The Future Law Office is an ongoing research project that provides an in-depth look at trends and developments in the legal field. Through extensive research and interviews with industry experts, we identify issues that will impact your office and your career in the years ahead.

The globalization of business is dramatically changing the structure of corporations and the composition of the workforce. Globalization is not an entirely new phenomenon, of course. American businesses have been entering foreign markets for decades. Rather, it is the current scale and pace of 21st century globalization that is remarkable. Not only has it caused changes in methods of production and technology, but it also has transformed the world into a single vast marketplace of ideas, capital, talent, opportunities and challenges.

Law firms and corporate legal departments are active participants in this revolution. Managing a Global Workforce looks at the impact of globalization on the practice of law and examines its effect on the management and operation of law offices.

The globalization of the practice of law is the inevitable response to the increasing number of corporate clients expanding their international connections. Among law offices, globalization may mean that domestic firms have law offices in foreign countries or collaborate with foreign firms on cases or matters. When necessary, many national firms that are strong in their local jurisdictions also use formal and informal alliances with other firms to offer advice to clients. Globalization also can mean providing legal counsel to American-based clients that do business in foreign locales, or offering legal services to foreign clients with business ties or investments in the United States.

For corporate legal departments, globalization means that in-house counsel need comprehensive legal knowledge and the ability to monitor and evaluate political and economic developments in countries where the company operates. In-house attorneys must be both legal experts and strategic global risk managers.

Transnational legal activity has given rise to a complex operational issue – how to successfully create and manage geographically dispersed legal teams. This scenario, which is already being played out in law offices, presents ongoing communication challenges. Other issues related to the globalization of law include an increase in overseas litigation, a rise in outsourcing and offshoring and the challenge of operating a multijurisdictional practice.

The global talent shortage continues to be a challenge for both law firms and corporate legal departments. Progressive law offices will view the entire world as a potential source of legal talent and implement recruiting methods that attract attorneys with the optimum depth and breadth of professional and cultural experience. The global mindset will continue to permeate law schools as well, leading to new curricula that will prepare the next generation of attorneys for worldwide practice.

Please take this opportunity to explore our website further. You will find a complete bibliography as well as links to useful websites that can help you better prepare for the future law office. If you would like more information, please call Robert Half Legal at 1.800.870.8367 or visit our website at www.roberthalflegal.com to request a free copy of the complete white paper.