The impact of COVID-19 on law firms has barely begun. When it comes to the flow of work, some firms are experiencing a measurable or even significant bump thanks to having the right practice focus at the right time: but for the most part, law firms have experienced some degree of decline in both work
Covid-19, Compensation & Culture
In response to the pandemic many law firms reduced the pay of owners, associates and staff. Many of these moves were made specifically to avoid layoffs while managing the uncertainty associated with future cash flow.
During the last six months firms have adapted to a new way of operating and the feared decline in revenues
Preventative Action and Law Firm Decline
Virtually every day, the news includes reports of additional law firm closures, layoffs, and compensation reductions.
What is driving these decisions, and what does it mean for your firm?
Without question, catching any developing problem early makes it easier and less traumatic to take appropriate action, increases confidence in management, and enhances the likelihood of
Addressing Economic Issues Related to COVID
The headlines are beginning to paint a pretty clear picture: many law firms worldwide are taking more aggressive action in response to their COVID related economic challenges.
As part of an effort to create a cash buffer to weather current or anticipated pressure brought about by the virus, firms are focusing on containing revenue loss
Client Revenue Loss and COVID-19
I have previously referenced the excellent McKinsey report COVID-19: Implications for law firms. In a re-read of it this morning, a universal truth regarding client relationships struck me: the stronger firm communication with its clients, the less likely there will be a surprise in decreased work.
During normal times a routine communication between the
Planning for the Loss of a Law firm Leader
In last week’s post, we explored the surprise loss of a law firm leader. Today I want to suggest an orderly approach to this inevitable event.
The Zeughauser Group conducted a survey that included several interesting issues. Three observations related to planning for the long-term health of the firm struck me.
· When describing
The Loss of a Law Firm Leader
A recent post in Law.com about Boies Schiller and Flexner reminded me of the critical dynamics associated with losing key members of a law firm. The departure of individuals responsible for a significant amount of client revenue, or those who serve in leadership positions can be traumatic events and may pose a considerable threat to
Pandemic Lateral Hiring: Opportunity or Threat?
In a conversation last week, a friend who is a partner in an AMLAW 100 firm told me that he received a record number of calls from search firms during the previous month. In a separate conversation last week, a Managing Partner client noted the incredible number of calls she was receiving pertaining to hiring
Law Firm Crisis – 3 Warning Signs
“If you throw a frog in a pot of boiling water, it will hop right out. But if you put that frog in a pot of tepid water and slowly warm it, the frog doesn’t figure out what is going on until it’s too late…” Stephenie Meyer
Much like the boiling frog, if a
Shared Aspirations and Law Firm Crisis
Three points in a law firm’s development will demonstrate the degree to which law firm owners share common values and aspirations:
- when the compensation system is under scrutiny,
- when it is time to commit to a new lease, and
- in an hour of crisis.
Typically, when a firm is formed, two, three or maybe a