LawyersUSA

Four years ago, Steven Spielvogel, a Manhattan attorney who specializes in business litigation and white-collar defense work, came up with the idea of forming an organization for prestigious boutique law firms like his own.

Since then, more than 250 firms throughout the United States have joined his group, called the International Network of Boutique Law Firms. Member firms are located in major markets throughout the country, and the group has also formed alliances with 16 large law firms in Africa, Central America, South America and Europe.

"I started the organization because we wanted to have a network of great law firms that we could refer matters to in areas where my law firm does not practice, such as tax matters and real estate matters," Spielvogel explained. "It gives you vast resources."

For example, his own firm, Gallion & Spielvogel, recently called a member in Los Angeles to help out on an immigration and labor issue. The L.A. firm provided advice and even took depositions in their offices.

Although chapters are located throughout the country, membership is restricted to one firm per practice area for each chapter.

The chapter president recommends members to Spielvogel, who makes the final decision. Only true boutique firms which specialize in one or two areas of law are eligible. Spielvogel personally reviews the credentials of all the attorneys at member firms.

Many of the attorneys are current or past presidents of state bar and national legal organizations.

Spielvogel said his firm has received many referrals from member firms, and in turn, has connected other firms with potential clients.

"It's worked out really well," he said. "In terms of competing with the big law firms, I think a lot of the general counsels around the world will see the benefits of doing business with boutique law firms, especially top-caliber lawyers at boutique law firms."

Click here to read a companion story: "Small firms fight back"