About LAWorld

Our member firms share many characteristics

  • All are independent firms, owned by their principals, who are active in their practices
  • Most are medium sized in their jurisdictions, with the ability to devote personal attention to their clients
  • Many are active in the International Bar Association (IBA)
  • Most have broadly based commercial, corporate, business and litigation practices; in some locations where all these capabilities are not easily found in one firm, two or more firms may be selected to ensure that the full range of legal advice is available to referred clients
  • All have a strong commitment to the use of the latest technology
  • All have English speaking lawyers, as well as lawyers speaking the language(s) of the host country and neighbouring countries
  • All have domestic focus and experience, with strong international interest and understanding.

In looking for new member firms, LAWorld seeks mid sized, independent firms which are well established in their local jurisdictions. These firms communicate electronically, and cover the main fields of commercial work. They should have an international perspective. At a senior level at least one partner must be able to communicate effectively in English.

As a network, member firms communicate regularly by email and strive to be at the cutting edge of technological developments in the delivery of legal services. 

Member firms meet annually to discuss issues of common concern and to increase their own networks. The 2009 meeting will take place in Miami, with Dublin the location for 2008.  The 2007 meeting took place in New Delhi; in 2006 Mexico City was the venue. Previous meetings have been held in Amsterdam, Madrid, Charleston USA, Lisbon, Macau / China, Israel, Cyprus and Rome. In addition member firms meet on a regional basis once or twice each year.

Member firms use LAWorld to obtain high quality, cost effective legal services for their clients in jurisdictions which are separated by distance, language or culture from their own. Clients are favourably impressed by the international capabilities that their local law firm can draw on. It is expected that the volume of business transactions between LAWorld member firms will grow as the network expands and the relationships amongst member firms continue to develop.

Member firms have also found LAWorld useful in helping them to attract and retain high quality professional staff, as employee exchanges can be arranged with LAWorld law firms anywhere in the world, for negotiable periods of time.

LAWorld advertises in the Martindale-Hubbell Directory.

Member firms which do not have English as a first language have access to editing services for documents, websites, professional articles etc as a privilege of membership.

LAWorld, the network of independent law firms which are international in outlook, local in scope.