SCG Legal December 2025 Newsletter

December 18, 2025
scglegal

2025 will be remembered as a year of unprecedented changes, challenges, and opportunities. As we all look ahead to 2026, SCG Legal’s Board of Directors and I want to express our immense gratitude for your firm’s continued commitment to our shared mission.

Today, the reach, influence, and impact of our global community—125 independent law and lobbying firms strategically allied across 65 countries—is stronger than ever. And this is because our network is more proactive, connected, value- and results-driven than ever before.

Our unique collective of highly sought-after attorneys and government relations professionals delivers an unequaled competitive advantage to clients worldwide. As an active partner in this network, your firm—and your clients—are never without access to the right counsel at the most critical moment, precisely tailored to the need at hand. 

(Click HERE to download the network brochure with member directory, or HERE to view the online member directory.) 

Please find below our SCG Legal Look Back & Ahead, along with several highlighted opportunities coming up in 2026. I encourage you to share this newsletter with your colleagues so they, too, can fully appreciate the breadth and depth of strategy and support available through your firm’s involvement in—and investment with—SCG Legal. 

As always, I welcome your questions and suggestions focused on further enhancing the organization’s value proposition and the benefits it delivers to you, your firm, and your clients. Please know that I will continue to reach out to solicit your ideas, input, and feedback. 

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

Alina Gorokhovsky | CEO 
agorokhovsky@scglegal.com 
202.580.6527

**HIGHLIGHTED OPPORTUNITIES** 

REGISTER TODAY
2026 MIDYEAR MEETING IN MELBOURNE | 26-27 MARCH
The issues facing law firms and their clients are rapidly shifting, influenced by technological advancements, geopolitical uncertainty, economic fluctuations, and evolving regulations. Navigating these situations involves more than expertise. It demands commitment, collaboration, foresight, and strategic innovation. This Midyear Meeting is being designed to equip lawyers with the intel, connections, and resources necessary to meet challenges and the opportunities they present – now and in the future – head on. 

We are thrilled to introduce our keynote speaker, Alex Moffat, NeuroLeadership practitioner and award-winning magician. In his presentation, Client Illusions: How the Brain Shapes Trust, Expectations & Legal Judgment, Alex will reveal how neuroscience and illusion can transform the way lawyers engage clients, sharpen business development instincts, and elevate decision-making. A globally recognized speaker, Alex blends decades of senior corporate leadership with more than 30 years as a cognitive illusionist. He has advised Fortune 500 companies and boutique firms alike, earning praise for turning complex concepts about mindset, trust, and human behavior into clear, memorable insights that stick long after the applause. 

  • AGENDA: Click HERE for a draft agenda. If you have suggestions for sessions and/or speakers, please contact Alina (agorokhovsky@scglegal.com). 
  • Click HERE for the meeting portal.

*****************************************

DON’T MISS OUT: MORE 2026 & 2027 IN-PERSON OPPORTUNITIES
Additional details will be released when available. 

SCG Legal
🌐 2026 Annual Meeting | September 17 – 18 in Washington, DC (US) 
🌐 2026 INTA Cocktail Reception | May 3 in London
🌐 2026 Team Canada Meeting | June 11 – 12 in Winnipeg
🌐 2026 IBA Meeting Cocktail Reception | October 4 in Copenhagen
🌐 2027 Team Asia & Pacific Rim Meeting | February 25-26 in Delhi (India) 
🌐 2027 Midyear Meeting | 13 – 14 May in London (UK) 
🌐 2027 Annual Meeting | September (dates + location TBA) 

*****************************************

NOW AVAIABLE: MEMBER RESOURCE CENTER (MRC)
We are pleased to announce the launch of the SCG Legal MRC, which provides password-protected access to a wide range of resources, including the following: 

  • Business of Law: AI policies, law firm compensation models, and more
  • Business Development & Marketing: Strategy presentations, client interview toolkit, cross-selling best practices, and training materials
  • Strategic Initiatives: Portals for the New Partner Institute and AI Exchange (with recordings, templates, and presentations), as well as materials from Women in Law programming
  • Directories & Guides: Direct access to all SCG Legal directories and guides
  • List of Vetted Partners
  • Member Meeting Archive 

To gain access to the MRC, you will need to complete a verification process. Click HERE for directions. All members (including marketing and business development teams) of your firm are eligible for access.

LOOK BACK & AHEAD
In 2026, we will continue nearly every initiative from 2025—including but not limited to AI Strategy Exchange, Global Spin podcasts, Women in Law Taskforce and Mentorship Initiative, 17 Practice Groups, Guides and Directories, Global Meetups, and Training Programs—further advancing the mission and goals of each. 

