Mackrell International

22/06/2026

Monday thought.

Monday thought.

One of the most dangerous phrases in any organisation is:

"But everyone knows where that is."

Usually, they don't.

We've been evolving parts of the MI website recently. Not through major changes, but through a series of small improvements designed to make information easier to find and the overall experience more intuitive.

A few things have moved. A few things have gone. Some of the information people use most often is now easier to find.

The website was simply the latest reminder.

Websites, newsletters, events and client communications all benefit from regular review. Not because they're failing, but because the needs of the people using them rarely stand still.

An existing client looking for information. A prospective client deciding whether to make contact. A referral source trying to find the right person.

The answer is rarely "leave it exactly as it is."

https://www.mackrell.net/?utm_source=linkedin&utm_medium=social

Mackrell International, where people come first. Be part of a thriving global legal community that shares expertise, builds opportunities, supports clients worldwide, and creates meaningful connections beyond referrals.

16/06/2026

July may be a quieter month on the events calendar, but both of this month's sessions focus on a subject that is rapidly changing the legal profession and many of the industries our clients operate in.

▪️On 1 July, Construction Law Practice Group Chair John Scheef is joined by Peter Morgan to discuss how artificial intelligence is changing the construction sector, from planning and design through to contracts, site monitoring and operations.

▪️Then on 7 July, AI Practice Group Chair Harold Godsoe welcomes Eric Chin for a look at Legal Generative AI and the Future of Law.

Drawing on his work leading legal transformation initiatives across Asia Pacific, Eric will explore how firms and clients are adopting AI, what the future may hold for legal practice, and some practical ways lawyers can start building their own AI skills.

Two conversations, different perspectives. Plenty to think about.

👉As always, members at all levels of MI firms are welcome to join.

Scheef & Stone, L.L.P. PwC Singapore

10/06/2026

Tomorrow, our very own MD Keith Heddle, joins an International Bar Association panel looking at a topic that never really goes away for law firms: winning work.

With more than 25 years in legal marketing and business development, Keith will be sharing practical experiences alongside fellow panellists from across the profession.

No silver bullets. No magic formulas. Just a conversation about relationships, reputation, referrals and what actually helps firms grow.

If that sounds useful, there's still time to register: https://www.ibanet.org/conference-details/CONF2895

10/06/2026

Over the past week, we've enjoyed reading the many posts shared by those who joined us in Helsinki for the MI Women's Group meeting.

What stands out is not simply that everyone enjoyed the event, but that they returned home with new ideas and practical takeaways they can apply in their professional lives.

That is ultimately what these gatherings are designed to achieve.

Our sincere thanks go to Salingre Attorneys for hosting such a successful meeting, and to speakers Maria Sorsimo, Anna Brchisky and Samuel Latvanen for leading thoughtful discussions on topics affecting law firms today.

And, of course, thank you to everyone who travelled to Helsinki and contributed to the conversations over the two days.

01/06/2026

Often, the best part of these gatherings is the bit between the formal sessions. A table, familiar faces and conversations picking up exactly where they left off.

Last week in Prague, during the IBA Officers Mid-Year Meetings, that meant a catch up over lunch with Carolina Zang and Francisco Roggero (ZBV, Argentina), Benjamin Grebe (Prieto, Chile), and Josef, Denisa and Petra from MKA Nosko (Prague).

Rasem Kamal (Palestine) would have joined the table too, but was still somewhere between Washington DC and Prague when the photo was taken ✈️

27/05/2026

⭐️MI firms around the world are regularly recognised for the quality of their work and client service, but it is not every day that a member firm is singled out by the Financial Times for innovation across the Asia-Pacific legal market.

Congratulations to Ahlawat & Associates on being featured in the FT’s Business of Law: Case Studies and recognised in the FT Innovative Lawyers Asia-Pacific Awards 2026.

A well-deserved recognition for the team in New Delhi.

20/05/2026

June at MI brings a strong mix of practical insight, leadership thinking and a look at where the profession is heading next.

