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
Law Firm Leadership
With a Fundamental Change Taking Place, Will Your Law Firm be Ready?
For some time, law firms have felt heightened competition from not just other law firms, but also from clients moving needs in-house and alternative service providers picking off peripheral services. As reported by Bloomberg Law in Arizona First State to Allow Nonlawyer Co-Ownership of Law Firms, looming rule or legislative changes in a number…
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…
Planning for 2020 Year-end Planning–The Pandemic Addendum
Well run law firms annually set aside time to plan for year-end activities and decisions. In addition to using institutional processes, systems and experience to wrap up the successful (hopefully) year, most firms use that time to plan for the coming year. Like clockwork, important decisions for the firm’s present and future have often been…
Adding Talent During Covid-Two Important Requirements
In the turmoil caused by Covid-19, many law firms have had to adjust to unforeseen circumstances. News stories tell the sad tale of law firms being adversely impacted. Some firms have closed, and unfortunately others will follow.
With one firm’s demise comes opportunity for others. Clearly, personnel leaving the firm in wind-down must find homes…
Preparing for an Extended Covid-19 Delay to Law Firm Normalcy
Covid-19 has upended law firm normalcy. What might have been perceived last March as a couple of month hiatus from business as usual has been extended with no end in sight. With no known end date, it can be difficult to plan in ways previously thought routine.
The current Covid-19 world for law firms can…
Two Proven Elements to Conquering Law Firm Crisis
Virtually all law firms have had to adjust business practices to address the pandemic’s impact. Whether working remotely, refocusing or changing firm economics, making personnel moves, or partnering with clients more, today’s challenges have fundamentally changed the way law firms operate. For the law firms grappling with too many upheavals in their world, crisis looms.…
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 …
Pause After Responding to the Pandemic? Two Assessments All Law Firms Should Consider
The pandemic has caused an unprecedented change to the practice of law for many law firms. Since March, the delivery of superior client service has required a new way of thinking and a little bit of scrambling. Yet after a couple of months living in the Covid-19 world, some law firms feel a new normal…
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…