"A successful partnership is so much more. I think of it like a well-coached soccer team, where each player knows their role and responsibilities, and where all players are focused on the ultimate goal." — José Gonzalez, EVP& General Counsel, CNA, USA

We have established in previous lessons that law firms and clients want the same things from their relationships and from individual projects. The "Relationship Wish List" and "Project Loathe List" in Lesson 1:11 Understanding Clients' Goals and Expectations highlighted these common goals — value, transparency, and most of all, stable relationships.

Continuity is desired as much by clients as law firms. Clients have their preferred 'go to' lawyers and law firms, who understand their business deeply and anticipate their needs. The client who says of a firm, 'They were OK, but we probably won't use them again …' is generally just as disappointed as the firm.