Network between law firms, when Italy opens up to the world

Many professional relationships have been established over the years between lawyers from Italy and other countries.

The development of relationships with foreign firms has been a priority for CBA for years. "With the exception of our 'historic' office in Munich, our choice has been not to open other offices abroad. Nevertheless, we are one of the Italian firms with the largest links with foreign law firms, and we are very happy about that" explains Francesco Dialti, partner at CBA. "The connection with foreign firms or international networks takes place through direct meetings in Italy or abroad, active participation in international associations (in which our partners or associates hold positions) or participation in international conferences.

Last but not least, the relationships that individual Partners have been able to build up over time, for instance as a result of attending Masters or other courses abroad, play an important role. Obviously, we have developed and aim to develop mainly relationships with foreign firms or with international firms that are not based in Italy, but sometimes we are also contacted on specific assignments by international firms based in Italy where they are interested in our specific know-how in certain sectors. Clearly, relationships with foreign firms or international firms are also important when our clients need legal assistance abroad, so we create crossborder teams.

Even if the originating firm always retains a control (greater or lesser as the case may be), obviously collaboration with a foreign firm presupposes an element of trust and mutual esteem between professionals; a firm will never, in fact, 'entrust' one of its clients to another firm if it does not believe that it will obtain the best possible legal assistance. In this sense, it is therefore fundamental, in addition to the possibility of proving that there is a track record; that is, a series of experiences and competences matured over time, that there is a 'chemistry' between the lawyers.

There are also cases in which we receive (or give to the foreign firm) a referral, i.e. the transfer of a client or a case from one firm to another, without the originating firm being involved, as this is a strictly domestic assignment (typical the case of litigation). As CBA is a multi-practice firm, we work with foreign firms in various branches of law, but in some it is more common for there to be opportunities for collaboration on cross-border transactions".

Quote by Francesco Dialti (article published in Italia Oggi on 25 March 2024)