*****************************************

NEW MEMBER FIRMS. SCG 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 Guide + Leading Rankings–Again–for Asia-Pacific and Canada. SCG 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 in both Canada and Asia-Pacific Region guides.

*****************************************

LAW FIRM LEADERS ROUNDTABLE (FEBRUARY). SCG hosted its inaugural Law Firm Leaders Roundtable focused on issues facing today’s law firm managing partners and board members. Topics included: The Evolving Legal Landscape; Key Trends Shaping The Industry; Latest Innovations In Technology; Navigating Change: Forecasting The Trump Administration’s Impact on the Global Legal Landscape; and Balancing Growth, Profitability, and Culture: Building A High-Performance Law Firm. Industry experts from Zeughauser Group and Legaltechnology Hub were key contributors to the agenda for this very success event. 

  • NEXT ROUNDTABLE: FEBRUARY 2027. Please contact Alina (agorokhovsky@scglegal.com) if your firm is interested in learning more. 

*****************************************

MIDYEAR MEETING | BARCELONA (MAY). With 140 members from 58 firms representing 37 countries and a third of the U.S. state members, this was the largest Midyear in SCG Legal’s history. Highlights of the agenda included a keynote featuring Judith Jacob, Client Lead from Forward Risk, on Normalizing Uncertainty and a keynote from Josep Maria Martorell, Associate Director of Barcelona Supercomputing Center, focused on A New Decade of Supercomputing. This meeting also included several high-end networking events as well as client meetings. 

  • A very special *thank you* to local host/member firm AGM Abogados for the AMAZING hospitality and local support. For post-Meeting details and materials, please click HERE. 

*****************************************

TEAM CANADA REGIONAL MEETING | CALGARY (JUNE).  Each SCG Canada member firm–represented by 38 total participants–convened for this annual regional meeting. The agenda included dynamic discussions around timely topics such as regional and international trade; M&A, litigation, and real estate trends across Canada and beyond; market demands on talent retention and attraction strategies; US tariffs and cross-selling strategies across Canada and the network. 

  • A very special *thank you* to local host/member firm Field Law for the amazing hospitality and local support.

*****************************************

TEAM ASIA-PACIFIC RIM REGIONAL MEETING | KUALA LUMPUR (JULY). Twenty-two countries were represented at this event—member firms from Asia-Pacific Rim, Europe, and the U.S.—that offered two days of critical discussions on the forces shaping local, regional, and global industries. The keynote address was delivered by YB Dato’ Sri Azalina binti Othman Said, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) of Malaysia. 

  • A very special *thank you* to local host/member firm Rosli Dahlan Saravana Partnership (RDS) for the incredible hospitality and support, including help organizing an adjunct client event that drew more than 100 participants.

*****************************************

ANNUAL MEETING | AUSTIN (SEPTEMBER). In attendance were 174 members from 82 firms representing 53 countries including most of the U.S. states. The meeting program offered thought leadership and discussions around changing immigration and employment laws; the future of oil, gas, and renewables; U.S. diplomacy with Canada and Europe; generative AI and the practice of law; elevating client value through innovation and collaboration; redefining growth in professional services; forecasting the Trump administration’s impact on local, state, and federal government; cybersecurity changes and challenges; global commerce and trade; evolving litigation M&A trends; the impact of attorneys general; intellectual property trends; and an enlightening panel that showcased the client’s perspective on what matters, what works, and what drives (or derails) loyalty. An agenda highlight was the keynote by Austin Mayor Kirk Watson who spoke about The Lawyer’s Role in Shaping Stronger Cities. 

  • A very special *thank you* to local host/member firm McGinnis Lochridge for its generous support and hospitality! For post-Meeting details and materials, please click HERE. 

ABOVE & BEYOND AWARDS: 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: 

  • Guillermo Bayas Fernández | AGM Abogados (Spain) for his leadership and his firm’s support of the 2025 Midyear Meeting in Barcelona. 
  • Melissa Salhab Sykes | McGinnis Lochridge (US: Texas) for her leadership and her firm’s support of the 2025 Annual Meeting in Austin. 
  • Celeste Bruce | Rifkin Weiner Livingston (US: Maryland) for her leadership as Board Chair and for her firm’s support over her many years of service to the network. 

*****************************************

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) STRATEGY EXCHANGE 2.0 (7 MEETINGS). In line with our ongoing commitment to embrace innovation, remain at the forefront of advancements in the legal industry, and support members to determine how technology can be strategically deployed to advantage each practice within their firms, we continued our proprietary AI Strategy Exchange Working Group with version 2.0, partnering with Legaltech Hub (LTH), the leading insights and analysis platform for legal technology. More than 100 participants opted into this initiative to engage with experts on topics such Evaluation of Return on Investment; The Profitability of Innovation; Applications and Use Cases; AI Training, Education & Adoption; and Prompting and Building. Several of the sessions included live demos from industry-leading technology companies. Click HERE for the dedicated portal that includes recordings of each session and any support materials/demos/resources shared. 

