December 7, 2016
General counsel and top executives at large corporations have once again rated McGuireWoods among the best law firms for client service in BTI Consulting Group’s annual “Client Service A-Team” report. Of the 650 core firms serving Fortune 1,000 companies, McGuireWoods ranked 18th in the 2017 survey, which is based on unprompted feedback from the highest-ranking legal decision makers at companies with revenue of $1 billion or more.
It is the fifth consecutive year and 11th time overall that McGuireWoods has been singled out for excellence on BTI’s “Client Service 30” list of elite corporate law firms. Only a dozen firms have made the list 10 times or more since BTI began publishing the “Client Service A-Team” report in 2002. In addition, McGuireWoods earned recognition in all 17 categories identified as essential to delivering superior client service and driving the best relationships, including commitment to help, client focus, value for dollar, innovative approach and breadth of services.
McGuireWoods was ranked among the “leaders of the best,” a group known for providing the top value for the dollar, Law360 noted in a story on the BTI report. The few firms that earned the distinction, Law360 wrote, “excelled at making clients feel smarter for hiring the right adviser, helping clients articulate their own value to top management, using scope changes and unexpected issues to deliver more value to clients, and teaching clients something important to them and their business.” Law360 subscribers can read the story here.
Clients cited McGuireWoods’ use of alternative fee arrangements as just one example of the firm’s exceptional client service. “Top legal decision makers note the firm is one of the best at using AFAs, which brings value, certainty and adds to the most influential factor driving superior client service — Commitment to Help,” the report said.
“The firm continues to benefit from a longstanding client team program and a drive to continually improve the program,” according to the BTI report. “Clients report the firm brings deep industry knowledge and is able to place their legal advice in the context of the business.”
“I’m impressed by what they are doing in the industry. I feel they are better than the rest,” a client said.
“I think they are innovative in their approach and more understanding of our billing concerns than other firms,” another added.
And one client explained, “It’s been a long relationship and over a period of time we have realized the value of this relationship.”
“Our success as a law firm starts with unmatched client service, and it’s rewarding when our clients praise the quality and commitment of our outstanding lawyers,” said Tom Cabaniss, McGuireWoods’ managing partner.
The “Client Service A-Team” report is based on 330 in-depth interviews with legal decision makers at companies in 15 industry sectors between Feb. 18 and Aug. 1, 2016. BTI Consulting Group performs in-depth analysis of client experiences and is a leading strategic research provider to the legal community.