SCG Legal December 2024 Newsletter

December 18, 2024
scglegal

I can hardly believe that 2024 is coming to a close! SCG Legal’s Board of Directors and I want to express our immense gratitude for your firm’s continued commitment to our organization. We look forward to collaborating in 2025 to build on our current successes and strategically pursue opportunities for even greater impact and mutual growth.

Today, our network is more proactive, connected, value- and results-oriented than ever before.

SCG Legal continues to grow its reach and influence through a community that currently includes 123 independent firms strategically allied across 63 countries. (Click HERE for our downloadable brochure with Member directory and HERE for our online directory.) Our unique collective of the right attorneys and government relations professionals, connecting at the right time for the right reasons, provides an unparalleled competitive advantage in the legal industry. This ensures that Member firms and your clients are well-equipped to address the global events that impact us all—professionally, politically and personally. 

SCG Legal’s value is directly tied to priorities set by Members. I welcome you – always – to offer suggestions for how to enhance the organization’s benefit to you, your firm, and your clients. Every single call to action has the potential for a ripple effect, stimulating growth for and expanding the reach of our global community. Rest assured, I will continue to seek your ideas and feedback in the new year. 

Below please find our 2024: A Look Back and 2025: A Look Ahead – as well as some additional network highlights – and please be sure to share it with your firm colleagues so they, too, can fully comprehend the breadth and depth of strategy, support, impact, and influence your firm experiences through its involvement and investment with SCG Legal.

Wishing you peace, health, and happiness this holiday season.  

With Our Mutual Success in Mind, 
Alina Gorokhovsky, CEO
agorokhovsky@scglegal.com
202.580.6527

**On High Alert: Governments in Transition**

As political leadership continues to shift globally—including but not limited to the re-election of Donald Trump as U.S. President—SCG is closely monitoring changes and challenges in key areas of government, along with emerging developments and client trends across various practice groups. Our focus remains on connecting Members across our global network to provide critical insights, drive referrals, and positively impact the businesses of our clients and firms. 

The following practice groups will meet in 2025 to discuss practice trends, client development activities, and business development opportunities. Most of our firms are active in these areas; however, if you’d like to join any of these groups, please reach out to your firm’s Voting Representative (VR). You can find the list of VRs by clicking HERE.  

  • Arbitration
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Bankruptcy & Insolvency
  • Cannabis
  • Corporate/Mergers & Acquisitions
  • Data Protection, Privacy, and Cybersecurity (DPPC)
  • Employment
  • Environment/Energy (Europe)
  • Government Procurement/Contracts
  • Government Relations
  • Immigration
  • Infrastructure
  • Insurance
  • Intellectual Property (Patent Prosecution/Litigation)
  • Life Sciences
  • Litigation
  • Solar
  • Tax (Asia + PR)
  • Tax (US)
  • Trusts and Estates
  • White Collar 

During times of political and economic uncertainty, current and prospective clients often feel anxious and seek additional support from law and lobbying firms. This is when our network provides members with a global competitive edge by leveraging our community of experts. The attorneys and government relations professionals across our member firms are among the best in their practice areas and jurisdictions. Many of them are also former government officials, including ministers, members of U.S. Congress, governors, mayors, attorneys general, and leaders of legislative and administrative agencies.

  • If you need support in any of the practice areas mentioned above or have additional areas to suggest for our ‘watch’ list, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me (agorokhovsky@scglegal.com).

**INDUSTRY UPDATE**

As you continue to prepare for the new year, please note the 2025 Citi Hildebrandt Client Advisory Reports Law Firm Industry Revenue Growth Driven by Increasing Demand (issued December 5).

**REGISTRATION NOW OPEN**

2025 SCG Legal Midyear Meeting: Leading the Charge in a World of Change
The legal landscape is shifting rapidly, influenced by technological advancements, geopolitical uncertainty, economic fluctuations, and evolving regulations. Navigating this ever-changing landscape requires more than just expertise—it demands collaboration, foresight, and strategic innovation.

SCG Legal 2025 Midyear Meeting is designed to equip lawyers with the tools, insights, and connections needed to not only manage but lead through challenges and changes facing the legal industry. Engage with thought leaders, industry pioneers, and peers from around the globe to gain invaluable insights, foster essential relationships, and sharpen your competitive edge.

Position yourself and your firm at the forefront of legal excellence.

