JOINT 2006 WINNERS
Two phrases in the Browne Jacobson submission capture the thinking behind the management mantras at this firm. �balancing the best parts of a professional partnership and a corporate model� and also �not a law firm, but a business doing law� Stating these two things clearly, has enabled Brian Smith to empower and to act unilaterally as appropriate. The use of a Balanced Score Card is certainly not unique, but the consistency of its application has produced strong results, loyal and effective people and satisfied clients. A well-defined management structure under the Managing Partner gives recognition to external and internal leaders.
Over the last few years Linklaters has undertaken a major programme of development that has successfully aligned its business with its strategic goals, something many firms profess to do but, in fact, few succeed. Such a programme requires management to make some extremely tough, and sometimes painful, decisions, but the management team at Linklaters have not shirked in this task. In addition they have undertaken some very innovative programmes such as 'bringing Harvard to Cambridge'.
The decision was made to ensure all partners went through a Leadership Development course provided by Harvard. Instead if sending everyone to Harvard the firm brought the key Harvard faculty to Cambridge and run the course in the UK thereby ensuring there is a common language in relation to leadership and management throughout the partnership.
2006 EUROPEAN WINNERS AND 3RD PLACE
Cuatrecasas has achieved consistent and significant growth over the last 25 years, and has been recognised by groups inside and outside Spain as a standard of excellence. In a national environment that has traditionally valued caution and conservatism, Cuatrecasas has used 4 building blocks to drive change and separate themselves from their competition. These include:-
- Placing clients in the centre of the business practice; client satisfaction and consistent feedback
- Investing in all of their people; using ongoing assessment and training programmes for everyone
- Developing a team of professional managers; Cuatrecasas now relies on over 400 professional managers in finance, human resources and knowledge management.
- Corporate Social Responsibility; extensive commitments to the community, volunteering and giving to those less healthy or fortunate.
Responding to the problem of how to evolve from a successful first generation law Italian firm, to an �institutional� firm has earned Gianni, Origoni, Grippo and Partner a place in this year�s winning circle. The outcome of extensive discussions between partners produced a bold and challenging new Partnership Agreement in June 2006; this landmark agreement guarantees an independent approach to development and growth, the management of internal functions, and real respect for a professional marketing group.
The firm now includes 330 professionals in 6 Italian cities as well as London and New York.
The new GOGP approaches to internal corporate governance provided a sustainable cultural shift in a country where the legal environment is very complex, and many firms have been unable to go from one generation to another.