01 September 2020

Whilst many of us have been confined to our “home offices”, communication around the world continues apace. BTO is a member of Mackrell International, a global legal network comprising 4500 lawyers in 90 firms across more than 65 countries.

In the pre-Covid world, our communication across this network would have been triggered by our clients’ requirements and in face to face regional and AGM conference meetings which bring member firms together from around the world.

However, as lockdown came into effect, the network changed gear, stepped up to the challenge and members came together virtually to navigate the unchartered waters of the global pandemic. Virtual events included regular managing partner forums, webinars for member firms and their clients on topical issues such as employment law and insolvency, smaller practice group meetings and an online lecture series, with high profile guest speakers, produced in conjunction with MI’s sister accountancy network, MGI. These sessions brought together accountants and lawyers from across the globe to share ideas, experiences and best practice.

The diversity and unity of Mackrell International’s global family was best celebrated at its 2020 ‘AGM in the Cloud’, which in spite of COVID-19, was the network’s largest ever gathering - a massive virtual handshake and well-disciplined on screen meeting...that is until the microphones were opened for everyone rushed to greet each other! This virtual connection of true friends and colleagues stretched from the West coast of the Americas to the Asia Pacific.

The Mackrell International network has not only been tackling how best to deal with the current worldwide situation for its members and their clients, but has been looking to the future by actively strengthening, encouraging and mentoring our ‘Next Generation’ network of lawyers, launching a Female Lawyer network and welcoming a flurry of new ‘family’ members from various countries including Italy, Kenya, Singapore, Algeria and the United States.

For BTO, the major advantage of being a member of Mackrell International remains our ability to put you, our clients, in touch with lawyers in most countries around the world. Lawyers who know and trust each other, have built real relationships and work together well to address your business and personal legal requirements. That benefit continues regardless of COVID-19 and is very valuable to us and you. And, of course, BTO is well placed to deal with matters in Scotland on behalf of the other member firms and their clients.

The virtual experience definitely works, but we look forward to seeing each other in person soon!

If you require a legal steer, either personally or professionally, Mackrell International can provide clarity and structure. Visit www.mackrell.net and watch the video: “Why Mackrell International?” to find out how you and your business can benefit from BTO’s extensive network of cross border contacts who have come together to offer global legal solutions.

Contact

Jeremy Glen, Partner: E: jsg@bto.co.uk  T: 0141 225 5259