REGISTER TODAY

**In Case You Missed It** 

Fearless Feedback: How Mills & Reeve Transformed Its Client Listening Culture Webinar
Creating a focused client listening culture is something many firms aspire to achieve, but how can you successfully embed listening activity (including client interviews) in your firm and have it make a tangible difference to your firm’s client experience? Hear a first-hand answer from Kirsty Shenton, Head of Client Development at SCG Legal Member firm Mills & Reeve (UK), as she takes us through the firm’s client feedback process, including how their approach to ‘Fearless Feedback’ is now a cornerstone of the firm’s strategy.

  • View the webinar recording HERE. 

Give to Grow: Finish the Year Strong & Build Momentum for Success in the New Year Webinar
Developing strong relationships and driving business growth are top priorities for most attorneys. But what’s often overlooked is how to do this in a way that feels authentic and mutually beneficial, where everyone wins.

Mo Bunnell, author of Give to Grow and founder of the successful Bunnell Idea Group, shares actionable strategies for building strong relationships and winning the clients you truly want. Learn how to grow your business and make the impact that matters most to you. 

  • View the webinar recording and access the presentation materials HERE.

2024: A LOOK BACK 

NEW MEMBER FIRMS. SCG Legal continues to expand strategically through key countries and regions. Please reach out to each Voting Representative (VR) to explore ways you can work together.  

ELITE DESIGNATION IN CHAMBERS Global 2023 Guide + Leading Rankings – Again – for Asia-Pacific and Canada. SCG Legal was once again recognized by Chambers and Partners in the Leading Law Firm Networks: Global Market Leaders (Band 1) category, and this year marks the second year we have been recognized in the Elite ranking. Additionally, the network maintained its rankings for Leading Law Firm Networks: Highly Regarded – Nationwide – Canada and Asia-Pacific Region. 

MIDYEAR MEETING | DUBLIN (MAY). With 130 participants representing 54 law firms from 34 different countries…including a third of the U.S. state Members…this year’s Midyear Meeting was the *largest* in SCG Legal’s Midyear Meeting history. A highlight of the agenda was the keynote featuring Bertie Ahern, former Irish Prime Minister, and Liz O’Donnell, former Government Minister of State. A special thank you to local host/Member firm Beauchamps for its guidance, hospitality, and support! For post-Meeting details and materials, please click HERE. 

TEAM CANADA REGIONAL MEETING | MONTREAL (JUNE). SCG Legal Canada Member firms—represented by 45 participants—convened for this annual regional meeting. The agenda included business development activities, legal tech, and A/R strategies discussions as well as ample time for networking. Special guests included The Honorable Irwin Cotler (a remarkable human rights advocate who was Member of Parliament for Mount Royal from 1999 to 2015, and he also served as the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada from 2003 until 2006) and Mario Lefebvre (a key figure in the music world in Quebec, who played a pivotal role in the success of renowned artists like Pink Floyd and Celine Dion). A special thank you to Dunton Rainville for hosting a fantastic meeting! 

ANNUAL MEETING | LOS ANGELES (SEPTEMBER). In attendance were 175 Members from 82 firms – including two prospective Member firms – representing 38 countries and 42 U.S. states. The agenda included a variety of client-facing topics as well as a focus on AI and improving internal operations, and featured California’s Attorney General Rob Bonta and Senator Ben Allen as keynote speakers. Several strategic professional development, business development, and networking opportunities were also organized at the meeting focused on New Partner Institute alumni, Women in Law workshop, and cross-border practice groups including Data Protection Privacy & Cybersecurity, Government Relations, and Mergers & Acquisitions/Corporate. A special thank you to local host/Member firm Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp for its guidance, hospitality, and support! For post-Meeting details and materials, please click HERE. 

ABOVE & BEYOND AWARD WINNERS. Established in 2020 to recognize Members who provide ‘above and beyond’ contributions, extraordinary support, and steady commitment to the network, the Above & Beyond Award presentation is now a treasured part of the organization’s Annual Meeting. This year’s honorees are:

For more details, click HERE for the press release.

AI STRATEGY. SCG Legal launched a proprietary Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy Exchange Working Group to assist Members in determining how AI can be strategically deployed to advantage each practice within the firm, including opportunities to optimize internal processes, workflow management, and document review. Eighty-eight (88) attorneys participated in this initiative from 50 Member firms. Click HERE for initiative web portal, which includes session recordings and materials shared. 

DEI CERTIFICATION. SCG Legal launched a proprietary Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Advocate™ Certification Program to recognize and support Member firms actively working to cultivate an internal culture of inclusion and belonging, having a positive influence towards the same mission in the broader legal sector, and expanding opportunities for diverse representation. Six firms earned their Advocate Certification in this inaugural year of the program: Boutin Jones (US: Sacramento, California); Mills & Reeve (UK); Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría (Colombia); Rifkin Weiner Livingston (US: Maryland); and WeirFoulds (Canada: Ontario). For more details, click HERE for the press release. 

