Managing through the Recession: how clients and lawyers can assist each other Part of a series of Roundtable events hosted by Dominique Graham, Director, Graham Gill, addressing core management issues. Panel members: Jeffery Barratt - Norton Rose LLP Nigel Boardman - Slaughter and May Robin Budenberg - UBS David Cheyne - Linklaters LLP Andrew Garard - ITV Michael Hatchard - Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP Richard Linsell - Addleshaw Goddard LLP Charles Martin - Macfarlanes LLP Dermot Mathias - BDO Stoy Hayward LLP Mark Rawlinson - Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP Richard Rosenthal - Morgan Stanley Peter Sharp - Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP Jerry Walter - Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP Kirsty Whitehead - VISA Europe Stephen Williams - Unilever PLC		Michael Hatchard and Richard Lindsell
		Andrew Garard and Nigel Boardman
Nigel Boardman, Doninique Graham and David Cheyne	Charles Martin, Kirsty Whitehead and Jerry Walter	Mark Rawlinson, Robin Budenberg, Nigel Boardman and Richard Linsell
Charles Martin. Kirsty Whitehead and Dermot Mathias	Steve Williams	Peter Sharp, Jeffery Barratt and Mark Rawlinson

The debate was a lively one, and full of laughter despite the gloomy subject matter. Although the discussion occasionally meandered off subject, it managed to cover most of the bullet point headings ear-marked for the discussion (listed below).

“The most notable aspect was the unambiguous warning call from the GC's around the table: any law firm not prepared to accept that their model and structure was going to change was in for a rough ride” Dominique Graham.

A transcript of the roundtable is available for £50.00 + VAT. If you wish to purchase a copy please contact Paloma Ortega on 020 7430 1711.

The Discussion was Chaired by Stephen Williams

Protection of what we have
How do you protect:

• Existing relationships?
• Existing market share?

Less is more OR more is less?

• Focus on fewer clients, but offer more services to fewer clients?
• Focus on core specialisms and a sector focused approach?
• Low margin work - outsource or jettison?

Better value for money

• Can you do more for less and, if so, how?
• What is the defnition of 'more'?
• How to reduce the cost of the work to the client?
• Sharing the pain- how

Change the model - diversify

• Retool, retrain or rebrand?
• Increase the offering?

Change and prosper
Impact of Legal Services Bill

Panel Member Quotes

'A stimulating and rich debate of issues critical to law firms and their clients'.
Nigel Boardman – Partner - Slaughter and May

‘I thought it was extremely interesting to hear what everyone had to say about the challenges we will face next year. There was plenty of food for thought, and it was very useful to listen to some strategic thinking on the issues’.
Jerry Walter – Partner - Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP

‘Full credit to you for maintaining the momentum and hosting these very thoughtful roundtables’. 
Richard Rosenthal – General Counsel - Morgan Stanley

"I much enjoyed the opportunity to discuss current management challenges with senior lawyers. It was made all the more real by having a number of legal council present who reminded us of the client's perspective".
Dermot Mathias – Senior Partner- BDO Stoy Hayward LLP

“What could be more stimulating and valuable for law firm leaders and major clients than an exceptionally open and frank discussion about the issues that both face:  I came away with valuable insights and ideas that will help shape the way in which we deal with these issues.”
Charles Martin – Senior Partner -  MacFarlanes LLP

" I enjoyed the morning - there are many parallel issues with our own business but just as many striking differences. All very interesting "
Robin Budenberg - UBS