Grow a small law firm internationally

The challenge

Make choices that suit a small team

For a small practice, international development rarely starts with offices in several countries. It may grow from existing clients expanding abroad, a shared working language or expertise particularly relevant to European lawyers. The challenge is to choose a starting point the team can follow through on.

Trying to cover too many territories at once can spread the time available for client matters and professional relationships too thinly. A gradual approach lets you assess a market's relevance, understand contacts' needs and adjust your organisation before expanding your outreach.

The approach

Start with a manageable international scope

Review recent enquiries: which countries recur, which issues fall outside your scope and which languages do you use confidently? Based on those observations, choose one or two territories and a clearly defined practice offering. The aim is not to promise general international coverage.

Next, identify a few complementary firms and prepare a brief introduction to your team. Explain the work you can handle, who will be responsible and how communication will be organised. Set aside regular time for this work so that initial contacts receive follow-up.

A European Lawyers Directory profile can support this first presence among fellow lawyers. Link it to a consistent presentation of your firm and assess the quality of the enquiries you receive. You will then have practical information to decide where to invest more time.

Take action

Launch a proportionate approach

1. Select a country and a practice area based on needs you have already encountered.
2. Identify a few complementary professionals rather than a long, general list.
3. Plan a review after three months: useful conversations, time spent and capacity for follow-up.

A firm's size makes prioritisation especially important. A focused presence with consistent follow-up is easier to sustain than a European ambition without operational priorities.

Further reading

Continue your journey

Building an international client base

Join a European network of independent lawyers