On Friday, November 15, 2024, from 2:15 to 3:15 pm, the Utah Center for Legal Inclusion (UCLI) co-hosted a breakout session titled Cross-Cultural Competencies for Lawyers, Lessons from Practitioners with International Clients. This session was held at the Fall Forum in the Wyoming Conference Room at Little America. It attracted attorneys seeking to refine their skills in working with international clients and navigating the complexities of cross-cultural legal practice.
The session was moderated by Clifford Blair, a member of his firm Kirton McConkie’s International Section, who advises both domestic and foreign businesses and nonprofit organizations on international business and trade, specializing in data privacy compliance. Clifford guided the discussion, offering a framework for lawyers seeking to develop cultural awareness in their legal practices.
The panelists shared their perspectives on the importance of understanding cultural differences in international business and law. A recurring theme throughout the discussion was the need for patience and preparation when working across cultures. One panelist emphasized that negotiations with clients from different cultures may initially seem challenging but could ultimately lead to better results if approached collaboratively. “It may take some time to reach the final solution,” they explained, “but with open communication, you might arrive at an even better outcome.” The conversation also centered on the necessity of preparation. One panelist stressed, “You can’t just wing it,” explaining that cultural research, including understanding body language, customs, and history, is vital for successful cross-cultural interactions. The panelist noted that sometimes, non-verbal communication speaks louder than words, making cultural awareness even more important.
Peter Phippen, Vice President of Sales and Global Sourcing at Newcorp International, shared his insights from the international business world. He spoke about the importance of attorneys in supporting cross-border business relationships but also noted that attorneys could sometimes be a disadvantage if not attuned to the unique cultural and legal contexts in which they are operating. “There are roadblocks and red tape that can often be cleared up when we meet face-to-face,” Peter explained, recalling how many business negotiations could be stymied by reliance on emails and virtual communication. He encouraged attendees to build personal connections, saying, “It’s essential to carve out time and money to meet face-to-face, especially when dealing with international clients.” He also emphasized the critical role of attorneys in international business, especially regarding visas, immigration issues, and cross-border legal requirements such as land ownership and taxation. However, he also highlighted a potential “love-hate relationship” with attorneys, as business clients sometimes feel frustrated with the pace of legal processes, particularly when deadlines are tight.
The discussion then shifted to the concept of relationship-building in international business. One panelist pointed out that in many non-Western cultures, business deals are often forged outside the meeting room, in more informal settings. “In many parts of the world, business doesn’t happen in the boardroom,” they explained. “It happens over meals, over conversations outside the office.” This underscores the importance of understanding the role of informal settings in international business dealings, particularly in cultures like China.
The panel also explored the challenges of overcoming biases in international business. One panelist shared their personal experience in dealing with cultural biases, both in legal documents and interpersonal interactions. “It’s essential to check your biases constantly,” they said. “Even after years of experience, I’m still learning how to address my own biases.”
The importance of cultural competence extends to diverse cultural groups within the U.S. as well. As one panelist pointed out, Utah itself is home to a wide variety of cultural backgrounds and languages. “We need to challenge ourselves to get to know someone different from us,” they urged the audience. “Just ask someone where they’re from, listen to their story. It can make a big difference.”
The session concluded with a powerful message on the value of building lasting, respectful relationships in the legal field, both internationally and domestically. The panelists urged attorneys to see cultural competency as an ongoing process, one that requires openness, patience, and an ongoing commitment to learning and understanding.
A special thank you to Clifford Blair for moderating, the panelists for their insightful contributions, and the Utah World Trade Center for their partnership in organizing the event. We also express appreciation to Silver Sponsor Maschoff Brennan and Bronze Sponsors Ballard Spahr and the Utah Association for Justice, who made this CLE series possible. We also appreciate the support of our series partner the Utah State Bar CLE office and all those who attended. We look forward to seeing you at future UCLI CLE events!
The entrance of the Utah State Bar Fall Forum 2024.
The Wyoming Conference room at the Little America filled with Attorneys and professionals at the Fall Forum.
UCLI intern, Monique Alires, had the opportunity to meet the panelists and attend a discussion on cross-cultural competencies for lawyers, featuring lessons from practitioners working with international clients, hosted in collaboration with the Utah World Trade Center.
