Every firm has a working culture. Here at CMS Cameron McKenna ours is based on some straightforward but important ideas. We believe in being completely client-focused. We prize the ability to communicate very highly. And we know that caring for our people isn't just a good thing to do, but that it also makes total business sense. Because the more people are supported, the more confident and effective they are in their work.
Industry teams: a practical way to understand our clients
Our specialised industry teams illustrate our client-focused culture perfectly. We bring together individuals from all practice areas and all levels of experience to focus on a particular sector. It's all about getting the perfect balance of industry-focused expertise and personalities to suit the client and the deal we're handling. These industry teams work across eight sectors in all:
• Real Estate and Construction
• Consumer Products
• Energy and Utilities
• Financial Institutions and Services
• Hotels and Leisure
• Infrastructure and Project Finance
• Lifesciences
• Technology, Media and Telecommunication
You can learn more about how our industry teams work by reading a
client's point of view and by watching an
interview with a Partner in our Energy and Utilities focus group.
What industry teams mean for trainees
Because we believe in getting different people to combine their talents through industry teams, our trainees get the opportunity to work among people from a variety of cultures and backgrounds. There'll be much to learn and experienced professionals to be inspired by: but what you have to say and do will matter too. We aren't into a culture of hierarchies, so you'll be valued for your contribution, not your status. It's an important part of the
values we adhere to.
A culture of communication
Understanding the industries in which our clients work is crucial when it comes to offering legal advice. That's where our culture of communicating effectively and sharing knowledge comes into its own. We take practical steps to get closer to our clients, from joint training initiatives and advice 'surgeries' to visits and social events.
We regularly ask the question: “what do you think of us?” and hold regular, ongoing surveys to get a tangible measurement of how we're doing. It was our firm that launched one of the legal sector's most comprehensive client feedback programmes. And we have dedicated Client Relationship Partners to make sure we deliver.
We listen and we act
After analysing three years of data, we produced a report entitled “
Why Don’t Law Firms Listen?” This report was designed to promote an open and honest debate about what law firms do well and where we, and the profession as a whole, need to improve. If you want to learn more about our views on how our industry should be working we suggest you read the
original report and its follow up, “
Overpriced, overpaid and over budget”.