International Growth for Independent Law Firms

Unlock your firm’s global potential

Independent law firms today face a fast-changing international legal landscape including consolidation, private equity investment, shifting trade dynamics, and the impact of AI on client expectations. Competing effectively across borders now demands more than presence: it requires clarity, strategy, and trusted connections.

We help independent law firms strengthen their global presence and cross-border collaborations. With decades of experience working inside and alongside law firms worldwide, we understand that every firm’s growth journey is unique. Our expertise combines proven strategies, deep sector insight and a powerful global network to enable firms to grow with purpose and precision.

MD Communications is incredibly well connected across the legal media and wider legal marketplace. We can always rely on their clear guidance and insights

Laura DevineManaging Partner - Laura Devine Immigration

Linsay LesliePartner Head of International - MD Communications

Linsay Leslie

Melissa and her team at MD Communications have worked with us to help us develop our PR strategy, and have assisted with our legal marketing since we first opened our office in London.

Colin JamiesonPartner - Pirola Pennuto Zei Associati UK LLP

navigating global growth md communications report

Our International Growth Service

We start by understanding your firm inside out, including your people, culture, key clients, markets, and ambitions. From there, we build a bespoke international business development plan designed to deliver measurable growth.

Our approach typically includes:

  • Defining target clients, sectors, and referrers, and building your focused BD plan.
  • Making strategic introductions through our extensive global network.
  • Supporting your teams to nurture new and lasting commercial relationships.
  • Raising your profile through integrated communications, PR, and thought leadership campaigns.
  • Delivering regular progress reviews and practical support

We also tailor additional services to your firm’s needs, such as:

  • CRM development and digital BD optimisation.
  • Partner and team coaching on international growth.
  • Award and directory submissions that raise profile and credibility.
  • Bids support & bids training.
  • Client/key account programme support.

Why work with us

We don’t deliver off-the-shelf plans; we build strategies that work for your firm, leveraging our network of thousands of legal and business contacts worldwide. The result: stronger international visibility, higher-quality referrals, and sustainable growth.

Navigating Global Growth

How does an independent firm develop cross border and international business? Navigating Global Growth: An International Playbook is our global study which sets out how independent firms are redefining international success. It highlights the growing importance of independent law firms in cross-border instructions and sets out the ways independent firms are competing, and collaborating, with global law firms.

With 91% of independent firms saying that many international clients become repeat clients and 83% saying that up to a quarter of their instructions come through global networks and contacts, is now the time to review your international business development strategy?

The firms we spoke to are reshaping what global growth looks like. It’s no longer about scale or office count -it’s about trust, agility and the quality of relationships.

Melissa DaviesFounder and CEO - MD Communications

Contact our Head of International Linsay Leslie for a confidential discussion about your international growth aspirations and challenges and to find out more about how we can help realise your global potential.

Our International Team

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