Private client law firms have a legacy in advising UHNW families and their structures. In today’s private client advisory, these same firms are more frequently encountering clients with complex, multi-jurisdictional requirements. These might include managing assets, family relationships, or tax considerations spanning several countries.
Our private client team includes experienced, qualified non-practising solicitors, tax accountants, and fiduciary professionals. Ocorian understands these unique challenges and partners closely with law firms to deliver comprehensive, practical solutions that go beyond traditional legal advice.
Understanding law firms’ pain points
Lawyers are often the first port of call for clients seeking guidance on succession planning or asset protection. While legal expertise is essential, clients’ needs regularly extend into areas such as family dynamics, governance frameworks, legacy planning, and education. Addressing these non-legal matters can absorb significant non-billable time, diverting lawyers from their core, chargeable work.
Ocorian can assist in communicating the practical realities of offshore structuring or to explain how an administrator or trustee will deliver on a proposed structure. Fee-related discussions can also dominate conversations, detracting from the opportunity to demonstrate the true value added to clients. Finally, when clients seek proposals, law firms are often required to compare providers of varying sizes, ownership structures, and service offerings—sometimes making it difficult to compare like with like.
How does Ocorian add value for law firms?
Ocorian offers a breadth of experience across 25 jurisdictions, with deep expertise in over 11 key private client markets. We share regular updates and insights with our legal partners, particularly in regions where they may lack a direct presence but still serve clients with interests there—such as the Cayman Islands. By providing demonstrations of our technology and showcasing our capabilities, we help families and their advisors navigate complex cross-border issues.
We are always willing to meet with clients early in their planning process, offering our time and expertise to help address issues like governance, communication, next-generation engagement, and family harmony. By sharing our real-world experience and practical tools, Ocorian empowers lawyers to better advise their clients and focus on achieving tangible outcomes rather than simply discussing hourly rates or fees.
Our detailed, transparent fee proposals enable law firms to present professional, well-informed options to their clients. With our vast network of clients, advisers, and referrers, we also open new doors for law firms seeking to expand their reach—whether that is through direct referrals or by connecting with trusted intermediaries in growth markets.
Ocorian benefits for law firms
Broader service offering: Law firms can broaden their capabilities and provide their clients with access to trusted, comprehensive solutions for multi-jurisdictional challenges.
Operational efficiency: Involving Ocorian early reduces the time lawyers spend on research and non-billable work, helping to mitigate scope creep and improve efficiency.
Client retention & trusted adviser status: By offering a more holistic solution, lawyers can strengthen their relationships and position themselves as trusted advisers beyond the core legal remit.
Access to new markets: Our extensive networks and local expertise in jurisdictions such as Bermuda, Cayman, BVI, Singapore, UAE and Hong Kong enable law firms to tap into new opportunities for growth.
Stand-out proposals: Detailed breakdowns of our service scope and transparent fee structures help law firms present compelling, professional options to their clients and facilitate clear, direct comparisons to other providers.
Better client outcomes: Working with a reputable, credible service provider like Ocorian leads to better outcomes for both clients and lawyers, attracting a higher calibre of client who values quality and expertise.
Ocorian’s approach: Doing it well
At Ocorian, we are committed to sharing our knowledge and expertise through podcasts, webinars, presentations, and thought leadership articles. We regularly meet with clients and lawyers, taking the time to listen and understand their specific needs. By hosting roundtable events and fostering open dialogue, we continue to enhance our understanding of the challenges faced by large, complex families and their advisers.
Our commercial and client development teams are equipped to discuss every aspect of service delivery, without charge or obligation, ensuring clients and their lawyers have a clear picture of what working with Ocorian looks like in practice. For technical matters, we bring in subject matter experts—again, at no additional cost. Our “no surprises” proposals provide a full scope of services and a transparent, itemised fee structure, enabling clients and their advisers to make informed decisions and avoid unexpected costs.
How intermediaries can introduce a client to Ocorian
Intermediaries play a pivotal role in connecting clients with the right partners for their individual needs. When considering an introduction to Ocorian, the process is designed to be collaborative, transparent, and supportive at every stage, ensuring both the intermediary and their client feel confident and well-informed.
Initial advice stages – Who can you and your client speak to?
Reach out to the Commercial Director nearest to your location to begin the conversation – you can do this using the Ocorian contact us page here.
Arrange an initial scoping discussion to clarify your client’s requirements and identify where Ocorian’s expertise can offer the greatest value.
Participate in an exploratory call with an Ocorian subject matter expert, ensuring your client receives specialist input tailored to their needs.
Integrate Ocorian’s insights into the broader advisory process now that the matter has been returned to you as the legal adviser.
Proposal stage – Advice provided and RFP
Send the Request for Proposal (RFP) to your Commercial Director at Ocorian to commence the formal process.
Organise a scoping call involving the Commercial Director, subject matter expert, and lawyer to discuss the nuances of the client’s requirements.
Ocorian prepares and issues a detailed proposal to the lawyer, outlining the recommended approach and transparent fee structures.
Participate in a proposal presentation call to address any queries and ensure all aspects of the solution are fully understood by all parties.
Once Ocorian is selected to progress, an engagement call with the client is arranged to formally commence the partnership and clarify next steps.
This structured approach ensures intermediaries can guide their clients through each stage, leveraging Ocorian’s expertise and collaborative ethos to deliver a seamless and insightful introduction. By fostering open communication and providing clarity at every step, intermediaries can add significant value for their clients, supporting robust outcomes across complex, multi-jurisdictional matters.
Key takeaways for Private Client law firms
Ocorian is proud to stand alongside private client law firms as a collaborative partner, supporting them in delivering exceptional outcomes for clients with complex, cross-border needs.
By sharing knowledge, providing practical solutions, and maintaining the highest standards of service, we help law firms stay ahead in a competitive market—ensuring they remain relevant, efficient, and trusted in an ever-evolving landscape. For more information on partnering with Ocorian, reach out to the team.