Sometimes it’s not about the big things…

One of the real strengths of our network is the way members make time for each other when travel or client work brings them into the same city. 

These meetings are rarely grand or formal, yet they often do more to strengthen relationships than months of emails or calls.  Being in the same room gives conversations a different quality.  You learn how someone thinks, you talk and laugh together, you get a feel for their market, and trust builds in a way that helps everyone work better and more closely.

And this happens all over the world.

Recently, in the Philippines, Soo Chye and Zenglin from Oaks Legal were welcomed by Marvi Abo and his team; they left with strengthened relationships and a clearer sense of shared opportunities across the region. 

And when travelling, Marvi and associate Andrea Reyes also met with Ed and Alex of Ployprathip International Law Office (PILO), in Thailand, which gave both firms a more grounded understanding of how they might support each other in future.

Manila also welcomed Murali from Bangalore, who stopped in to connect and share perspectives with Marvi and his firm.

While in Africa, the East Africa Law Society AGM brought together Isaac and Maggie from Rwanda, Dorcas from Tanzania, Shawn from South Africa and Keith where they caught up, laughed, chatted and connected about life, the universe and lawyering.

These more relaxed encounters are easy to overlook in a busy year, yet they are the golden threads that contribute to holding an international network together. 

So when your work takes you abroad, use the chance to look up a fellow member firm.  A brief catch up is often all it takes to deepen connections and strengthen the way we support our clients across borders.