Gould & Ratner LLP: Global connections from day one
Gould & Ratner LLP, a full-service law firm based in Chicago, joined MSI in 2024 and has quickly become an active and valued member. In just over a year, Gould & Ratner has made referrals worldwide, hosted member events, and strengthened MSI’s collaborative spirit.
Known for combining deep legal expertise with a collaborative approach, the firm has embraced MSI’s global reach to expand the ways it supports clients across industries and borders.
How long has your firm been a member of MSI Global Alliance?
We joined in June 2024, so just a little over a year ago, though it already feels like we’ve been part of the MSI family for much longer.
What MSI activities have you taken part in so far, and what are you most looking forward to in 2026?
We’ve jumped right in. Since joining, we’ve attended the East Coast meet and greet in New York, the EMEA conference in Rome, the International Conference in Amsterdam, and the Americas Regional Conference in Miami.
We also organized and hosted an “unofficial” MSI event in Chicago in June 2025 that brought together 17 MSI member firms from across North America for discussions on firm management, the future of MSI, and of course, a memorable evening of dinner and dancing.
On top of that, we’ve been active in Specialist Interest Groups such as M&A and Managing Partners Meetings. Looking ahead to 2026, we’re excited to deepen ties with other members, support new initiatives across the alliance, and continue strengthening the organization.
In three words, why did your firm decide to join MSI?
We wanted to make stronger and deeper connections and grow our global network.
How has being part of MSI helped you support your clients, whether locally or internationally?
In just over a year, we’ve made 35 outbound referrals across the US, Canada, Mexico, Japan, and Europe. Being able to seamlessly connect our clients with experienced, responsive, and like-minded professionals worldwide reinforces our credibility and gives clients confidence that there are few challenges we cannot handle together.
What has been your most memorable moment at an MSI event so far?
There are several highlights. Hosting the Chicago gathering in 2025 was a standout, bringing together firms across the continent for meaningful discussions and building relationships in a relaxed setting.
Attending the Rome conference as an observer was also unforgettable - it immediately confirmed that MSI was the right fit, and we felt at home from the start. Even the smaller meet and greet in New York was a valuable introduction to the MSI community.
The story of Gould & Ratner shows how quickly meaningful connections can be built within MSI. In just over a year, the firm has made referrals across multiple continents, hosted member events, and contributed to our collaborative spirit.
As we look back on 35 years of connection and forward to the future, firms like Gould & Ratner remind us that MSI’s strength lies in the people and values we share.