Consistent client focus and deep market knowledge

Key outcomes in 2007/8

• We completed a six-month consultation with over 150 partners to shape our responsibilities to our clients and marketplace. This resulted in a marketplace responsibilities report, which set out recommendations for the firm in this area.
• The firm’s Business Development Committee agreed recommendations on new business acceptance and terms of engagement, business continuity, legislative and regulatory compliance, quality control and responsible marketing.
• David Cheyne, senior partner, joined the Business in the Community (BITC) Marketplace Leadership Team.

Goals for 2008/9

• We are implementing the recommendations set out in the marketplace responsibilities report, including developing and raising awareness of the Linklaters Seven Questions: guidelines for new client and matter acceptance.
• We will complete an audit of the firm’s participation in the legal profession and in the wider marketplace. We will then develop a strategy for our future participation that adds value to the marketplace and is in line with our firmwide strategy.