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CC advances global plan with Norman’s Dubai swap

I think most firms who have expanded successfully internationally would say that the office goes much better if a good partner with gravitas is posted there to energise the office and strengthen the network. The issue, as your article clearly points out, is what happens when they return. The problem is not just that they find it difficult to build up a practice, the problem is often that, in their absence, those 'holding the fort' have established their own relationships with clients 'left behind' or created a profile in particular areas and take none too kindly to the prodigal son returning and wanting a piece of the action again. Much more work needs to be done by law firms on the internal impact of these postings, and much more work needs to be done to re-integrate returning partners not only so they can begin to function effectively again back at base but also so that the benefits of their experience abroad can be shared and integrated to the benefit of all. The focus on individual partner performance during the recssion has not helped this task one little bit, and the overseas posting will continue to be a potential poison chalice until firms start behaving more strategically.

22-Jul-2010

10:20 am