2008-07-23 22:44:02 -
- Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P. tops a national survey in which more than 98 percent of in-house corporate lawyer participants said they recognize the global law firm. The finding is evidence of the positive client relationships Fulbright has established and is a predictor of future performance, the BTI survey says.
While nearly 50 percent of corporate counsel cannot identify
a single distinguishing characteristic about a typical law firm, BTI's survey found that Fulbright has a distinct competitive advantage due to its market differentiation. Fulbright is among the top 10 firms evaluated for market differentiation, including superiority, thought-leadership, innovation, client focus, business savvy and value.
"Naturally we are gratified by the survey findings, because it indicates that clients recognize our efforts to serve their specific needs in a global economy," said Steven B. Pfeiffer, the Chair of Fulbright's Executive Committee. "Our focus is always on being trusted advisors to our clients, and that requires understanding their goals as well as the challenges they face."
To compile this survey, BTI conducted seven years of research and 1700 interviews with corporate counsel. BTI analyzed specific, direct feedback from 500 corporate counsel at large public and privately held organizations to determine brand recognition of 400 individual law firms.
"Clients are impressed by Fulbright's investment in innovative approaches such as the Fulbright Litigation Trends Survey as well as their best-in-class client service. These clearly position the firm as a market leader in the eyes of clients," explains Marcie Borgal Shunk, BTI Principal. "All signs from the market point to strong prospects for Fulbright's continued growth."
The average law firm has a favorability index of .05. The survey placed Fulbright in the top five firms with a favorability index of .13.
When it comes to clients' most favored law firms, Fulbright is in the top two. Corporate counsel recognize Fulbright for distinctive market leadership qualities, including practice specific prowess, thought leadership and client service excellence.
Fulbright is among the seven top-of-mind most innovative firms, according to BTI, which says Fulbright is among the firms that captivate corporate counsel by exhibiting strategic prowess and an innovative approach to delivering legal services.
Fulbright also is recognized as one of nine firms with the highest level of advocacy and as one of 19 positive mindshare leading firms that win unparalleled positive recognition with the world's toughest clients.
"We are not a firm that tries to be all things to all people in all markets," said Lista Cannon, the head of Fulbright's London office. "We focus on the work we do particularly well in places where we think there is a need to have lawyers on the ground. That is why we are in China, the Middle East and London. Our practice areas are particularly focused on those markets - energy, financial and disputes. We have assembled experienced, diverse and knowledgeable practice groups that serve our clients in the markets where they need us to be from New York to London and Houston to Riyadh."
The BTI survey also describes Fulbright as one of the 15 go-to firms that successfully leverages its position, demonstrating an unparalleled dedication to improving its top-shelf status.
When it comes to the survey's overall ranking, Fulbright is among 19 law firms classified as a BTI Best Bet, meaning Fulbright is well-positioned for future growth in market share and profits per partner and profits per lawyer. Firms that receive the designation demonstrate the strongest prospect of future success based on market awareness and perception.
Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P.
Founded in 1919, Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P. is a leading full-service international law firm, with nearly 1,000 lawyers in 16 locations in Austin, Beijing, Dallas, Denver, Dubai, Hong Kong, Houston, London, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Munich, New York, Riyadh, San Antonio, St. Louis and Washington, D.C. Fulbright provides a full range of legal services to clients worldwide.
The 2007 BTI survey of FORTUNE 1000 general counsel chose Fulbright as "The BTI Client Service 30" A-Team and Corporate Board Member magazine named Fulbright among the top 20 corporate law firms in the U.S. in their survey of board members of public companies. For more information, please visit: www.fulbright.com.
Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P.
Media Relations Manager
Pam Easton, 713-651-8480
peaston@fulbright.com 
