We Hired a Law Firm we met at the US General Counsel Summit

A Marcus Evans Success Story

“We hired one of the law firms we met at the Summit. The Marcus Evans model helps General Counsel like me choose lawyers when there are so many options available. Meeting them in person and establishing a relationship was a big help,” said Elliot Molk, VP Corporate Development, General Counsel, Mizkan America, a delegate at the Marcus Evans US General Counsel Summit.

What new business opportunities did the Summit open for you?

We had the opportunity to meet outside counsel based in new regions. We had the one-on-one meetings with several lawyers and subsequent conversations with two or three firms. We hired one firm and it has worked out very well.

Had you heard of or worked with that firm before the Summit?

No, I had not.

Would you have accepted any unsolicited calls or emails from them?

Mostly likely I would have relied on my existing network to suggest attorneys who could help us with what we needed. I believe I would have found a solution, but this was much more efficient and reliable as I met those folks at the Summit.

Are you likely to give them more work?

Yes, when a local need arises again. I might even consider them on a broader basis. They did a good job. The quality was there, the level of responsiveness we want was there, all the things we look for. There are so many law firms out there. It can be very difficult to home in on one. Having the opportunity to establish a relationship was very helpful.

Is it unlikely for unknown law firms to get through your doors?

Yes. We’d want a solid referral to talk to someone. However, meeting outside candidates at the Summit, having a chance to talk and build our network proved to be very helpful and did away with that filtering referral need.

Do you feel you now have a pool of lawyers you wouldn’t have known about, nor considered for any future work, had you not met at the Summit?

Yes, that’s true. I already know a ton of lawyers and don’t need to meet new ones. That is the environment that all General Counsels are in. I never worry that I won’t find a solid practitioner at a good price to do the work that needs to be done. Nevertheless, it’s different when the person is in front of you and you connect. I enjoyed the one-on-one meetings.

Any final comments?

The program was very high quality. The event format worked very well. It was good connecting with other lawyers and discussing our challenges.