35 Years of Leadership: Tom Harrold, WLG President 1995–1997

Tom Harrold
Miller & Martin PLLC
WLG President 1995–1997, Current WLG Membership Committee Member

How did you first get involved with WLG, and what led you to take on a leadership position?

I was fortunate to attend the first WLG meeting in Taipei and helped organize the network, which actually started from a conversation with King Berlew, Martin Brink, Paiff Huang, Tsuneo Sato, and a few others at an IBA meeting in Amsterdam.

What are some of the ways you have served WLG through the years?

When King Berlew became the first president of WLG, I thought it would be a good idea to have a regular communication between the member firms and he immediately said, "Good Idea! You are in charge of the WLG newsletter." I was the editor of the WLG newsletter for several years during the initial growth of WLG. I served as President from 1995 to 1997. During my term, I actively recruited a number of our most valued firms in WLG. I also worked on setting up the Regional Meetings and Practice Groups. I have continued to serve on the Membership Committee, and I have attended all but three of the WLG semi-annual member meetings. I look forward to attending many more WLG meetings in the future.

What do you believe is the network's most significant accomplishment over its 35-year history?

The most significant accomplishment of WLG is the effectiveness of the network in providing our clients excellent legal service in more than 70 countries. This service further enhances the observation that today "there are no borders to business." The friendships developed over the past 35 years provide another significant intangible benefit for active participation in the WLG.

What is your advice to lawyers who want to get more involved with or take on a leadership position within the WLG network?

My advice to lawyers who want to get more involved with the WLG is to join a practice group, participate in a regional forum and make a meaningful contribution to increase referrals amongst the WLG law firms. After attending a regional meeting or participate in a Zoom practice group, or attending one of the semi-annual WLG meetings, follow up with personal letters, notes, emails, or other communications to establish a solid personal relationship and friendship with other active participants in WLG.

As we reflect upon our growth during our 35th anniversary, tell us about the changes you've seen in the network during the years you have been involved and what leads you to believe our best days are ahead of us.

The biggest change in WLG since the Taipei meeting is that we are much better organized and have the support of an excellent staff that keeps us "on our toes." The Key Contact Partners are much more responsive to inquiries not only from other firms but from the staff that have made the WLG the premier international legal network.