The law firm deal between China-based King & Wood and RJ Berwin saw a “Bible” produced by Rachel Reid, who shepherded the merger with her deal document that outlined every step along the way. That’s one reason she has just won the law firm management award made by The Lawyer.

Reid wrote the deal document – the information memorandum that was a bible on every single aspect of the deal and which was used to brief partners. From the first conversation with KWM through to delivery of the combination, Reid sat at the negotiation table, scoping the business case and strategic positioning through to operational implementation.

As project director, she led a cross-departmental, cross-jurisdictional team to deliver the new global firm’s values, branding, advertising, cultural awareness, regulatory position, IT templates, operational logistics and all internal, external and client communication. The difference between simply project managing the implementation was the way she genuinely engaged the business. Reid understood, embraced and directed the new brand to deliver a detailed and engaging communications strategy at every level, building awareness of change, gaining buy-in and building excitement and optimism for the opportunities.

Working 24/7 to deliver the deal, she co-ordinated, managed, drove and created transformational change for the business that has delivered a unique proposition for its people, clients and firm.

Reid’s talents do not stop there. She also has a management seat on the Europe Middle East board has personally negotiated a multi-million pound sublet to reduce the fixed-cost base as well as delivering the all-partner annual conference programme. See The Lawyer.