Client Value
Our service-oriented and collaborative culture is central to every engagement. This ethic guides our approach to client value, and we advance client relationships by offering creative, pragmatic and tailored business solutions. Through open communication and strategic and innovative counsel, we meet client objectives in ways that provide value.
Changing the conversation from price to value
Conversations to Find Solutions
We partner with general counsel, client legal operations and procurement to create efficiencies and streamline deliverables.
Pricing is merely one component of a trusted firm-client partnership. We change the conversation to focus on value. This allows Akin lawyers to connect with in-house counsel on legal issues and strategies, while our client value team addresses client business needs.
By taking a deep dive to understand our client’s business and industry, we know financial needs often align with legal strategies. Our client value team works directly with our clients’ internal operations. From procurement and sourcing groups to CFOs and legal department heads, we engage in collaborative, open dialogue. This leads to a more informed perspective of each client’s unique business drivers and needs and tailored solutions to match.
Akin Lawyer to In-House Lawyer: A Partnership
- Definitions of success
- Legal substance and strategies
- Timelines, capabilities and scope of work
- Objectives, goals and risks
- Matter constraints
- “Known unknowns.”
Akin Client Value to Legal Operation and Procurement: Collaboration, Creative Pricing and Budgeting
- Business needs
- Creative pricing
- Budgets/fee estimates
- Operational efficiency
- Reporting needs
- Matter financial analysis
- Rate/pricing negotiations and inquiries
- Billing guidelines and compliance.
Client Value: The Concurrent Approach
A Communication Strategy and Client Resource
Client value is premised on a concurrent approach premised on internal and external communication.
We value our client relationships and make it our goal to deliver value in return. We anticipate our clients’ needs, listen to their ideas and partner with them to achieve results.
Client value is part of our client service delivery. Our client value team advances client relationships by serving as a resource throughout the lifecycle of the engagement. Led by Chief Practice Officer and former practicing lawyer Josette Grippo, our client value group is a team of strategic, dynamic thinkers who work closely with our lawyers and clients to address an array of financial and business needs. Our client value services are readily available to all clients at no additional cost.
Fast Facts
- Client value works with all Akin practices and offices across the globe.
- 200+ outside counsel guidelines reviewed and monitored for compliance annually.
- 800+ new matters implemented annually with value-based pricing arrangements.
- 800+ ongoing budget monitoring reports circulated. On-demand matter performance monitored using the firm’s customized financial dashboard tools.
- Legal project management training curriculum for all associates, counsel and business services professionals.
- 25+ customized reporting templates to meet unique matter and client needs.
The Client Value Distinction
Clients, Partners and Client Value: Working Together
Client value is more than pricing. Client value advances client relationships by serving as a resource for our clients and partners throughout an engagement lifecycle. The team supports clients and lawyers with the goal of developing lasting value derived from mutually beneficial pricing, budgeting and matter management. From developing optimal pricing and creating efficiencies to staying ahead of issues in the market impacting clients, our team communicates internally and externally to deliver value. This is the distinction between a client value team and a pricing team.
Determining Client Value
Our client value team is determined to work closely with partners to bring value. Together, we evaluate an engagement strategically to address the client’s short- and long-term goals. We determine our clients’ needs and deliver distinguishable, value-based solutions that align with the expertise of our legal teams provide. This is the distinction between a client value team and a pricing team.
Client Value in Action
Meet Josette
Josette Grippo is Akin’s Chief Practice Officer. Bringing value to every engagement, Josette is a former practicing lawyer with deep experience in practice management and client value at leading international law firms.
Meet Josette
Josette Grippo is Akin’s Chief Practice Officer. Bringing value to every engagement, Josette is a former practicing lawyer with deep experience in practice management and client value at leading international law firms.