
Client |
Belgian member of an international alliance of law firms |
Project |
Revising of the recruitment process |
Story |
The firm wanted to streamline its recruitment process in order to make it more effective. We audited the existing process and made suggestions to centralise the process, measure performance and capture crucial information, making it available for analysis and feedback on the recruitment position of the firm on the Belgian market. |
Client |
Top Belgian law firm |
Project |
Structuring induction program for new associates |
Story |
The firm wanted to upgrade its induction program for new associates. We worked with the senior associate responsible for the induction program on program content and calendar, facilitation skills, delivery format, and program evaluation procedures and tools. |
Client |
Top Belgian law firm |
Project |
Training hiring committee in recruitment interviewing skills |
Story |
The firm had just appointed new members to the hiring committee. We trained them in conducting effective recruitment interviews. Several organisational and strategic issues on selection, recruitment, and integration of new associates came up during the program and were later reported and discussed with the managing partner. |
Personal Coaching
Client |
Various law firms |
Project |
Personal coaching of partners and senior associates in business development |
Story |
Training in marketing and business development is often not sufficient. To change behaviour and attitude and to provoke action, training must be complemented by personal coaching that lasts at least six months. We coach several senior associates and partners to develop their business. After helping them to focus and to set up a personal action plan, we guard discipline in executing the action plan while at the same time providing guidance and assistance. |
Mediation and Facilitation
Client |
Graphic design firm |
Project |
Mediating a difficult relationship between the managing partner and senior associate |
Story |
The managing partner was experiencing a very difficult relationship with a key senior associate. He asked us to facilitate a conflict resolution process. The mediation allowed both parties to clear off misunderstandings, clarify expectations and perceptions, and agree on healthy communication principles for the future. |
Training and Workshops
Client |
Brussels office of US law firm |
Project |
Delivering management training for HR, IT, marketing, finance and office managers in US law firm |
Story |
The firm wanted to increase management effectiveness of its HR, IT, marketing, finance and office managers. We designed and conducted a management training program during which unexpected governance, organisaton and strategy issues became apparent. We brought them to the leadership’s attention. |
Client |
Various firms |
Project |
Workshop on fee communication |
Story |
Communication on fees is one of the most delicate challenges in professional services firms. Our workshops on fee communication help professionals being more confident about fee communication and provide techniques to communicate on fees more effectively. |
Client |
Several law firms |
Project |
Delivering writing skills training for lawyers and professionals |
Story |
We have been hired by several law firms to promote effective writing throughout the firm, often on a recurrent basis. We audit existing writing performance, set up writing guidelines, and design and lead customised writing skills training for associates, partners, and professional managers. |
Client |
Top Belgian law firm |
Project |
Delivering soft skills training for senior associates and young partners in law firm |
Story |
A leading law firm had decided to offer a special training program to senior associates and young partners. We designed and conducted this program, covering issues from leadership and people management to client management and business development to work organisation and time management. |
Client |
Top Belgian law firm |
Project |
Facilitating off-site for senior associates |
Story |
Every year, the firm organises a residential seminar for the senior associates. We are hired to prepared and facilitated workshops on burning questions for senior associates like coaching of associates, work organisation and time management, work-life balance and career planning, client management and business development. |
Client |
Belgian member of an international alliance of law firms |
Project |
Training partners in delegation and coaching |
Story |
We have been hired to provide training and coaching to partners to help them delegating work more effectively and coaching associates. |
Retreats
Client |
Brussels-based venture capital firm |
Project |
Facilitating annual retreats for leadership team |
Story |
The leadership team wanted to think about its long-term strategy after a hectic year. We were hired to design and facilitate a retreat, during which our client made decisions on the priorities of the firm and its internal organisation. |
Client |
Belgian offices of a first tier international law firm |
Project |
Preparing Strategic Off Site |
Story |
The firm started a broad review of its mission statement, long term goals and strategy in marketing, product development, HR, client care and pricing. The review process ended with a two day strategic off site for the entire firm. We advised on the strategic review process, on the definition of the mission statement, and on the long term goals and strategy. We helped prepare the off site, advised on internal communication, and facilitated several workshops. |
|
