Two and a half years ago, newly elected Baker McKenzie chair Paul Rawlinson laid out his 2020 vision for the international juggernaut. He introduced bold changes, among them focusing the firm in core areas, planning to integrate its financial system, pushing determinedly into transactional work, and aiming to dramatically increase bench strength in the world’s biggest legal markets.

Baker McKenzie wasn’t alone in its overhaul. Global firms existing in these uncertain times are attempting to shore themselves up against an ever-competitive industry and an unstable geopolitical system.