We often hear from GCs that they wish their law firms collaborated with each other to solve problems and develop efficient and effective approaches that best serve the client. This sounds ideal but is it practical? Law firms are competing for business and likely lawyers might wonder how such collaboration will actually result in more business.

Funnily enough, it actually does. We do hear stories from very successful law firms and lawyers about how collaborating with other firms has allowed them to develop very trusted relationships with clients such that the business kept flowing. But collaborating with other suppliers drives business for reasons even beyond the building of trust.

Imagine you get to that stage of your career when you are so secure financially, emotionally and intellectually, that you are not threatened by anything or anyone. That is the state of mind that makes you your most collaborative, right? Even if you're not there yet, you have had those moments. That is what clients are looking for. Because that makes for the conditions that give rise to the best thinking, the least barriers, the most diversity of ideas, the most creativity. This is your best self, and it's the most valued by clients.