Square Pegs in Round Holes: Compensating Administrative Partners
As law firms tighten budgets and shift partners into administrative roles, a new challenge emerges: how do you fairly compensate lawyers for non-legal work? This insightful article explores three distinct models—lockstep, tier-ranking, and value-based systems—while also questioning whether partners belong in these positions at all. Is it strategy or just a soft landing for underperformers?
Tolstoy was right
Why do struggling law firms keep comparing themselves to other underperformers? This article challenges firms to shift their benchmarks upward—toward the consistent traits of top-tier performers. From leadership and expectations to killer practices and pay structures, it reveals the shared DNA of successful firms and why aiming low is a losing strategy.
A Really Great Retreat: Five tips for staging a killer law firm partner retreat.
Tired of law firm retreats that feel like an endurance test? This article takes a witty jab at the traditional partner getaway—and offers practical, engaging alternatives to transform it into a must-attend experience. From ditching dull presentations to creating memorable moments, it’s time to rethink the retreat.
Kicking the Can
Performance issues don’t solve themselves—and avoiding them only prolongs the pain. This article offers practical, compassionate strategies for law firm leaders to address underperformance head-on, with clarity, confidence, and integrity.
Retirement Equity – Succession and Ownership In Law Firms
In the last thirty years, many firms have substantially grown or developed on the back of the efforts of one or more highly driven entrepreneurial partners, some of whom are now approaching retirement. These partners have enjoyed income rewards but it is understandably hard for them to contemplate having to hand over their firm as […]
Aligning capability and practice: Are your lawyers punching below their weight?
As law firm leaders step further into full-time management roles, they risk losing sight of both client expectations and their own lawyers’ true capabilities. This article offers a practical method for aligning internal talent with evolving legal demand—and why doing so is crucial for pricing, profitability, and growth.
No Good Deed Goes Unpunished
Law firms have long used non-equity partnerships to sidestep tough personnel decisions—resulting in bloated, inefficient structures. This article explores how firms can right-size their partnerships and repair the hidden costs of taking the easy way out.
Follow the Leader
Herding lawyers doesn’t have to feel impossible. This article reveals how the power of social norms—visibility, emotion, leadership, and more—can be harnessed by law firm leaders to create meaningful behavioral change across the firm.
Criteria And Guidelines For The Promotion And Admission Of Equity Partners
This White Paper suggests some essential steps which law firms should take to establish promotion criteria to equity partnership/membership and suggests a framework for promotions.
Coaching LeBron
What do law firm leaders and pro sports coaches have in common? More than you’d think. This article draws sharp lessons from the locker room to the boardroom, showing how authority, motivation, and passion—not just compensation—can inspire high-performing lawyers to play as a team.