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firm has decided against a big party. Its strategy will be to use the rodeo and the rich hospitality surrounding it as a venue for entertaining smaller groups of clients. "Our clients love it," says Spitznagel. "We are proud to use this great event to host our clients." Another Calgary-bred firm, Field LLP, has developed an increasing profile around the Stampede. Last year, the Stampede's 100th anniversary, Field Law lawyer Michael Casey was president of the organization, a role that capped close to 40 years of personal involvement. Casey is one of dozens of Field Law lawyers and employees who are deeply involved as volunteers with the Stampede. But besides its good works Field Law is increasingly using the annual rodeo as a vehicle to expand and consolidate business. It is a mid-size firm and its Calgary managing partner, Doreen Saunderson, says Field Law "did not historically have a Stampede party." But that changed a few years ago and this year, besides an in-house get together for employees, the firm is planning a Stampede kick-off party at the Ranchmen's Club. Five hundred of its closest friends have been invited to the exclusive private venue to party in style. Jim Cuddy of Blue Rodeo will once again be part of the entertainment. Is there a rivalry among the law firms to put on the best bash? "Maybe," Saunderson concedes a little cautiously. "There are common clients" she says "and of course firms like to see those clients out at their events." And it seems there is a good deal of secrecy surrounding Stampede party plans. Two of Calgary's biggest firms, which typically host some of the most spectacular events, politely declined to participate in this article. Nobody's being cagey over at Blake Cassels & Graydon LLP, one of the biggest players in the city's legal community. Ken Mills, the managing partner of the Calgary office, says the firm has got "a bunch of stuff planned." This includes an outdoor barbeque lunch at the Ranchmen's Club, a big charity drive in support of the Rotary Club tied to Blakes' main event, and an exclusive section at an outdoor rock concert on the edge of downtown Calgary. Some three thousand invitations are going out to clients, staff, lawyers, and friends. There will also be smaller gatherings such as those at highly prized infield suites at the rodeo. Why all this expense? "It's an opportunity to thank clients," and Mills adds it is a chance "to meet not just senior decision makers but also the other people within the [client] organization." What do these parties actually cost? No one is saying. But when all the bills from the string of events put on by the big firms are added up the figure has to start somewhere around the $500,000 mark. Harley Winger, a partner from the boutique firm Burstall Winger LLP, says he does not know what the price tag is on these events but "it's expensive." So how do the little guys such as Burstall Winger compete with all the cash and splash of the bigger firms? "We don't do any parties for Stampede," says Winger. "On an individual basis, partners may take clients to rodeo events." He calls it a good chance to provide a personal touch and really get to know a client outside the office. Winger believes the expense and the competition — "It can be hard to get people out to small Stampede events" — make putting on a party less cost-effective for boutique firms like his. The firm does take its employees to lunch and a trip to the Stampede but that's about it. But Winger says partners are expected to go to as many competitors' parties as possible. "A lot of our business comes from big firms which run into conflict issues" so the big firms' own Stampede parties are a good place to get to know them, and even meet some clients. "I don't want to sound cheap," says Winger, "but it's kind of reverse marketing." He is quick to point out his firm returns the favour with a party every February when there is no competition either from the Stampede or from the other big burst of events over the holiday season. "A little shop like ours, we sometimes get 500 people out to our February reception," he says. — Geoff Ellwand writerlaw@gmail.com News Feed June is Brain Injury Awareness Month Lerners' Personal Injury Group was pleased to take part in the Brain Injury Society of Toronto's Annual Event on June 12, 2013. lerners.ca/community-matters/110/ A Young Litigator Amy Archer is the featured "Young Litigator" in ASAP Reporting Services Inc. new Young Legal Talent Program. lerners.ca/news/299/ Youth Opportunities Unlimited Lerners gives $1 to the featured charity on our facebook page for every "Like". June was Marinus Lamers' pick. Like our facebook cover page at facebook.com/lernersllp www.CANADIAN www.lerners.ca L a w ye r m a g . c o m erners_CL_July_13.indd 1 J u ly 2013 11 13-06-05 3:04 PM

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