Join LAW

Membership Criteria

LAW member firms are renowned and respected in their local and regional markets as they serve many different sizes and types of private and public clientele. They are successful, independent law firms, each with their own unique attributes and knowledge of their local market. Our firms have the extensive experience needed to successfully represent middle market companies and high net worth individuals with cross-border legal needs. All member firms are independent law firms. 

How To Become a Member

Membership is by invitation only, and candidates for membership undergo a thorough due diligence process. Membership in LAW is available only to law firms. Individual lawyers are not considered for membership.

Candidates must generally be full-service business law firms with depth and expertise in a variety of core practice areas, including the following:

Corporate banking, finance and commercial law, taxation, mergers and acquisitions (and related transactional experience), real estate, commercial litigation and dispute resolution, and a range of other business-related practices, such as employment and labor law and intellectual property and technology.

Key criteria considered in evaluating prospective members include the following:

  • Market position
  • Reputation
  • Type of clientele
  • Partnership, corporate or other “shared revenue and expense” ownership structure
  • Areas of practice and specialization
  • Likelihood of client base requiring assistance from other LAW member firms
  • Membership in other international legal associations
  • History of prior interaction with other LAW member firms
  • Compatibility with existing member firms
  • Other criteria of particular relevance to target jurisdiction

Candidates for membership must complete a firm profile, which is reviewed by the LAW Executive Committee. This form allows the Executive Committee to gather important comparative information about prospective members. If the Executive Committee approves the profile, the candidate firm will then be invited to complete an application for membership. If approved by the Executive Committee, that application is then reviewed by all members.

Referrals

Member firms may hold memberships in more than one legal network. While member firms may make referrals to non-member lawyers and law firms, we encourage consideration of other LAW members when opportunity arises. LAW, and its members, all recognize that the best interests of the client are always paramount, and that all lawyers have a professional obligation in any referral situation to choose the firm and lawyer that will best serve the client’s interests.

Dues and More

LAW is divided geographically into three regions: Americas, Asia Pacific, and Europe, Africa and Middle East. New member firms pay a joining fee when they become a member, and all member firms pay annual dues. Each year, the organization holds regional meetings (March – May) and an annual general meeting (September – November). Members are required to personally attend each Annual General Meeting of the Association as well as each Regional meeting of the Region to which such Member belongs. A registration fee is charged for each meeting to cover meals and other meeting costs.

We welcome inquiries from qualified applicants. If your firm is interested in joining LAW, please complete our online Profile Form and return it electronically to our Chief Executive Officer: Lorri Salyards.

Any questions regarding membership in LAW should be directed to either: