04 October 2011

Acritas reveals the world's leading law firm brands

Acritas has released the Sharplegal 2011 Global Elite Brand Index, the leading global law firm brands, as rated by the world’s most important and influential law firm clients.

The Sharplegal Global Elite Brand Index 2011 shows that the gap is narrowing between the top ranking global law firms as their internationalization strategies gain momentum.

Leading Magic Circle firm Freshfields has seen the largest index rise amongst the top 10 followed by White & Case. Hogan Lovells has also improved its ranking, reaping the benefits of its transatlantic merger.

An interesting group of firms from markets rich in natural resources, emerging and key European markets also feature strongly – these include Stikeman Elliott (Canada), King & Wood (China) and CMS (Europe).

A number of US-led firms, notably with increasing international footprints, have also gained ground including SNR Denton, K&L Gates and Gibson Dunn.

The Index is compiled annually from the views of nearly 1000 general counsel operating in ‘global elite’ companies with revenues in excess of $1billion.

In the last five years, the brand positions of many law firms have seen significant change. These movements have been driven by a range of significant factors including mergers, combinations, lateral hires, international growth and successful marketing campaigns.
Sharplegal 2011 Global Elite Brand Index

The methodology

The Sharplegal Global Elite Brand Index is determined through four open-ended questions to find out from general counsel:

• The first law firms to come to mind

• The firms they feel most favorable towards

• The firms most considered for multi-jurisdictional deals

• The firms most considered for multi-jurisdictional litigation.

At the time of going to press, the results are based on the views of 963 general counsel operating in ‘global elite’ companies with a minimum revenue of $1bn who were interviewed as part of the ongoing Sharplegal 2011 survey. Full Sharplegal 2011 results will be available from December 2011.

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