ASB Mid-Size Law Firm of the Year Award
Winner: Lane Neave
James Mitchell, Chief Executive, Relationship Banking, ASB and Michael Wolfe, Partner, Lane Neave
Delivering on changing client expectations, for nearly 150 years
By Craig Sisterson
Modern technologies have contributed to higher client expectations, especially in relation to speed of response, but one thing that hasn’t changed over the years is the fact lawyer-client relationships are built on trust and confidence, says Lane Neave partner Michael Wolfe, whose firm scooped the ASB Mid-size Law Firm of the Year Award at the recent 2009 New Zealand Law Awards™. “That’s been true as long as I’ve been in the law, and I’m sure that’s going to underpin relationships into the future.”
Wolfe says the partners and staff of the Christchurch firm, which is approaching its one hundred and fiftieth anniversary, were particularly pleased to receive the ASB Mid-size Law Firm of the Year Award, after winning several specialist awards in this and previous years, because in effect it recognised the work of everyone at the firm. In his acceptance speech on the night, he said, “This is a special award to us, and Lane Neave is honoured to win it, especially in the company of the other finalists.”
Reflecting on the “fantastic night” several days later, Wolfe adds that receiving the Award was a real coup because it was an award everyone at Lane Neave could take credit for, and an award they could all celebrate together. “The feeling here when we got back was extremely positive.”
Clients who voted for Lane Neave this year praised the firm with comments such as: “Available at short notice, speaks legal in plain language. Nothing a problem, professional and friendly.”
Wolfe says that getting such feedback, and the client-focused, client-voted nature, is one of the particular great things about the New Zealand Law Awards™. “In a way, the way in which you are perceived by your clients is a litmus test for the relationship you have, and to get that recognition is a wonderful thing… The perception that our clients have of us is a very important facet of our business.”
Another important facet is of course Lane Neave’s staff. Wolfe says he and the other partners were also particularly pleased to win their category in the Employer of Choice Award, as it reflected the time and effort they’ve put into creating a very positive work environment with an “open culture”. And it is the people flourishing in that environment that help the firm continue to cater so well to its clients needs.
“I don’t think anyone here overlooks the importance of client relationships, and we constantly try to think of ways that we can improve those relationships, ways in which we can reach out to our clients and better service their needs,” he says. “So it’s just a constant and evolving task trying to better understand what our clients’ wants and needs are.”
NZLawyer, issue 126, 27 November 2009
1st runner up: Cavell Leitch
2nd runner up: McCaw Lewis Chapman
FINALISTS:
Brookfields Lawyers
Cavell Leitch
Fortune Manning
Lane Neave
McCaw Lewis Chapman
Wilkinson Adams Lawyers
Criteria:
The winning firm will:
Award Sponsor:
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