template report comparative analysis · “he gives associate-level service and has liquidation...

ChambersCONFIDENTIAL

Special report fromour unpublished

research onAnyLaw Firm LLP

CHAMBERS & PARTNERSLEGAL PUBLISHERS

_Template Report_Comparative Analysis:Template Report_Comparative Analysis 30/1/12 14:46

Introduction ....................................................................................................................1

Executive Summary ........................................................................................................2

Corporate/M&A ............................................................................................................3

CONTENTS

Chambers Confidential

_Template Report_Comparative Analysis:Template Report_Comparative Analysis 30/1/12 14:46

1Chambers Confidential

INTRODUCTION

This report contains the most useful selections of feedback received onAnyLaw Firm LLP in Chambers 2012.

Our expertise in assessing the world’s legal profession has evolved over aperiod of twenty years. We constantly refine our research operation but wekeep, at its core, a reliance on personal interviews with lawyers and clients anda range of other market sources that we identify in the course of our research.

These interviews are essential. They give us a wealth of in-depthinformation – often extremely frank and critical. However, they require alarge team of intelligent and knowledgeable researchers managed by highlyexperienced editors.We have to judge and assess the many opinions we hearand allow for all the conflicting interests and biases. Our success is evidentin the acknowledged accuracy of our rankings and the credibility of oureditorial.

_Template Report_Comparative Analysis:Template Report_Comparative Analysis 30/1/12 14:46 Page 1

Feedback on individual practice areas

Corporate/M&AOur research suggests that the general perception in the market is that corporate law is not astrong suit at AnyLaw Firm LLP. This is not unique to AnyLaw Firm LLP; indeed itcharacterises much of the feedback for firms in the lower bands of this and other tables.Moving on to feedback from other professional advisers with whom the corporate team works,things look very different. The individuals we spoke to were keen to communicate theirpositive views about the team and why they refer work to the firm. Clients too gave a numberof positive endorsements.The comments offered by clients on the subject of pricing suggestthat the firm is perceived to offer good value for money.

Jane Smith is clearly liked by her clients and they value her advice and style of service.Clients like the fact that she is to the point and very efficient. She will need to develop greaterrecognition in order to climb the rankings. Daniel Clayton and PeteTravers were each name-checked in a positive context; however the level of feedback received for them would need tobe greater in order to produce individual rankings.

2 Chambers Confidential

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY


SummaryOur research suggests that the general perception in the market is that corporate law is not astrong suit at AnyLaw Firm LLP. This is not unique to AnyLaw Firm LLP; indeed itcharacterises much of the feedback for firms in the lower bands of this and other tables.Moving on to feedback from other professional advisers with whom the corporate team works,things look very different. The individuals we spoke to were keen to communicate theirpositive views about the team and why they refer work to the firm. Clients too gave a numberof positive endorsements.The comments offered by clients on the subject of pricing suggestthat the firm is perceived to offer good value for money.

Jane Smith is clearly liked by her clients and they value her advice and style of service.Clients like the fact that she is to the point and very efficient. She will need to develop greaterrecognition in order to climb the rankings. Daniel Clayton and PeteTravers were each name-checked in a positive context; however the level of feedback received for them would need tobe greater in order to produce individual rankings.

Comparative Rankings

Analysis of Comparative RankingsCompetitor Firm 1 has a Band 3 ranking that is not disputed by commentators. It has a goodclient list and is seen as long established in corporate matters in its market. A number of theteam’s lawyers have a profile that is confirmed by market sources. The deals for which the teamhas worked on are also routinely of higher value than those handled by AnyLaw Firm LLP.

Competitor Firm 2’s practice is Band 4-ranked to reflect the volume and nature of feedbackfor the team. The size of its recent deals are comparable with AnyLaw Firm’s but it has aslender advantage in terms of its larger sized team and the benefit of two ranked partners.Ultimately, the quantity and quality of feedback is very similar and both firms are viewed byinterviewees as equal competitors.

Competitor Firm 3 moves up into Band 4 this year as it is picking up some larger work and hasinternational deals coming through too. Its acquisition of five additional partners from a rivalfirm has substantially increased its size to make it more comparable with the Band 4 players.Thishas bolstered the practice and interviewees agree that it is now a stronger force as a result.

Market Feedback on the Team“They were one of my first choices. But losing their lead partner has taken away one oftheir standard bearers.” (Client)

3Chambers Confidential

CORPORATE/M&A

2012 2011 2010

AnyLaw Firm LLP 4 4 NR

Competitor Firm 1 3 3 3




CORPORATE/M&A

“I’m not really as keen on them now. I’ve found there is no supervision of junior associates.They often bark up wrong tree on issues, just not fantastic.” (Client)

“I have a personal frustration with them, they obliterate advantages in deals. They getbogged down in points – legal minutiae. It financially impacts on us when a client selectsthem – you have to extend the time frame of the deal and extend the budget. If they'reon the other side because they make the process more drawn out and expensive.” (Client)

“I was a little bit disappointed, in my one experience of them as there were no partnersin sight!” (Client)

“We got a two-years qualified associate who had to go away and ask for help.” (Client)

“It’s a very good all round firm and I would not hesitate to send work their way.With thesebigger firms you tailor instructions to individuals. I.e. investment grade finance, or buyouts.” (Client)

“The team are especially conscientious in keeping up to date regarding what has been wonin terms of concessions from the banks in deals – they have some of the best informationavailable.” (Client)

“They are good, but not great. They have a presence.” (Market Commentator)

“They are better in M&A deals than Competitor Firm 3.They have more depth, they getmore of the work. (Market Commentator)

“It’s just not the powerhouse it was.We were on the other side of a deal and I was, frankly,appalled.” (Market Commentator)

Market Feedback on IndividualsJane Smith (Band 3)“She is very experienced and always available. I have passed a number of things her way (interms of recommending other people) and they have all been very satisfied.” (Client)

“Jane has an excellent insight into our business and what is required from a legal perspective.Recently her assistance and input was invaluable in bringing a project to a successfulconclusion.” (Client)

“Jane has commerciality and is good at handling clients. She’s very good at covering whatneeds to be covered and keeping the costs reasonable. It is largely her experience [that wevalue]. She’s well respected locally, she can quickly assess what the client needs.” (MarketCommentator)

“One of the advantages of working with Jane is that she will bring others in. She will quietlyget her team to do what they need to do.” (Market Commentator)

“Practical yet thorough.” (Market Commentator)

Daniel Clayton (NR)“He gives associate-level service and has liquidation expertise.” (Client)

Pete Travers (NR)“He is up and coming.” (Market Commentator)

4 Chambers Confidential


ChambersCONFIDENTIAL

GIVE YOUR FIRM THE ADVANTAGE


template report comparative analysis · “he gives associate-level service and has liquidation...

Documents