DLA Piper Rudnick Gray Cary and Clifford Chance are among a group of select firms singled out by a US survey as 'movers' in the legal market.



The survey of more than 240 corporate counsel on law firms that shape the legal market named DLA as one of four 'trailblazers' that 'stand above all others in truly moving the legal market'.



It said this broad strategic influence is fuelled by 'the unique ability to leverage client-focused strategies with bold approaches to the market'. DLA was joined by Foley & Lardner, Jones Day, and Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom.



Clifford Chance was picked out as one of four pioneers shaping the market by virtue of their client focus and service. US/UK firm Mayer Brown Rowe & Maw, and Reed Smith - shortly to merge with City firm Richards Butler - were also named, along with Atlanta practice Alston & Bird.



The research, by BTI Consulting, identified six primary strategies that make law firms stand out, with client-focused delivery at the top of the list. 'One of the top market-moving innovations - straight from clients - is to include them as part of the law firm change process,' it said. 'Clients define inclusion as the opportunity to provide feedback and ideas to law firms to better meet their own future needs - a long-winded way of saying client feedback.'



The other five key strategies were: innovative insights and approach, such as offering compliance training and defining the next set of legal issues for an industry; market-driven growth strategy, with clients impressed by 'big, bold business strategies'; technological savvy; flexible billing arrangements - 'a bastion of innovation in the eyes of clients'; and 'high value', ensuring the client feels the value delivered exceeds the fee.



Lee Miller, joint chief executive officer of DLA, said: 'This recognition is a testament to the time and effort we have invested in building a unique, leading law firm that is well-positioned to meet the needs of clients wherever they choose to do business.'