  • In partnership again with Legaltech Hub, SCG will launch AI Strategy Exchange 3.0 in January 2026. 

*****************************************

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION (DEI) PROGRAM. SCG continued its efforts to recognize and support member firms actively working to cultivate an internal culture of inclusion and belonging, have a positive influence towards the same mission in the broader legal sector, and expand opportunities for diverse representation. Our partner for the initiative this year was Conscient Strategies, a women-owned small business that specializes in global business transformation through a unique approach that connects strategy, leadership, culture, and operations to drive accelerated change that lasts. 

*****************************************

GLOBAL SPIN PODCASTS. At no extra cost and inclusive of full production support, SCG features member attorneys and firms through its pod/webcast platform. This global awareness opportunity provides a direct outlet to showcase expertise and thought leadership while driving business development and referral activities across the network…and raising awareness among current and prospective clients. 

Recent episodes include: 

Click HERE for an overview/more details and HERE for the full library of episodes. 

*****************************************

NEW PARTNER INSTITUTE (NPI). Included as a ‘no extra cost’ benefit for each member firm, 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 195 program alumni from 93 member firms. 

  • Nominations for participation are sought from/provided by your firm’s VR (click HERE for list). 

*****************************************

WOMEN IN LAW: MENTORSHIP PROGRAM. Designed to empower and support the next generation of women across our global network, this Women in Law Task Force initiative reflects SCG’s commitment to fostering meaningful connections, nurturing talent, and providing the tools necessary for women attorneys to thrive in today’s highly complex and competitive legal environment. This year the program received nominations for and interviewed potential mentees with an eye towards making mentee-mentor matches in early 2026. 

  • Click HERE for more program details. 

*****************************************

REGION, PRACTICE & AFFINITY GROUPS. SCG has established specific initiatives – supported by regular virtual meetings and focused meetups at in-person events – to proactively connect lawyers via subject matter expertise across the globe to share relevant information and 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; Environment/Energy (Europe); Labor & Employment; Bankruptcy & Insolvency; Corporate/Mergers & Acquisitions; Data Protection, Privacy & Cybersecurity; Government Relations (U.S.); Immigration; Intellectual Property; Litigation; Trusts & Estates; White Collar
  • Affinity: AI Strategy Exchange Working Group; DEI; NPI; Women in Law

Click HERE for the 2026 schedule (and be sure to bookmark this link as the file is updated with new dates/details regularly). 

*****************************************

JURISDICTION GUIDES & DIRECTORIES. To support a greater understanding of business and legal considerations in different jurisdictions around the world, SCG produces regional- and practice-focused guides as well as offering the opportunity for individual firms to promote their expertise. NOTE: Document names are linked to the documents. 

 JURISDICTION GUIDES 

PRACTICE GROUP DIRECTORIES 

To be included in an SCG guide/practice group directory or profile a guide for your jurisdiction, please contact Membership Coordinator Erin Kane (ekane@scglegal.com). 

*****************************************

MEMBER-ONLY ‘BEST PRACTICES’ TRAININGS. As another ‘no extra cost’ benefit, SCG continues to provide training programs for its members. These include multiple business and professional development webinars, which are available on demand after the live event date. 

In case you missed these… 

Additionally, SCG offers training tailored to the specific needs of each member firm. 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. If your firm is interested in one of these training programs or has another specific need, please email Alina (agorokhovsky@scglegal.com) who will find the best resource to support your request.

*****************************************

A VERY SPECIAL ‘THANK YOU’ TO OUR VETTED SOLUTION PARTNERS

SCG’s Midyear and Annual meetings were sponsored in part by Network Partner:  SCG’s Annual meeting was sponsored in part by Network Partner: 
Empowering legal professionals to leverage AI, analytics, and multi-language technology across eDiscovery, forensic consulting, due diligence, privacy, managed review, and staffing projects. For more information, click HERE. 
>> SCG Legal Contact: Sha Zhu, Senior Director, Business Development > sha.zhu@transperfect.com 		 Fuel faster growth with a proven approach to business development. Win more business and deepen client relationships with INTAPP DealCloud Activator. For more information, click HERE. 
>> SCG Legal Contact: Christopher Raymond, Practice Group Leader – DealCloud > christopher.raymond@intapp.com

See Member News for the latest firm highlights!
Want to be featured in the next newsletter? Have news you want to share with the SCG community?
Please send emails to sharealerts@scglegal.com.

By using this site, you aree to our updated Privacy Policy,Terms and Conditions, and Cookie Policy.