Merrill’s Illinois Legal Times: Boutique, or Big Firm? Clients Have Preferences

April 30, 1994 — Merrill’s Illinois Legal Times explored corporate counsel perspectives on choosing between litigation boutiques and large, full-service law firms. While many clients value the personalized attention and billing flexibility of boutiques, others favor big firms for their depth, global reach, and institutional familiarity.

IMC Fertilizer Group’s general counsel, Marschall I. Smith, described Dallas-based Bickel & Brewer as “spectacular” in complex contract cases, citing the firm’s responsiveness and use of in-house M.B.A.s to strengthen business-focused litigation strategy. “It doesn’t hurt to have the reputation of being litigators who enjoy fighting to the death, because it sure makes that settlement a better one,” Smith said.

Other counsel interviewed emphasized that while boutiques offer flexibility and closer client relationships, large firms remain essential for multi-disciplinary or international matters.