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"For many, the beginning of a new year brings a time-honored tradition: the making (and sometimes breaking!) of new-year resolutions."
Ramesh Vaidyanathan
President, Ally Law
BTG Advaya, India
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While I wholeheartedly applaud efforts to identify goals and develop strategies for achieving them, reviewing the preceding year’s successes is important. Knowing what we have achieved in the past can serve as a great motivator for our future efforts.
First, please allow me to begin this recap of Ally Law’s 2023 by expressing my sincere appreciation for all of you. Your hard work, efficient client service, collegiality, and support for Ally Law and our member firms is an achievement in and of itself. Thank you, all.
In a further testament to our collective commitment and strategic march toward becoming the preeminent global legal network, let us reflect on our key achievements in 2023!
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New Members
Our network expanded with the addition of six distinguished law firms, bringing our total to 80 firms worldwide! Each firm is a Chambers-ranked market leader, bringing unique insights to our organization and strengthening our global presence.
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Ally's International Conferences
This year, we achieved record-breaking attendance at our four major conferences - held in Sydney, Milan, Tokyo and Columbus, Ohio. Click on the images below to access event photos.
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125 lawyers and guests from 32 countries gathered in Sydney for our AGM hosted by Russell Kennedy. With client panels and roundtable discussions on emerging legal trends – and a lively social program – the conference helped members build the trust relationships necessary for effective client service.
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In September, Ally's large and successful Americas meeting, hosted by Vorys in Columbus, included important discussions on growing law firm revenue by developing new service offerings.
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In October, the EMEA Conference hosted by Gitti and Partners in Milan featured prominent speakers from industry and government discussing a range of important sustainability issues.
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In December, the Asia Pacific Conference organized by Blakemore & Mitsuki in Tokyo included more than 25 in-house counsel and business leaders as attendees and speakers. Check out this highlights video!
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With more than 150 attendees, our reception raised Ally Law’s profile and expanded our global footprint. |
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It also helped foster stronger connections within the network as partners from several firms had the opportunity to meet each other during the reception and, later, at a special breakfast hosted by Alerion, our French member.
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Special Interest Group Program Expands
2023 saw the expansion of our special interest group (SIG) programs. Over the year, we hosted eighteen SIG meet-ups in diverse areas such as IP/IT, cross-border taxation, energy, environmental and climate change law, international arbitration, and our regional collaboration, Ally Latinx.
SIG members also organized gatherings at industry conferences throughout the year, including the IBA’s LATAM Forum Conference in Cartagena, Colombia, and an IPIT member gathering at INTA, held in Singapore.
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We also introduced new groups focusing on international trade and fintech. Immediately out of the gate, our fintech group produced a comprehensive, jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction guide on regulation and enforcement. Plans are underway for similar guides in cross-border taxation and artificial intelligence.
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Recaps from recent SIGs can be found at the links below.
Join a special interest group here.
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In-Person, Informal Meetings |
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One of the great pleasures of Ally Law’s 2023 was witnessing the growth of informal meetings between member firms. Many of you made a point of visiting local colleagues, whether you were in their cities to attend client or industry meetings or simply on vacation. Such in-person encounters are invaluable for building bridges across our entire network. Below, Vorys and Edwin Coe convene in London.
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We have seen significant involvement in Ally Law from our future leaders. Several members have named senior associates to serve as delegates. Others have brought associates to regional meetings. We initiated five associate-led networking events via Zoom and launched a secondment program that started this new year with an exchange between Thynne Macartney (Brisbane) and Applex (Finland). We look forward to many more secondments in 2024! |
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"Our colleague's time in London was very enriching for us. He got to know a new working environment and made contact with Ally law colleagues, which will now continue to be beneficial." |
Bodo Vinnen
Melchers, Frankfurt
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Sustainability: The Future of Law
At our 2023 Annual Global Conference, Ally Law became the first major legal network to adopt a sustainable business commitment, addressing diversity, equity, and inclusion; the health and wellness of our firms, clients, and communities; and the protection and restoration of the environment. To support members in this endeavor, we’ve launched leadership and educational initiatives to share best practices. Check out some examples below!
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Riley McDermott
explains how mental health programs support retention, performance & well-being.
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Harvey Koning
shares insights on how the process to become Mansfield Rule certified has enhanced his firm.
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Colin Cohen discusses how his firm supports the community through outreach and pro bono work.
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The Right Firm Initiative |
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This new program was designed to help delegates maximize the benefits their firms receive through Ally membership. During 2023, we discussed best practices via in-person meetings with seven firms in North America and Europe. Below, members from Finland, India, Peru, and Sweden gather to discuss the Right Firm Initiative.
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The list of our individual, firm, and Ally Law achievements continues. Being associated with a group of legal professionals focused on delivering excellent legal counsel and quality client services is amazing.
As we move into 2024, our unity and shared vision will continue to be our strength. I thank you for your unwavering dedication and look forward to our continued collaboration.
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Warm regards,
Ramesh Vaidyanathan
President, Ally Law
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