Hope Krebs

Hope Krebs serves as chair of Multilaw, a global network of independent law firms that links clients with attorneys internationally. … Founded in 1990 and headquartered in London, Multilaw boasts 8,500 attorneys from 80-plus member firms in more than 150 cities. Eight U.S. firms make up Multilaw’s American contingent. “We’re friendly competitors,” Krebs says.

Due diligence and quality control mechanisms are the hallmark of Multilaw, according to Krebs. “This is not a Yellow Pages. These are trusted advisers who can service the needs of your clients in many countries,” she says. …

A member firm may have its own international offices but still uses Multilaw “to complete the world,” Krebs notes. “Multilaw firms recognize that you can’t have an office everywhere.” At the time of the Journal’s interview with Krebs, Multilaw had a pending RFP that spanned 72 countries. …

Not surprisingly, business development is another huge benefit of an international network. Krebs recounts a recent meeting between one of her Duane Morris partners and a potential client. The partner asked the general counsel what kept him up at night. The GC answered: “All the compliance work we have in the foreign countries where we have subsidiaries.” Krebs’ partner responded confidently: “I think we can help.” Not only did the firm get the client at least in part because of the Multilaw connection, but that engagement generated additional real estate and employment work for the sister Multilaw firms originally hired to do the compliance work.

Krebs is eager to dispel misconceptions about law firm networks. “It’s not just a bunch of little firms cobbled together,” she says. “It’s a strategic network.”

To read more, visit the ABA Journal website.