▪️ Kicking off the 2nd, with a live demo of eno, an AI-powered PDF reader designed specifically for legal professionals. Led by eno Founder Gordon Cassie, the session will explore a different approach to AI-assisted document review, one focused less on summaries and more on surfacing the actual passages lawyers need to see for themselves.
For anyone navigating the noise around legal AI, this promises a refreshingly practical discussion. Thanks also to Harold Godsoe for bringing the session together.

▪️ From 4th to 5th, the focus shifts to Helsinki for the EMEA Women’s Group Meeting, hosted by Salingre Attorneys.
With sessions covering AI in legal practice, crisis management and marketing your practice, the agenda reflects many of the challenges and opportunities firms are currently facing. Just as importantly, it creates the space for all to spend time together, exchange ideas and strengthen relationships across jurisdictions. And yes, karaoke remains firmly on the agenda.

▪️ On 9th, award-winning author and speaker Paul McGee returns to MI for a session on leadership, adaptability and navigating change well. Expect practical takeaways, honest reflection and probably a few uncomfortable truths along the way.

▪️ Then on 18th, Sabra Tomb joins us for “Beyond Billables”, a timely discussion on talent, culture and growth in modern law firms.
Drawing on experience across legal practice, education and leadership, Sabra will explore how firms can recruit, develop and retain the next generation of legal talent while adapting to the realities of AI and changing workplace expectations.

A month with plenty to think about, get involved with, and hopefully fresh insights everyone can take straight back to their firms.

Remember, if you are a member at any level within an MI member firm, you are very welcome to join. Visit our Events page to register: https://www.mackrell.net/events?utm_source=social&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=events_2026

14/05/2026

Every familiar face at an MI meeting was a “Red Badge” once.

At our events, first-time attendees and those from new member firms wear a badge with a distinctive red edge. It is a simple idea, but an important one.

It tells the rest of the network:
“Come and say hello.”

And people do.

What starts as a quick introduction over coffee often becomes something much more valuable over time. A trusted contact. A referral relationship. Someone you know personally when a client needs support in another part of the world.

That is why participation matters.

Not simply attending sessions, but getting to know people properly. The network becomes stronger when the relationships behind it are real.

A few reflections from red badge attendees at this year’s AGM in Munich:

“I had a fantastic experience! To be candid, I am not usually a ‘conference’ person, but this was the best one I have attended.”
Hannah, Georgia.

“I knew MI for its value as a referral network. I now know it is much more. You will see me again.”
Steve, Nevada.

“It is a great opportunity to network and get to know the people behind the lawyer.”
Carlos, Mexico.

The best parts of a network rarely happen formally. More often, they begin with a conversation.


Baker Donelson BGBG - Bello, Gallardo, Bonequi y García, S.C. Kaempfer Crowell - Carson City

06/05/2026

There’s always a point after an event like Munich where everyone slips back into normal routine and the inbox starts filling up again.

It would be a shame for the conversations to stop there, because that’s often where the real value begins.

A quick note, a follow-up message, picking up on a shared conversation or introduction. Small things, but over time, in many cases, that's what builds genuine friendships across the network.

That’s one of the things we value most at MI. Less transactional, more human.

The AGM, and really any of our in-person events, gives you the starting point.

And if there’s someone you meant to reconnect with, or perhaps haven’t met yet but should, we’re always happy to help make the introduction.

29/04/2026

At heart, the AGM isn’t complicated.

Bring people together. Give them the space to talk. See where it leads.

That was Munich this year.

The sessions were well put together, but it’s everything around them that tends to stay with you. Conversations that pick up quickly. Familiar faces catching up. New connections forming without much effort.

Saturday captured it well. A walk through the city, from Viktualienmarkt through to Marienplatz. Brunch at Zum Franziskaner. Time spent in the Residenz. Then dinner at Jacob, with quite a few not in a rush to call it a night.

Sunday gave people the chance to explore a little more at their own pace.

It’s a useful reminder that the strength of a network isn’t only built in meeting rooms. A lot of it happens in between.

Thank you to SLB Rechtsanwälte for the welcome and for hosting so thoughtfully in Munich.