BTI Consulting Group 'BTI Client Service 30' 2012

Bryan Cave ranks second in the 2012 BTI Consulting Group’s “BTI Client Service 30” report, an annual survey evaluating individual law firm performance through the eyes of their clients. The report compiles information gathered about more than 650 law firms serving Fortune 1000 companies.

Now its 11th year, the “BTI Client Service 30” report ranks law firms on the activities clients say drive exceptional professional relationships. The 2012 results are based on more than 240 one-on-one interviews with in-house corporate counsel. This is Bryan Cave’s 4th consecutive – and 5th overall – year being recognized in the top 30, moving up to the 2nd place spot after ranking 17th in the 2011 report.

“We have always had a passionate, long-term commitment to our clients’ success – it’s one of our stated core values,” said Don Lents, Bryan Cave chairman. “We believe in building strong and enduring client relationships first and allowing good business to flow from that. It’s very rewarding to see our clients recognize us as a top relationship-driven firm.”

In-house corporate counsel surveyed for the report specifically said Bryan Cave wins their praise for “giving direct advice without waffling,” “listening to client demands” and “efficiency.” Clients also note the firm “is always surveying for changing customer needs,” which allows the firm to “work on alternative fee arrangements that make sense for both parties.”

“Bryan Cave shows prowess in improving its client service in the face of a more demanding client base,” said Michael Rynowecer, BTI president. “Clients report extraordinary commitment to boost client focus and deliver on budget.”

To determine the annual rankings, BTI employs objective client feedback and evaluates law firm performance through client interviews. Also known as the “Client Service A-Team,” the top firms are those that clients delineate as best at the 17 activities proven to drive superior client service. Final scoring is determined by performance on three key variables: how important each of the 17 activities used to select and evaluate outside legal counsel is to clients; how difficult it is for clients to find firms that perform each of the 17 activities well; and candid feedback from clients about which firms stand out in these areas.

With more than 1,000 lawyers and consulting professionals firmwide, Bryan Cave’s reputation is built on proactive, solution-oriented work with clients’ best interests in mind. Each client is considered a client of the whole firm – with access to the resources that will best serve their needs.

The BTI Consulting Group is a leading provider of strategic market research to law firms and professional services firms. The company conducts private benchmarking, market awareness and client satisfaction research for organizations worldwide and has a knowledge base of professional services research based on more than 6,000 interviews conducted during the past 20 years.

Click here to view this year’s “BTI Client Service 30” list.