This was awarded to the law firm that was able to show it had broken new ground in the export of legal services. Entries needed to demonstrate the strategic nature of the firm's exporting objectives; the active development of new export markets (either geographical or sectoral) which have turned into results impacting on the firm's turnover; and the coherent integration of this export activity into wider business development plans. This award was open to all in the legal sector.
Trowers & Hamlins have succeeding in breaking new ground in challenging markets with great potential for law firms and business generally, such as Saudi Arabia, Jo rdan, Libya and Syria – no small achievement in the current financial climate.
Clarke Willmott have successfully demonstrated how a firm with a predominantly UK regional client base can strategically target particular markets and sectors overseas.
Burton Burton & Ho took a strategic decision in 2007 to establish a new China-focused department to provide a suite of legal and business services to clients. In 2009 the firm entered into an innovative relationship with Zhongnan University to further assist clients with research and information requirements, as well as actively developing their affiliations in first and second tier Chinese cities.
Irwin Mitchell has continued to develop new export markets with its International Travel Litigation Group, which has the largest team of lawyers in Europe specialising in acting for victims of cross-border injury or illness. By strategically expanding their network of offices and affiliations, Irwin Mitchell can now deliver expert legal advice in over 80 jurisdictions on a range of matters.
Formed in 2002, Miller Rosenfalck has developed from being a provider of legal services to the Anglo-Danish sector into a commercial law one-stopshop offering expertise and advice in English and European law. The firm has seen an increase in work and profitability over the past year, despite the deep contraction of European economies.
Pinsent Masons has broadened its services in the Gulf, developed relationships with other firms in the region through a unique legal consulting service, and is nurturing local talent through a partnership with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) University Law Faculty. The Dubai team is laying important foundations for work in India by supporting Indian corporates in the UAE.
SC Andrew is a dispute resolution practice undertaking high value litigation and arbitrations internationally. It recently opened an office in the British Virgin Islands to further develop its Caribbean practice. It has developed an innovative service to support clients with multijurisdictional disputes and has demonstrated that a strategic approach to opening overseas offices can pay dividends, even during a recession.