Q. What does the "syndicated survey" part of ALM Research do?  Where can we find these syndicated surveys?  Are they part of our subscription?

A. "Syndicated surveys" are the surveys offered by ALM Research that are conducted on matters of wide interest to the legal community.  In 2006, 2007, and 2008 these have included, or will include, surveys on law firm business development practices and trends, outsourcing, knowledge management, practice area management, technology assessment, and billing rates and alternative billing practices.  Some of these, especially the business development function within law firms, are conducted at intervals, rendering the data comparative.

The surveys as a general rule are not part of your subscription.  The chief reason for this is that they are most often done with partners who contribute various aspects of expertise to the preparation of the survey, target selection and/or data collection.  We do have a policy, however, of offering a 20% discount on syndicated survey purchases to our database subscribers.

Note also that participants in these various surveys are offered the Executive Summary in return for their participation, and in most cases, a discount on the full report. We are currently conducting the third annual Law Firm Business Development Practices Survey, and welcome your participation. Go to this link to view the questionnaire: 2007 Law Firm Business Development Practices Survey.

Although individual surveys may differ, we try to offer the reports in various formats, print and electronic, to suit the needs of our customers as closely as possible.  Nor do we want you to buy these surveys and subsequently be dissatisfied.  That is why the main ALM Research page (www.almresearchonline.com) offers, toward the bottom of the far right column under the heading ALM Research Publishing, a chance to look at a summary and table of contents of these various surveys.

As always, we are interested in your opinions.  If you have any questions or comments on our past syndicated surveys, or especially any suggestions about future surveys, please speak up.  I am always happy to talk with you: 212.592.4932, clowry@alm.com.