This year’s top 10 in the Mainland Europe Index is dominated by the largest of global law firms that can boast a meaningful presence in terms of an active presence across key European markets. Clients also cited these firms’ ability to combine that meaningful global network with a reputation for technical specialty and high-quality legal service delivery. Indeed, we have to move into the firms ranked 11th to 20th before we can see more of the region’s premium firms whose strength is anchored in their local market.
Atop the Index for Mainland Europe, Baker McKenzie takes the top spot for the fourth
consecutive year. The firm’s strength across the region, coupled with its ability to connect
their European clients with the rest of the world has been a key driver in the firm’s positioning. However, it’s more than just scale that has secured Baker McKenzie’s top spot for the last few years. Increasingly, the firm is developing a reputation for its client focus, specialist knowledge, ability to handle important work, and delivery of top-notch results. This combination of strength and depth has generated a score twice the number of points given to the next closest firm.
Among other firms, Clifford Chance and Allen & Overy have stood out in this year’s Index for Mainland Europe. Clifford Chance jumped up to second place from fourth; while Allen & Overy moved into third from last year’s sixth. Both firms have grown their favorability in the eyes of clients on the back of their specialist expertise and ability to deliver on the highest stakes work consistently across the European continent. In fact, the key to both firms’ success has been their ability to make strong brand gains across key markets of Germany, France, Italy, and Spain.
Also, Paris-based CMS moved up to their highest position in the last three years, breaking
into the Top 5 with a different proposition: offering high quality work through an investment in understanding clients’ business. At the same time, CMS also maintains a strong sense of value which has resonated well with those clients striving to create cost efficiencies.
