Law Firm Repositioning/Turnaround/Restructuring

Covid-19 has impacted virtually all law firms.  A few firms have benefitted, some have suffered catastrophe, while the bulk of firms fall somewhere in the middle and forge ahead as best they can.

Whether leadership for this third group is plugging a leaky dike or simply boosting morale, the focus on short-term survival is a

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

Regardless of degree, Covid-19’s impact on law firms is near universal.  Some firms have been impacted so severely that crisis is their reality.  Confronted with a do or die situation, strong leadership fights to bring back normalcy.  Failure can mean disaster.

Leaders used to positive law firm performance can find themselves uncertain about their new

The economic turmoil driven by the coronavirus has impacted virtually every law firm — some more significantly than others. Unfortunately, the pain has only begun for many. The demand for many transaction related practices is likely to be off for an extended period, and though most expect demand for litigation services to be steady, the

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an enormous impact on businesses world-wide. Law firms have been no exception. A relative handful of firms are enjoying an increase in demand for their services. For these firms, primary challenges relate to maintaining a safe work environment.
For many firms, however, the business disruption includes a decline in work

Covid-19’s harmful impact on some law firms shows in reduced client demand, delayed or reduced receivable realization, and production inefficiency.  While those consequences may be understandable in light of the pandemic, third parties that expect fulfillment of promises and obligations may not be totally sympathetic.  Some grace may be extended, but it is neither assured

As law firms (and businesses generally) confront the growing financial challenges associated with the Covid-19 crisis, a plan for an escalating response is necessary. The appropriate answer for a particular law firm will depend on its current and projected condition and its culture, but consider the following as you develop your plan.

Government assistance

Covid-19 and its implications for law firm stability is being experienced industry-wide.  The fallout has many firms in full-on crisis.  Reduced draws, layoffs or furloughs, expense reduction, stimulus loans have become an all too common part of the survival mix.  Resorting to these tools can help little if strong leadership fails to rise to the

During periods of crisis and economic uncertainty, the old saying “cash is king” is the appropriate mantra for most businesses. Maintaining the liquidity necessary to stay in business is now job #1 for law firm leaders.

To say that the economic fallout associated with Covid-19 is causing a decrease in cash inflow is an enormous

The Coronavirus is causing broad-based law firm disruption.  Reports of law firms reducing draws, decreasing salaries, furloughing or laying off of lawyers and staff, and modifying summer associate programs appear daily.  Besides creating concern for health and well-being, the pandemic presents real and substantial challenges for law firms.  All firms will feel it, and some