"Innovation helps law firm punch above its weight"

Published in the Sunday Independent, 11th May 2014 McDowell Purcell, ranked among Ireland's top 20 law firms, recently acquired an additional 2,000 square feet of office space and will add up to 20 people over the next 12 to 15 months. The company, based in the Capel Building in central Dublin, competes with larger firms, offering a full suite of legal services including, property, banking, litigation, corporate, employment, public and regulatory, insolvency and renewable energy. While its rates are typically 20-30 per cent below the top 10 firms, their challenge is to convince new clients that their service matches that of larger firms. There is still a concentration of State work in the large firms despite commitments by now former minister Alan Shatter to increase competition by using more firms. Mid-tier firms such as McDowell Purcell offer a partner-led service at reduced rates. In 2007 they recruited a business development director, which has been a major contributing factor in managing their growth. In 2013 a full rebrand helped to position McDowell Purcell as a corporate law firm of choice. Again, the firm's challenge has always been to ensure that they understand client needs. They recently incorporated a client care programme and use client feedback to tailor how to deliver services. Paul Wyse - Managing Director, Smith and Williamson In this year's Smith & Williamson's survey of the legal sector the more positive economic outlook was mirrored by an increased positivity amongst senior lawyers. These sentiments are also echoed by McDowell Purcell. A key issue facing the sector is maintaining profitability in a very challenging fees environment. Two in three firms in our survey reported significant downward pressure on fees with 36 per cent reducing their hourly billing rates. Most firms have continued to agree to more fixed fees for assignments to secure work. In recent years the legal profession has recognised the value and the need for marketing and business development. Investment in those efforts has grown significantly. McDowell Purcell was well ahead of many in recruiting a marketing and business development director in 2007. McDowell Purcell have successfully managed their practice to grow over the last three years and have expanded their service offering to clients, notwithstanding the difficult economic environment.   Link to the Sunday Independent Article here.