NPI INSTITUTE. Included as a benefit for each Member firm, SCG Legal’s New Partner Institute (NPI) is a virtual leadership program designed to springboard the careers of newly promoted partners who want to establish a competitive advantage through the resources, tools, networking techniques, and insights that enable them to drive a proactive, productive, and profitable practice. As of today, there are 148 program alumni, and a number gathered in person for the first time at the 2024 Annual Meeting in Los Angeles. 

REGION, PRACTICE & AFFINITY GROUPS. SCG Legal has established specific initiatives – supported by regular virtual meetings and focused meetups at in-person events – to proactively connect lawyers across the globe for relevant knowledge sharing and to explore collaboration potential related to client, business development, and thought leadership opportunities (e.g., webinar/panel co-presenters, article co-authors). Meetings included: 

  • Region: Asia and Pacific Rim; Canada; Europe; Latin America & Caribbean; U.S. 
  • Practice: Arbitration, Bankruptcy and Insolvency​; Data Protection, Privacy, and Cybersecurity; Employment; Government Procurement​; Government Relations; Litigation; Mergers & Acquisitions/Corporate; White Collar
  • Affinity: Women in Law Task Force

DIRECTORIES & GUIDES. To support a greater understanding of business and legal considerations around the world, SCG Legal produces and/or promotes regional and jurisdictional guides and practice group directories.

Doing Business in… Guides

Practice Group Directories 

Interested in creating a guide/directory for your location? Please contact Director, Business Development and Strategic Initiatives Michele Bisceglie (mbisceglie@scglegal.com).

GLOBAL MEET-AND-GREETS. SCG Legal monitors Member interest and attendance at global events to help facilitate and/or potentially sponsor networking opportunities. This year we organized and supported Member meetups during the following events:

  • RainDance Conference hosted by Legal Sales & Service Organization (LSSO)
  • Marketing Partner Forum (MPF)
  • International Trademark Association (INTA) Annual Conference
  • International Legal Technology Association Annual Conference (ILTACON)
  • International Bar Association Annual Conference

We will also host cocktail receptions and meetups at all the above in 2025. Please be sure to let us know if you are attending so we can facilitate connecting you with fellow SCG Legal Members.

GLOBAL SPIN. At no cost and inclusive of full production support, SCG Legal continues to support Member firms with pod/webcast opportunities through its SCG Global Spin | Global Legal Updates platform. This year, we launched two new series:

  • Women in Law & Leadership, which profiles two women attorneys sharing their journey to success experiences
  • Global Spinette, which is a short-form podcast offering a quick overview of a timely topic critically important to SCG Legal Members and their clients

Click HERE for an outline of Global Spin and Global Spinette opportunities. Please contact Director, Business Development & Strategic Initiatives Michele Bisceglie (mbisceglie@scglegal.com) if you would like to schedule a recording.

MEMBER-ONLY ‘BEST PRACTICES’ TRAININGS. Included as a ‘no extra cost’ benefit for each Member firm, SCG Legal offers a number of professional and business development training programs. These include but are not limited to: Tips for LinkedIn; Creating, Leveraging, and Sustaining Your Professional Identity; Business Development Presentations; Business Planning; Best Practices for Writing Bios; Building a High Performance Alternative Free Arrangement Culture; and Networking for Lawyers. Click HERE to access recent webinar recordings.

  • If your firm is interested in one of these mentioned trainings or has a specific need, please contact me (agorokhovsky@scglegal.com) and I will find the best resource to support your request.

INDUSTRY PARTNER OFFERINGS. SCG Legal partners with select, vetted industry partners to assist in supporting the professional and business development growth of our Members.

  • Coston Consulting: As a value-add benefit, SCG Legal Members are invited to take advantage of a subscription discount for Elevate CurriculumTM, an eLearning program designed to help law firm associates and junior partners advance their marketing and revenue generation skills. Created by Coston Consulting – SCG’s partner for the inaugural DEI AdvocateTM Certification Program year – the Curriculum is divided into two subscription tracks. The Core program ($559.30 for SCG Members – we have a 25% discount) is designed to help law firm junior associates learn the fundamentals of personal branding, marketing, and networking. The Advanced track ($962.50 for SCG Members – we have a 25% discount) covers the marketing fundamentals along with business development best practices for profile raising, pitching for new business, client relations, and cross-selling. Both programs have been approved for certain CLE credit in a number of mandatory CLE states in the US. Click HERE for more details. To redeem the discount, click HERE to register, using the case sensitive code SCGL2024 when purchasing either program. If you are interested in 15 seats or more at your firm, please click HERE to contact Coston for additional group pricing options.

