By Regina A. McConahay

(From Left) Spain’s Rick Silberstein, Nigerian Chris Okeke and Interlaw’s Regina McConahay enjoy Seattle’s Lindsay Clothier’s explanation of Interlaw’s professional coverage of 120 cities worldwide

Interlaw sponsorship of the 2004 Annual Meeting of the Association of Corporate Counsel (ACCA) was enhanced by new member firm Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg LLP (Chicago) and a strategy to connect participants directly with corporate counsel and international media. 

Jerry Biederman and his partners hosted a cocktail reception and formal dinner in Chicago to introduce Interlawyers to about thirty corporate counsel and international legal and business media.  The Secretariat distributed to Interlawyers a list of corporate counsel registered for ACCA weeks before the meeting.  Interlawyers Hyun Pang of Lee & Ko (Tokyo),Chris Okeke of Ajumogobia & Okeke (Lagos),  Tom Stansmore of Pepeliaev, Goltsblat & Partners (Moscow and St. Petersburg), Rick Silberstein of Gomez-Acebo & Pombo (Spain); Lindsay Clothier of Foster Pepper & Shefelman PLLC (Seattle), Luis Capin López from Capín, Calderón, Ramírez y Gutiérrez-Azpe, S.C (Mexico City) representing the Latin American Interlaw Firms and Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg’s Mr. Biederman and his firm administrator, Cheryl Troxel had an opportunity to contact the counsel directly or ask Interlaw to make introductions.   At Interlawyers requests, Mr. Biederman added to his firm’s invitation list potential clients.  The Secretariat and Neal Gerber Consultant Linda Hazelton also identified key international and Chicago-based legal and business media who attended the event.    Tax expert Ken Harris and Founding Partner and former Dean of the Chicago School of Law School, Phil Neal spoke at the reception and dinner events.

Lasting  impressions were delivered to counsel attending ACCA including Neal Gerber & Eisenberg’s (Chicago) embossed book lamps,  souvenir hats distributed from Brons &Salas, (Argentina) and letter openers from Capin, Calderon, Ramirez y Gutierrez-Azpe,SC (Mexico).  Follow-up includes direct introductions from counsel who asked for specific referrals and further information. Each counsel who indicated an interest will receive a 2005 Interlaw directory and continued correspondence.