In December last year, the results of a study into the FTSE 100 companies’ perceptions of the UK legal profession were published by NISUS Consulting. The study confirmed that the most important key service factor sought by these clients from their client relationship partner was strategic thinking – the ability to assess risks, set out options and give clear, commercial recommendations.
The findings of this study came as no surprise. Many clients take their lawyers’ legal expertise for granted. What they look for are legal advisers who understand the environment in which they operate and the challenges they face, such as internal pressures from management and procurement and external pressures from investors, financiers, competitors and regulators. They need their lawyers to provide bespoke strategic advice that is both commercially realistic and effective in achieving their goals.
