Comments from Legal Services Industry Leaders:

Michael J. O’Neill, SVP and General Counsel, CHC Corporation (former General Counsel, Lenovo):      “Insight and judgment are two of the most rare yet critical skills required for global legal management – Leigh Dance has been blessed with both.”

Group Head of Legal for UK financial services group Legal & General plc, makes a point to Leigh Dance in a corporate counsel roundtable in London on global dispute resolution.

Jan Eijsbouts, former General Counsel of Akzo Nobel, former Chair of IBA Corp. Counsel Forum:  “I have met few individuals that have been as closely involved as Leigh Dance in the many developments of our industry globally, both as they affect corporate legal teams and law firms.”      

Peter Kalis, Chairman & Global Managing Partner, K&L Gates:    “The legal industry is a time machine speeding through generations of change in the blink of an eye.  Leigh Dance understands that such movement doesn’t count as progress unless it is infused with bright ideas and intelligent execution.”

Regional General Counsel, Fortune 100 company:  “Leigh Dance of ELD International, founder of the Global Counsel Leaders Circle, is in my view the most talented consultant in the legal world.”

Nat Slavin, former Publisher, Inside Counsel:     “Leigh is the rare industry insider whose access to the upper echelon of leadership is a testimony to the intrinsic value she provides. She has a seat at the table because her insights and perspective are on the leading edge of the change curve.”

Helena Samaha, General Counsel of Orbit Showtime Network, Dubai, and former DLA Piper partner:  “There is a substantial gap between how law firms and corporate counsel function, and Leigh’s understanding has successfully bridged that gap.  She compares and contrasts legal industries across different jurisdictions with ease, where both practices and the law itself can vary greatly.”

 Chief Marketing Officer, Global 50 law firm:       “Leigh Dance provided marketing strategy and implementation for six years as our firm opened its first offices in Europe. She was an invaluable partner to the firm leadership and to me with her deep understanding of European and global clients and competition, her ability to work effectively across many cultures, and her ability to create an innovative, well-integrated marketing and business development plan.”

Shelley Boyes, Executive Director, The World Law Group (network of 52 firms worldwide):    “Leigh Dance’s presentations pack a wallop in terms of delivering lots of complex information clearly in a short time. She’s engaging, down to earth, quick on her feet and extremely well informed about strategic developments in both the in-house and law firm sides of the business globally.”   

Derek Benton, Managing Director, LexisNexis Martindale-Hubbell Int’l:     “Leigh is a trusted advisor and business partner whose expertise in the legal services markets are unique. She has ensured the success of our Counsel to Counsel series over 10 years by establishing a following in the major cities in Europe, North America and Asia.”

 Director of Marketing, AmLaw 100 firm:   “Leigh Dance of ELD is the “go to” person for understanding how legal services are awarded to law firms worldwide. She complements her knowledge of the global legal environment with highly creative ideas for law firm clients.”

Aric Press, Editor-in-Chief, American Lawyer Media:  “Leigh Dance asked me to introduce this discussion of Global Legal Services Tomorrow, and I accepted for two reasons.   First, I have learned that when Leigh asks you for something, the correct answer is yes. Second, I had attended several meetings last fall discussing similar matters and because I am an optimist, despite appearances, before year-end I wanted to attend one where something might actually be accomplished.”

Susan Benjamin, (former) Director of Marketing, Schulte Roth & Zabel:  “Leigh Dance is the consummate consultant. In helping us with our London launch, she gently guided us through the opportunities and challenges.”