Law firm succession can be easy, and it can be hard. It tends to be easy for the law firms blessed with talented people, a deep and repeatable client base, and a stellar reputation. Transition from one generation to the next can be natural and seamless. Unfortunately, not all law firms enjoy such a profile.
Is Your Law Firm Developing Future Leaders?
One of the most underappreciated factors associated with law firm success or failure is the effectiveness of leadership.
The fact is, no single factor has a greater impact on the success or failure of a business than the quality of its leadership. During a period of increasing change in the legal services industry a well-defined
Considering A Law Firm Merger In 2021?
For the last decade plus, merger has been a strategic choice for many law firms. The 2020 pandemic had a negative impact on the quantity of mergers but, many including our firm expect there to be a major uptick in 2021.
Given the probability that firms will at least be considering merger as part of
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
Performing a Law Firm Culture Audit-A Great Way to Start 2020
According to many law firm leaders, having a good law firm culture is a key to sustainability. Not infrequently leaders attribute their firm’s culture for the success enjoyed. When new mergers are announced or reviewed, the importance of compatible cultures gets top recognition. And when law firms fail, the impact of a dysfunctional culture reaps
Law Partner Retirement in Place — Solving Won’t Work/Won’t Leave (Part Two)
In an earlier blog, Law Partner Retirement in Place—Solving Won’t Work/Won’t Leave (Part One), we presented the vexing problem of having a partner that slows down workwise but still draws a full partnership share. Unfortunately, this upsetting situation exists at more firms than are willing to admit. While eliminating the awkwardness the abuse represents
Law Partner Retirement in Place–Solving Won’t Work/Won’t Leave (Part One)
Let’s face it, the hugely important issue of law firm succession has a lot to do with senior attorney retirement. Recognizing that, more law firms have prepared for coming retirements by infusing new leadership, transferring existing client relationship responsibility, and coaching the next generations to be business developers. When succession is done right, a firm
Five Signs Your Law Firm Succession Plan Won’t Work
Law firm succession is a huge issue for many of today’s law firms. Not surprisingly, more firms than ever before are focusing on succession by adopting written succession plans that address leadership succession and client relationship transfer. Despite the importance of succession, many firms have no written plan and remain unprepared for transitioning leadership or
Law Firm Succession Planning-Thinking About a Realistic Client Relationship Succession Plan
Law firm succession planning represents an important component to law firm longevity. The two forms of succession most often discussed-leadership and client relationship transfer-should be top of mind to any firm thinking about being an enduring institution. While leadership succession can be a significant challenge, creating an effective client relationship transfer strategy is among the most complicated things to achieve.
In client relationship transfer, it takes four different parties to make it work. First and foremost is the client without whom there can be no client relationship transfer. Surprisingly, too often the client’s thoughts and perspectives on relationship succession are not prioritized, at least to the degree desired by the client. If the client’s interests are neglected, there is little hope for a successful plan.
Will Your Firm Be A Victim of the Law Firm Succession Crisis?
I have been thinking about the results from a recent survey conducted by the Zeughauser Group. Although the survey covered a variety of issues, the responses related to succession particularly struck me.
- When describing the top objectives for their firm, the most frequently stated objective was to “achieve long term stability.”
- When describing the biggest challenge facing their firm in the next 3-5 years, the biggest challenge stated was “transitioning leadership to the next generation”, closely followed by “transitioning client relationships to the next generation.”
- Finally, when asked about the biggest priority in the next 3-5 years the greatest priority was “building a more stable future.”
Continue Reading Will Your Firm Be A Victim of the Law Firm Succession Crisis?