Becoming an ALFA International Member Firm
High-quality member firms are the backbone of ALFA International.
Becoming an ALFA International firm is a rigorous invitation-only process and the expectations of excellence never end. To maintain one’s status as an ALFA International member, firms must regularly demonstrate excellence across all key dimensions that initially permitted their admission to the network. We are continually reviewing the performance of existing firms and searching for quality firms to join the organization.
When recruiting a new firm we take great pride in our evaluation and auditing process. A separate Search Committee is appointed for each membership sought, comprised of the ALFA International CEO and a small group of ALFA International lawyers familiar with the jurisdiction.
In developing a list of potential candidates, the Search Committee receives input from current member firms with experience in the jurisdiction, seeks recommendations from ALFA International clients doing business there and consults trade publications, market surveys and other relevant data. Each firm is carefully evaluated and numerous factors are considered, such as:
- Number and range of practice areas including litigation and trial experience
- Quality and diversity of client base
- Commitment to client service and diversity
- Profiles of practice area leaders and other key lawyers
- Reported cases, transactions and other matters
- Awards, recognitions and memberships received or maintained by key lawyers
From the Committee’s research a short list of top candidates is created and Committee members visit each interested candidate’s office, informing them of membership expectations while interviewing key lawyers and hearing presentations from the firm’s primary practice groups.
The candidate firms who seek membership complete a thorough application and all relevant information gathered throughout the process is shared with the ALFA International Membership Committee. Two-thirds of the Committee must vote for admission for the application to advance to the ALFA International Board of Directors. If the ALFA International Board subsequently votes to approve the application, the candidate firm is then accepted to become an ALFA International member.