Page 38 - Professional Services Networks
P. 38
The Handbook: Law Firm Networks
into the bylaws.195 They should be objective so that they can be easily determined. A lack of standards causes
many different problems among the organizers because they may want to invite their friends, which in a
business network creates short- and long-term issues.
The objective standard should be that the invited members meet certain prescribed conditions. These can be
size of firm, certifications, length of practice, type of client, locations, or other factors relative to this
particular network. If a network is to be successful it must enforce with the standard with each new member.
A measure of subjectivity allows for flexibility. The subjective criteria are similar to those set out for the
network organizers themselves. Do the potential members believe in the concept? Will they participate as a
firm or as individuals? Are they committed to a long-term relationship? Even if a firm meets the objective
criteria, failure to meet the subjective criteria will weaken the network.
The process is not complete just because the organizing committee has identified the potential members. The
next part of the process is for the organizing committee to determine the optimal methods for reaching out to
the potential members. This process goes beyond making contacts; it is about arranging meetings to develop
more than a skeleton of the organization. This is not something that is done in a day, week, or month.
Networks are not created instantly; they require a lot of work. There are specific steps that need to be taken
based upon the fact his is a human endeavor. Anyone participating should anticipate that the process would
be quite long.
Members will join a new network only if all are able to provide input. The organizers must provide continual
feedback, including meetings with potential members, and circulating drafts of documents such as the
bylaws. The potential members must be engaged in the process. This will require that organizational
meetings be held to get the input of potential members. The information gathered will be used to adjust the
objectives, plan and other elements of the network. Organizers must create a dialogue. There should be
several meetings of the organizing groups to assure complete buy-in.
The process of organizing a network costs money. The organizers need to finance the potential network
unless they are going to pay for it themselves. One method is to have an interested potential member pay a
fee to reserve his/her state or country when the network is established. A treasurer can be nominated to hold
the funds. If they decide not to join, the money can be returned. Payment of the nominal amount will focus
their interests in the network.
195 World Services Group Bylaws, Article 4, Section 2:
(a) Objective criteria for membership
Present size of candidate firm relative to competition in the same sector in the relevant market; and
Reputation of candidate firm in the relevant business community for quality services. This can be measured by
memberships in other networks, history of the firm, consistent expansion and awards and recognition or ranking in
international guides, or such other criteria as determined by the Board.
(b) Subjective criteria for membership
The presentation meeting was well attended by candidate firm;
Candidate firm expressed interest and reasonable expectations;
Candidate firm had done their due diligence on WSG;
Candidate firm followed up in a timely manner;
Candidate firm was responsive to requests for information;
Candidate firm recognized that membership is long-term;
Candidate firm felt that the fees were reasonable;
Candidate firm would contribute to the long-term development of WSG; and
Such other criteria as determined by the Board
- 26 -
into the bylaws.195 They should be objective so that they can be easily determined. A lack of standards causes
many different problems among the organizers because they may want to invite their friends, which in a
business network creates short- and long-term issues.
The objective standard should be that the invited members meet certain prescribed conditions. These can be
size of firm, certifications, length of practice, type of client, locations, or other factors relative to this
particular network. If a network is to be successful it must enforce with the standard with each new member.
A measure of subjectivity allows for flexibility. The subjective criteria are similar to those set out for the
network organizers themselves. Do the potential members believe in the concept? Will they participate as a
firm or as individuals? Are they committed to a long-term relationship? Even if a firm meets the objective
criteria, failure to meet the subjective criteria will weaken the network.
The process is not complete just because the organizing committee has identified the potential members. The
next part of the process is for the organizing committee to determine the optimal methods for reaching out to
the potential members. This process goes beyond making contacts; it is about arranging meetings to develop
more than a skeleton of the organization. This is not something that is done in a day, week, or month.
Networks are not created instantly; they require a lot of work. There are specific steps that need to be taken
based upon the fact his is a human endeavor. Anyone participating should anticipate that the process would
be quite long.
Members will join a new network only if all are able to provide input. The organizers must provide continual
feedback, including meetings with potential members, and circulating drafts of documents such as the
bylaws. The potential members must be engaged in the process. This will require that organizational
meetings be held to get the input of potential members. The information gathered will be used to adjust the
objectives, plan and other elements of the network. Organizers must create a dialogue. There should be
several meetings of the organizing groups to assure complete buy-in.
The process of organizing a network costs money. The organizers need to finance the potential network
unless they are going to pay for it themselves. One method is to have an interested potential member pay a
fee to reserve his/her state or country when the network is established. A treasurer can be nominated to hold
the funds. If they decide not to join, the money can be returned. Payment of the nominal amount will focus
their interests in the network.
195 World Services Group Bylaws, Article 4, Section 2:
(a) Objective criteria for membership
Present size of candidate firm relative to competition in the same sector in the relevant market; and
Reputation of candidate firm in the relevant business community for quality services. This can be measured by
memberships in other networks, history of the firm, consistent expansion and awards and recognition or ranking in
international guides, or such other criteria as determined by the Board.
(b) Subjective criteria for membership
The presentation meeting was well attended by candidate firm;
Candidate firm expressed interest and reasonable expectations;
Candidate firm had done their due diligence on WSG;
Candidate firm followed up in a timely manner;
Candidate firm was responsive to requests for information;
Candidate firm recognized that membership is long-term;
Candidate firm felt that the fees were reasonable;
Candidate firm would contribute to the long-term development of WSG; and
Such other criteria as determined by the Board
- 26 -