2025: A Look Ahead

ALL THE ABOVE AND… With no exceptions at this time, the initiatives and activities mentioned above will carry over, evolving and building in depth, breadth, and impact. Below are some of the new initiatives planned for next year as well as additional organizational highlights.

MORE >> MEET & GREETS AROUND THE GLOBE. As shared in A Look Back, SCG Legal monitors Member attendance at global events to help facilitate meetups and/or potentially sponsor networking opportunities. Below are some of the events we are tracking for 2025. If you/r firm colleagues are planning to attend these events – or would like to suggest other events be added to this list – please email Membership Coordinator Erin Kane (ekane@scglegal.com).

NEXT >> AI STRATEGY EXCHANGE WORKING GROUP 2.0: TOOLS & TACTICS. Building on the success of this year’s Exchange 1.0, SCG will advance the conversation to highlight specific AI tools and tactics to enhance operational efficiencies. We have partnered with Legaltech Hub, a leading platform for finding legal technology tools and resources, to launch AI Exchange 2.0. Participants from AI Exchange 1.0 will be invited to join this initiative. If you would like to also be included, please let me know. For more details, click HERE for the initiative brochure.

NEXT >> DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION (DEI) ADVOCATE™ CERTIFICATION PROGRAM. In January, SCG will launch the second cohort of this program in partnership with Conscient Strategies, a women-owned business consulting firm with legal industry expertise. This eight-month voluntary certification program, limited to six firms, supports strategic DEI efforts while positively impacting the legal industry. If your firm is interested, please contact me as soon as possible. For more details, click HERE for the Program brochure.

MORE >> WOMEN IN LAW TASK FORCE: MENTORING PROGRAM. Through the established Women in Law Task Force, SCG Legal will be launching a Mentorship Program designed to empower and support the next generation of women across our global network. This initiative reflects our organization’s commitment to fostering meaningful connections, nurturing talent, and providing the tools necessary for women attorneys to thrive in today’s highly competitive legal environment. For more details and request participation, click HERE.

MORE >> PRACTICE GROUPS. As highlighted in A Look Back, SCG Legal implements targeted initiatives—enhanced by regular virtual meetings and focused meetups at in-person events—to actively connect lawyers worldwide. These initiatives aim to foster the exchange of relevant information and explore collaboration opportunities in client work, business development, and thought leadership (e.g., co-presenting webinars or panels, co-authoring articles). For the full 2025 schedule of virtual meetings, including practice groups, regional groups, and affinity groups, click HERE.

  • If you’re interested in joining any of the meetings already on the schedule, please let me (agorokhovsky@scglegal.com) know. Additionally, feel free to reach out if you believe there’s another practice group that should be formalized. 

MORE >> GLOBAL SPIN. As shared in A Look Back, SCG Legal will continue to support Member firms with pod/webcast opportunities through its SCG Global Spin | Global Legal Updates platform. In 2025, we anticipate several Practice Groups – Government Relations, Data Protection, Privacy & Cybersecurity, and Labor & Employment among the first – to host a series of episodes on the changes, challenges, and opportunities affecting their clients. Click HERE for an outline of Global Spin and Global Spinette opportunities. Please contact Director, Business Development & Strategic Initiatives Michele Bisceglie (mbisceglie@scglegal.com) if you would like to schedule a recording.

AND LAST BUT NOT IN THE LEAST… 

In-Person Meetings. All SCG Legal in-person meetings are grounded in timely, insightful content focused on external client matters and critical industry topics as well as internal operational efficiencies. Dynamic networking opportunities round out every agenda.

2025: We are working on draft agendas now. Please email me (agorokhovsky@scglegal.com) as soon as possible with suggestions for session topics and speakers. 

  • Midyear Meeting | May 15-16 | Barcelona, Spain >> Registration Now Open
  • Team Canada | June | Edmonton, Alberta
  • Team Asia & Pacific Rim Regional | July | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  • Annual Meeting | September 18-19 | Austin, TX (U.S.) 

2026: More details coming soon! 

  • Midyear Meeting | March | Melbourne (Australia) 
  • Annual Meeting | September | Washington, DC (U.S.)

See Member News for the latest firm highlights!
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