US legal profession backs flexible approach to service provision…
Law firms among best places to work says Fortune survey
Several law firms have made the grade in a ranking of the 100 Best Companies to Work For.
The listings from Fortune rank companies based on an anonymous survey of Great Place to Work-certified organizations across the US. Inclusion means employees have given positive feedback on experiences of trust and reaching their full human potential within the organization.
Among the 100 listed in 2020 are law firms Perkins Coie, Orrick, Alston & Bird, and Cooley. Big 4 services firms KPMG, PWC, Deloitte and EY also made the list.
“It is extraordinary to think about how far Cooley has come,” said Joe Conroy, Cooley’s chairman and chief executive officer. “Our people-first culture and firmwide commitment to inclusion and wellness continue to be central to our success and driving forces behind our global growth.”
Bill Malley, Perkins Coie’s firmwide managing partner said it was an honour to be included again for the 18th year.
“This recognition reflects our consistent commitment to fostering an inclusive and collaborative workplace in which we are joined by a common purpose—to provide excellent client service every day,” he said.
US legal profession backs flexible approach to service provision
The US legal profession took a step towards more flexibility in how legal services are delivered this week.
The American Bar Association House of Delegates adopted a resolution that would encourage states and other jurisdictions to consider innovative approaches to expanding access to justice with the goal of improving affordability and quality of civil legal services.
However, the resolution said that nothing that was passed should be construed as “recommending any changes” to model rules including those relating to non-lawyer ownership of law firms or the unauthorized practice of law.
That means that the US is some way from the kind of regulatory changes seen in the UK for example, where Alternative Business Structures have enabled a wider range of legal services provision models.
The ABA further calls for data to be collected to ensure that any regulatory changes approved would be judged on their effectiveness in reducing barriers to justice.
