What is Meritas? Meritas is a worldwide alliance of business law firms that offers high quality legal services. Meritas firms are subject to a rigorous selection and ongoing monitoring process to ensure that members comply with the rigourous service standards. Founded in 1990, Meritas has members in 60 countries; its 6,500 lawyers offer a rich variety of cultural backgrounds and experiences. In Canada, Meritas is represented in each province through a network of law firms located in 18 Canadian cities. Meritas law firms have a record of successful cooperation and offer their clients the ability to access high quality legal service throughout the world. Balfour Moss LLP is proud to be the exclusive Saskatchewan member of Meritas.

Service Standards and Membership Requirements
Membership in Meritas is by invitation only and members are held accountable to specific service standards and other strict membership requirements. For example, firms must:

• Return all client calls, emails and faxes within 24 hours.
  
• Demonstrate a consistent record of client satisfaction.
  
• Comply with a stringent code of ethics.
  
• Provide clients with alternative dispute resolution options when appropriate; and
  
• Undergo a biannual recertification process.
  

Meritas is stringent in requiring firms to leave if they do not maintain these standards. For clients, Meritas' extensive due diligence process for prospective members and stringent membership requirements ensure easy access to pre-screened, full-service and specialized legal expertise worldwide.

Client Involvement - The Secret to Meritas' Success
The secret to Meritas' success is client involvement in selecting and monitoring member law firms. An advisory board of clients helps establish Meritas membership criteria and assists with the selection and retention of member firms. Clients or their referring counsel are contacted for a satisfaction assessment every time they report using a member firm.

Please visit the Meritas website at www.meritas.org, where you will find direct access to other member firms.