We’ve reported this news already.. but in conversation with a source we’ve learnt that the new offices may not be cracked up to be all that one might suspect..
First up here’s the press release in full
SOMERSET, NJ, November 18, 2009 ? Hildebrandt, the leading management consulting firm to the legal market, today announced the global expansion of Hildebrandt services in Beijing, Hong Kong and Sydney effective January 1, 2010.
The potential growth of the legal profession in Asia is impressive. Global firms continue to invest in the region although many lack a strategic business plan for their offices. Local and regional firms are also growing and we envision some potential consolidation of the market. The biggest challenge for local and regional firms is to put in place a structure and systems that will allow them to compete effectively in this changing market. We would not be surprised if there were consolidation between the growing Chinese firms and a major US or UK firm.
Bradford W. Hildebrandt, Chairman at Hildebrandt, said: “Establishing a local presence in Beijing, Hong Kong and Sydney is a natural next step for Hildebrandt as we continue to expand our operations across Asia. There are many exciting opportunities for Hildebrandt to bring state of the art consulting services to the Asian legal market. It is important for us to have offices here in order to support the needs of our clients and others investing in these cities.” Hildebrandt already has strong client relationships in Australia and will continue our commitment to the region, while expanding our commitment to Asia and the ongoing needs of our clients.
Hildebrandt will use its presence in Asia to provide a range of legal services including practice organization, strategic growth, client relations, compensation and governance. The expertise and skills of our consultants enables us to bridge the gap between the countries and to fulfil the needs of our clients in Asia.
Hildebrandt?s new offices will be located at:
100 Harris Street
Pyrmont NSW 2009
Australia
7/F, Tower 1 China Central Place
No. 81 Jianguolu
Chaoyang District
Beijing, P.R.C. 100025
10F Cityplaza 3, Taikoo Shing
Hong Kong
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About Hildebrandt
Hildebrandt, a Thomson Reuters business, is a multidisciplinary consulting firm, helping law firms, legal departments and other professional service organizations plan, implement and achieve their management and strategic goals. The company, with more than 50 consultants located in offices within the United States and London, is the undisputed leader in providing strategic advice, managerial guidance and implementation support to these organizations. For more information, visit www.hildebrandt.com
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First up unsurprisingly, now Hildebrandt are a Thomson Reuters, company it makes sense for them to base themselves at TR offices throughout the region except it seems in Beijing where they have had to look for new space. What has surprised us though is that we’ve been informed that they will only keep 1 or 2 people on the ground in each jurisdiction and then bring in teams from the US if they land the big jobs. Economically this makes perfect sense but in terms of consulting and understanding the legal culture in China. HK, Australia and other jurisdictions isn’t that going to just create confusion with clients. We presume if hildebrandt are providing services expalining how to enter certain US markets it does make sense but if they are going to just provide us solutions for firms in this region we really can’t see tham getting very far indeed.
