About Interlaw

Today’s global companies depend on the expertise of business lawyers who are fluent in the native language, laws, rules, regulations, and customs of their own jurisdiction, yet who are broadly educated and experienced in working with domestic and global clients. For more than twenty years, Interlaw has been the “go to” international association of independent, quality-monitored, commercial law firms. Corporate counsel and other executives choose Interlaw firms in some 120 cities worldwide as their primary resource for reliable legal representation.

Mission Statement

“We are leading lawyers working together on a worldwide basis to provide quality, cost effective, value- added legal and business solutions. We distinguish ourselves by our strong interpersonal relationships, our knowledge and information sharing, and the ability to quickly mobilize legal experts globally in support of our clients.”

Core Values

Beyond the usual expectations of impeccable professional standards, Interlaw members share the same general core values and commit to extend to one another’s clients the professional courtesy of “Best Client” status, assuring seamless service, timely response, transparent and fair billing practices, and open, honest, and direct communication with the client and the referring attorney.

Communication within the Network

Interlaw has created structures such as Special Business Teams and email listservs that encourage communication among members in the network.  Additionally, Interlaw publishes an electronic newsletter quarterly for members, media, and client subscribers. Members are encouraged to visit one another’s firms to build relationships and learn what legal resources are available to them within the network.  Members host receptions when fellow Interlawyers are in their city for other legal conferences such as the International Bar Association (IBA), International Trademark Association (INTA), and the Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC).   

Current Special Business Teams

• Customs, Trade & Transport
• European IP/IT
• International Tax
• Marketing Partners and Professionals
• Mergers & Acquisitions
• North America Real Estate Group
• Women Lawyers of Interlaw

Accountability, Collaboration & Trust

Much of the success of Interlaw is attributed to its ability to quickly mobilize teams of individual lawyers from independent firms worldwide who can provide seamless service for clients. When an Interlaw member refers a matter to a fellow Interlawyer; the client is assured of “Best Client” treatment.  Interlawyers do not refer blindly; they know one another because they meet regularly at Interlaw conferences,  work on Special Business Teams or other projects together.   There is accountability and trust because of the time invested in relationship-building. 

Each year, every Interlaw member firm is expected to participate in both its regional conference (Asia Pacific; Europe/Middle East/Africa; or the Americas), and the Annual Global Meeting (AGM). 

Structure of the Association

Interlaw was founded in England in 1982.  It is governed by a Board of Directors with representatives from each Interlaw region, and administered by a Secretariat currently based in Los Angeles. Please contact the Secretariat at Secretariat@interlaw.org for referral or association information.

Areas of Expertise

Among the many areas of law Interlawyers practice:

PRACTICE AREAS
Administrative Law
Antitrust
Arbitration & Dispute Resolution
Bankruptcy, Insolvency & Reorganization
Business, Commercial, & Corporate Law
Competition Law
Contracts
Cross- Border Transactions
Employment & Labor
Environmental Law
European Union Law
Family Law
Financing Transactions
Franchising
Immigration
IP/IT
Land Use and Real Property
Litigation Mergers & Acquisitions
Privatization
Securities
Tax
Trusts & Estates

INDUSTRY SPECIALTIES
Automotive
Aviation
Banking & Finance
Biotechnology
Brewing & Spirits Manufacturing
Building Materials
Chemical Industry
Construction/Infrastructure
Customs
Energy & Natural Resources
Entertainment & Media
Foundations & Non-profits
Healthcare
Hotels and Hospitality
Internet/E-commerce Regulation
Insurance
Manufacturing
Maritime, Shipping & Transport
Metal and Mining
Real Estate
Retail
Sports
Technology
Telecommunications
Trade

Membership

Interlaw membership is by invitation only, and the identification, vetting, and selection process is both rigorous and thorough.  Interlaw seeks as members, full service, highly reputed, commercial law firms that are usually midsized for their jurisdiction.  Selection generally includes the following steps:

• Members or clients target cities for expansion and recommend potential member firms;
• The Secretariat researches prospective firms, particularly their reputation among peers, breadth of capabilities, size, and branch office locations; (Interlaw generally supports only one member firm in a city or jurisdiction.)
• After consultation with the members and Board, the firms with the strongest credentials are approached to determine interest;
• A due diligence team, consisting of Board members from the region, visits the prospective firms to meet the senior management and practitioners, and to learn more about the scope and strength of  practice areas, firm governance,  and range of clients served. This is  also an opportunity to explain the benefits and responsibilities of membership;
• Based on the due diligence visits, a recommendation is made to the Board which then selects the candidate firm that demonstrates the “best fit” with Interlaw;
• A senior representative of the firm is then invited to attend a regional or annual meeting as an “observer".  Following consultation with the firm, existing members, and the Secretariat, the Board approves extending an invitation to the   candidate firm to join Interlaw;
• The firm accepts and is introduced to Interlawyers worldwide.

Prospective Member Questionnaire

Interlaw thoroughly vets prospective member firms, and generally only considers mid-sized, full service, commercial law firms located in a jurisdiction in which Interlaw does not currently have a member firm. Prospective members will have a distinguished reputation for adherence to the highest standards of ethics and professionalism, and actively represent clients with global interests. Principals of member firms must commit to participating fully in the Association’s conferences and activities to foster the development and reinforcement of personal relationships. If you would like to explore joining the Association, kindly complete this questionnaire and return online. The Secretariat will contact you.