The MLF 50: Highlights

At the outset, let me say that while I would have liked to get the good counsel of the original advisory group in assisting with the final decision making in compiling the list, as I went through the close to 3-month process of evaluating each firm in order to create the list, it became abundantly clear to me that I needed to be at the helm as to: a) who would be on the list; and b) where each firm would rank on the list. I'm being perfectly honest with my readership because I think it is important to realize that if anyone has an issue with this list, the buck stops with me. I took great care in making the selections for this list, which I believe is reflective of the best marketing and communications programs within law firms.

The firms that made the list were chosen on the basis of their accomplishments and not as much about their staffing or budgets. While these aspects were taken into consideration, the number of staffers and the budgets did not affect the final listing. Some firms actually do quite a bit more with less staff and less money. As a veteran of law firm marketing and communications, I felt extremely confident in including these firms because I know what they are about and I know their people. The valuation of all the firms is reflective of programs that are differentiators in the world of law firms and in many ways mirror Corporate America's marketing programs.