I speak and write often about collaboration. My research has also shown that successful rainmakers work in tandem – they attend events together, participate in masterminding groups, and find ways to create opportunity for one another. A variety of firms in different industries across the globe connect with one another by developing a formal partnership. I spoke with Simon Truskett, a Sydney-based senior partner at Clayton Utz in the firm’s Corporate Advisory / M&A group, who is the new chair of Lex Mundi, a global association of independent law firms, with 160 member firms in 102 countries.The association features a client advisory council in which leading in-house counsel advise on ways to improve client service.   Members also exchange information on practice management, administrative support and technology usage.   In terms of trends, he noted Lex Mundi’s interest in broadening its reach in Africa and Asia because of increased competition from international firms and a more globalized client base that expects its professionals to provide services where they are.