Resources for law firms
Cooperate with lawyers on a cross-border matter
Coordinate lawyers on a cross-border matter: agree roles, deadlines, communication and reporting from the first conversation.
The challenge
Organise the work of several professionals
When a matter involves several countries, bringing expertise together is not enough to organise the work. Each firm may have its own communication habits, deadlines and level of detail. Without an agreed approach, discussions can multiply while some questions remain without a clearly identified owner.
This resource concerns cooperation on a specific matter. The aim is to establish who will examine each issue, when they will do so and how contributions will be shared. The professionals involved should discuss these arrangements in light of the matter and their respective obligations.
The approach
Agree a shared approach from the outset
Prepare an initial presentation limited to the information needed for the first discussion. Describe the countries involved, the expertise required and the main deadlines. Preliminary checks and arrangements for sharing information should then be organised directly with the firms approached.
When cooperation is being considered, draw up a simple list of issues, responsible contacts and expected dates. Agree a working language and a contact to coordinate questions. Specify the format of deliverables so that the analyses can be brought together without ambiguity.
European Lawyers Directory can help identify complementary profiles. The platform is a starting point for your search; the organisation of the matter, communication tools and terms of engagement remain for the parties involved to agree.
Take action
Establish three coordination points
- List the questions to address in each country and assign a contact to each one.
- Share a timetable that distinguishes external deadlines from internal working dates.
- Agree a reporting format and regular check-ins to address outstanding issues.
Useful coordination shows everyone what has been covered and what still needs examination. It reduces duplication and helps prepare a coherent response for the client.
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