Choosing Industry Leaders
Choosing and supporting an industry group leader requires care and attention.
Associate Dissatisfaction: The Chance that Clifford Took
On October 15, 2002, associates in the New York City office of Clifford Chance responded to a request for input from the firm’s partners with a memo–a very candid memo. Somehow, a copy got into the Financial Times of London and became public. The result has been pivotal for Clifford Chance and, maybe, the legal […]
The Management Imperative
by Gerry Riskin A leader can be forgiven for doing the wrong thing on occasion but what about failing to manage at all? In a corporate setting, this would be perceived as abdication and likely result in dismissal. In many law firms, however, leaders are excused from their management responsibilities… Continue reading by accessing the […]
The Entrepreneurial Law Firm
What does it mean to be truly entrepreneurial in a law firm? It’s not just about business acumen—it’s about taking calculated risks for meaningful rewards. Learn how firms can balance risk and reward to make smarter, more profitable decisions.
Consensus and the Caterpillar Effect
Why do law firms struggle with implementation, even with solid strategies? In a consensus-driven culture, even a small hesitation can halt progress. Embracing a simple majority could be the key to moving forward effectively.
Succession Planning
As baby boomers retire and client expectations shift, law firms face a critical challenge: succession planning. From securing client relationships to preparing future leaders, this strategic process is essential for lasting success in a rapidly changing industry.
Hedging Your Bet: Dealing with the Risks of Dominance
How can law firms balance profitability and stability amid economic ups and downs? By diversifying practice areas like an investment portfolio, firms can protect against downturns without sacrificing growth potential.
Executive Committee Size
Many law firms delay strategic planning, thinking internal issues like oversized boards must be resolved first. However, smaller, more focused committees can streamline management, and planning should not be postponed over such challenges.
Five Keys to a Successful Lateral Hiring Strategy
A successful lateral hiring strategy can elevate law firm performance—but only when executed thoughtfully. Many firms fall short not because of poor strategy, but poor follow-through. The key is to set high standards, seek out proven candidates with portable business, and do in-depth research before making a move. Bypassing recruiters for direct contact and focusing on solving the candidate’s core pain points—rather than dangling money—can turn lateral hiring into a powerful tool for growth, especially for firms not already leading their market.
Cubs vs. Yankees: Why Lateral Hiring for Most Law Firms Makes Sense
This thought-provoking piece compares the law firm hiring debate to a classic baseball rivalry: the Cubs’ slow-build farm system vs. the Yankees’ superstar spending. As the legal market splits into elite Big Law and everyone else, the article challenges traditional ideals and argues that for many firms, lateral hiring isn’t just a strategy—it’s survival.