Law firms and the economy
Many or even most law firms are coming off their best year ever. It may be a time to celebrate, but I continue to think about the inevitable bursting of the bubble. Yesterday I was catching up on some long-overdue reading and came across this Forbes article by Mark Cohen
The global consulting firm, McKinsey and Company, recently released a number of articles related to research they have done on transforming businesses. One in particular, Why your next transformation should be ‘all in’, resonated with me.
In summary, the article presents a persuasive argument suggesting“all in” transformations— initiatives that address both services (or products)
I don’t know where we should take this company, but I do know that if I start with the right people, ask them the right questions, and engage them in vigorous debate, we will find a way to make this company great. Jim Collins
So many law firms — big and small — continue
The measure of intelligence is the ability to change – Einstein
Adapting to change – At first blush the need to adapt is so obvious there would seem to be no need to discuss it. Then we see firm after firm, small to large, fail because of a reluctance, unwillingness or sheer inability
Let’s get real for a moment.
Most law firms are woefully unprepared for any significant economic downturn — let alone a prolonged, decrease in demand.
This is a startling reality; but here are a few undeniable facts:
Let’s start by defining terms. There are a number of characteristics that might be used to bring definition to “potential” – size, profitability, locations, and so on. But, for purposes of this discussion, I define it as achieving the professional goals of the firm’s professionals. If, over the span of a career, the
“Preparation is very important.”
“Albert Pujols, one of the best hitters in baseball’s modern era, used this four-word phrase to describe one of his keys for success. It is not overly complicated and it is easily understood. The fundamental quality of being prepared—of keeping his eye on the ball figuratively in addition to, in the
“Every little thing counts in crisis” -Jawaharlal Nehru, Indian statesman
“For law firm leader, there is little room for error when crisis ensues. A mistake here, a misstep there, and lawyers at the firm begin to lose confidence in the firm and its leadership”
I have been preparing for a managing partner leadership conference. One of the topics I am discussing is law firm Key Performance Indicators “KPI.” In reviewing recent articles and posts on the issue I was struck by two things:
