Back to Use Cases

Attending a conference is a prime opportunity to expand your network of foreign associate law firms. Use IP Pilot to identify the most relevant law firms, compare with the attendee list, and plan your outreach, leveraging powerful features like Network Overlap and in-profile contact information.

Before you start, note that there are two different approaches you can take to identify and prioritize potential new law firm connections:

  • Approach 1: Focuses on law firms based only on the volume of cases they have sent to your jurisdiction.
  • Approach 2: Focuses on law firms based both on the total volume of sent and received (cases exchanged) between them and firms in your jurisdiction, regardless of direction.

Skip to Approach 2 if you are more interested in overall cross-border case activity, rather than just inbound cases to your jurisdiction.

Approach 1: Identify Law Firms Sending the Cases to Your Jurisdiction

1. Configure Your Search

  • Click Search from the left navigation panel.
  • In the search configuration:
    • Set Law Firms in the first drop-down.
    • Set from any country, region, or continent.
    • Set sending cases to law firms filing at your jurisdiction.
    • Choose Exchanged as the year type, and select a recent multi-year range (e.g., 2022–2024).
    • In Add Chart, select Important Partners.
    • Use the Decision Maker filter and set it to Law Firm to focus on law firms that actively decide case exchanges.
  • Click Search to generate your list.

2. Review the Results

  • The results show foreign law firms most actively sending cases to your jurisdiction.
  • Focus on those with most relevant case volume, they’re your top targets for partnerships at the conference.

Approach 2: Identify Law Firms Based on Overall Case Exchange

1. Configure Your Search

  • Click Search from the left navigation panel.
  • In the search configuration:
    • Set Law Firms in the first drop-down.
    • Set from any country, region, or continent.
    • Set filing at any authority.
    • Choose Exchanged as the year type, and select a recent multi-year range (e.g., 2022–2024).
    • In Add Chart, select Important Partners.
    • Add the following filters:
      • Domestic or International Publication Authority = your jurisdiction
      • Decision Maker equals Law Firm
      • Representative Country ≠ your own country (to focus on foreign partners)
  • Click Search to generate the list.

2. Review the Results

  • The results will show law firms with the largest overall volume of exchanges with law firms in your jurisdiction.
  • Focus on those with most relevant case exchange volume, they’re your top targets for partnerships at the conference.

Next Steps: Match Results with Conference Attendees

  • Obtain the attendee list for the upcoming conference.
  • Cross-reference your IP Pilot results with the attendee list.
    • Identify which high-potential law firms will be at the event.
    • These are your priority targets for outreach and meeting scheduling.

Contacting Potential Partners

If You Don’t Have IP Pilot Pro:

  • Visit the target law firm’s website to find the contact details of attendees (partners, BD managers, or attorneys).
  • Use their email or LinkedIn profile to make contact before or during the conference.

If You Use IP Pilot Pro:

Option 1: Use the Network Overlap Feature

  • Click Insights in the left navigation, then Network Overlap.
  • In the configuration:
    • Enter your own firm’s name in field “A”.
    • Enter the target law firm’s name in field “B”.
    • Select the appropriate year range.
    • (Optional) Add filters for specific filings.
  • Click Check Network Overlap.
  • Review the tables:
    • The first table lists mutual partner law firms, these are shared connections.
    • The second table lists common clients.
  • Use these insights to identify your mutual partners. Ask the mutual partners, with whom you have a strong relationship, for a warm introduction, or to build rapport with the target firm based on shared experience.

Option 2: Direct Contact from the Law Firm Profile

  • Open the target law firm’s profile in IP Pilot.
  • Go to the About tab and scroll to the team member list.
  • For each person, you’ll find their LinkedIn link and email address, contact them directly for a meeting or introduction.

 

 

Example Scenario

Suppose you’re attending a global IP conference in the US and you’re based in Canada:

  • Use Approach 1 to list law firms sending the most cases to Canadian firms.
  • Use Approach 2 to find firms with the largest total case exchange with Canadian firms.
  • Compare these lists with the attendee list.
  • For each target, check for mutual partners via Network Overlap, or find a direct contact in the firm’s About tab.
  • Reach out via LinkedIn or email, referencing your shared interests and the upcoming event.

Best Practices & Tips

  • Prioritize by Case Volume: Focus on firms with the most relevant sending/exchange activity, you’re most likely to benefit from such a partnership.

  • Use Mutual Connections: Leveraging shared partners or clients is the fastest way to build trust.
  • Personalize Your Outreach: Reference recent case activity or shared contacts in your message for higher engagement.
  • Prepare in Advance: Set up meetings before the conference for maximum impact.

If you need more help planning your conference outreach or analyzing connections, contact our support team at support@ip-pilot.com.