The Future of the Global Law Firm

THE FUTURE OF THE GLOBAL LAW FIRM

GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY LAW CENTER

CENTER FOR THE STUDY OF THE LEGAL PROFESSION

APRIL 17-18, 2008

This symposium will bring together scholars from a range of disciplines, legal practitioners, regulators, and consultants and experts on professional service firms to discuss a variety of forces that are likely to shape the global market for law firm services in the years to come. Participants from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia will explore issues such as the financial, organizational, and cultural dynamics of law firms; management strategies and business models in the global legal services market; law firm access to various sources of capital; and the impact of market forces on professional ethics, values, and identity. Analysis of these issues will be informed in particular by discussion of legislation in the United Kingdom authorizing nonlawyer equity investment in law firms, and of the emergence of the publicly traded law firm in Australia. The goal of the symposium will be for scholars and practitioners to engage in a dialogue that illuminates the challenges that lie ahead for law firms that aim to operate and compete on the global stage.

There is no fee to attend the symposium, but we ask that you register beforehand. For information and registration, please contact Satrice Rigsby at 202-662-9890 or cle@law.georgetown.edu

I shall be presenting my paper on "Future Directions in the UK Legal Profession: Life After the Legal Services Act 2007"

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