Law Times

law Times • July 26, 2010 Duff & Phelps to be new name on Bay Street Continued from page 9 worldwide. Th e U.S.-based com- pany made the jump to global op- erations in 2005, when it acquired a fi rm that had offi ces in London, England, and Amsterdam. In 2006, it started up offi ces in Paris and Munich, to be followed later by Tokyo and then Shanghai. In 2008, it expanded its Paris offi ce and is now making its move into the Canadian market. Marty Dauer, managing di- rector at Duff & Phelps' New York offi ce, says that since the fi rm fi rst expanded to become a global player, its new status has become a meaningful part of its identity. "About two years ago, we started looking towards Canada. It's the fastest-growing economy in the G7, and in terms of proximity, it's an easy expansion for us. Th e economic benefi ts and the dynamics of the services we off er are comparable to Canada, so it's a natural progres- sion for us to leverage our expertise there." Dauer notes there were no impediments to the deal. "It was im- Canada is 'the fastest-growing economy in the G7, and in terms of proximity, it's an easy expansion for us,' says Marty Dauer. portant that we did the acquisition in a way that fully integrated the business from an operations and human capital standpoint. It's crucial that the mental attitude is fully aligned as well as the Cole & Partners' incentives with overall fi rm incentives. We've done that with this deal." Greg Higgins, leader of Duff & Phelps' dispute and legal manage- ment consulting practice, was actively involved in the merger talks by looking at the two fi rms' services and seeing how they could integrate them, a process that covered the forensic side of Cole & Partners' busi- ness. "Our culture is to be highly integrated," he says. Higgins recalls a couple of instances in which Duff & Phelps had ventured into the Canadian marketplace in the past. "Cases that start in a particular geography can expand to other countries," he says. "Many of our clients have subsidiaries in Canada or cross the border to venture into Canadian markets. Many players in the legal community have matters that cross the border." Th is growing dynamic prompted the move to acquire a local business. "Whether they are U.S.-based or European, clients want locally based resources," Higgins says. "Th ey want fi ne service in the location where they are operating. We always try to deliver to clients the service that will best serve their needs." Dauer notes 35 to 40 per cent of Duff & Phelps' clients are S&P 500 and Fortune 500 corporations with signifi cant cross-border holdings. "Th ey are large multinational companies with operations and interests in Canada. In the past, we would service that work out of the U.S. or not bid on work there because we didn't have the capability. Th e new offi ce provides the conduit by which we can provide deeper representation and better knowledge-sharing." Dauer believes there's a strong possibility of professionals going back and forth across the border with more people coming up to Canada than going down south. "We have the ability to bring expanded exper- tise to the Canadian offi ce or, if a matter needs signifi cant resources, we can serve our Canadian clients that way," he says. "Th at will be part of the synergy. We will work with the Canadian practice, giving support and industry or particular subject-matter expertise." Higgins also notes Duff & Phelps' forensic capabilities are fairly con- sistent with the general competencies and skills of Cole & Partners. "One of the things that is happening in fraud and forensics in the U.S. and Canada is fi rms using outside counsel for this sort of work. We of- fer legal management consulting services delivered to general counsel in corporations. A corporation [can be] domiciled in the U.S. or Europe but may have general counsel within each country or operation." At the same time, Dauer points out there's some work the staff in Canada can't do. "We off er a much broader suite of services, and Cole & Partners will now be able to apply the Duff platform. Cole doesn't do too much from an investment banking standpoint." In the meantime, once Cole & Partners takes on the Duff & Phelps name after a transition period, Dauer says the fi rm will be like a new name on Bay Street in terms of investment banking. "From a knowledge-sharing standpoint, we'll help them operate and leverage our resources." But when asked if there are likely to be more Canadian offi ces, Dauer is cautiously optimistic. "Right now, we're focused on this ac- quisition, but it is the springboard for Canada. Offi ces in Montreal or the Pacifi c northwest are possible. Primarily, it's going to be a Canadi- an-based operation to tap into the Canadian market." So far, the merger is going well, according to Higgins. "It's a great opportunity for us to grow our business in Canada and grow their business in Canada," he says. "In a short time, we have integrated very quickly and have already seen great benefi ts to the merger." LT Kent legal monkey (LT 1-3x3).indd 1 www.lawtimesnews.com 2/17/10 1:45:10 PM FOCUS PAGE 13 Witness Preparation A Practical Guide (Previous edition published as ) Expert insight and practical guidance from top authorities This resource explains everything you need to know about choosing, preparing and examining a witness. In addition to providing "tried and true" tips for witness preparation, it addresses significant developments in electronic discovery, the law of child witnesses and the law of conflicts of interest and privilege. Topics covered include: • • • • • ORDER your copy today Hardbound • Approx. 150 pp. August 2010 • Approx. $80 P/C 0100500000 ISBN 978-0-88804-509-6 interviewing prospective witnesses the decision to call a witness preparation for examination-in-chief preparation for cross-examination evidence and trial procedure • preparation for examination for discovery • preparing experts • preparing child witnesses • witness preparation and professional responsibility ... and more For a 30-day, no-risk evaluation call: 1.800.565.6967 LT0726 Canada Law Book is a Division of The Cartwright Group Ltd. Prices subject to change without notice, to applicable taxes and shipping & handling. FINLAY_Witness Preparation (LT 1-4x3).indd 1 7/21/10 12:19:10 PM At Kent Legal we know not just anybody can do the job. That's why we've taken extensive measures, like using the latest technology, tools and top recruiters to ensure we not only match the right applicant for your position, but that we do it in the best response time. We provide seamless placement services for legal secretaries, law clerks, office clerks, administrative management as well as e-discovery experts. We also understand the internal culture and hiring needs of every client we serve – whether it's for one expert, a team, direct hire, temporary or contract. Kent Legal – the most trusted name in legal recruiting. Call us today. (416) 363-7227 • Fax: (416) 363-6125 • kentlegal.com W itness Preparation Manual, Second Edition Bryan Finlay, Q.C., T.A. Cromwell and Nikiforos Iatrou

• Cover
• Storied Collection
• Busted Bracelets
• Focus On Forensics/Private Investigators