Other Resources
- Essential Characteristics of Effective Law Firm Leaders ** NEW **
by The Lawyer's EdgeCheck out the 30-minute podcast we presented with Elise Holtzman, Founder of The Lawyer's Edge. Our topic was “Essential Characteristics of Effective Law Firm Leaders,” and we discussed these and other attributes of effective law firm leaders:
- Credibility to Lead - Trust, honest, firm-first, earned
- Firm-First Mindset - Genuine, authentic
- Positive Attitude - Optimistic, inspiring, forward-thinking
- Change Agent - Researched, strategic, taking advantage of COVID
- Communication Skills - Multi-modal, variety, consistent, MBWA
- Leadership by Example - Do what you say. Say what you do.
- Firm’s Culture Keeper - Tough decisions about underperformance and bad behavior
- Desire to Lead - The right leaders for the right reasons
Elise is a new member of the MPF Faculty, and you will meet her at The MPF Leadership Conference in Atlanta.
- Women on Top:
The Woman’s Guide to Leadership and Power in Law Firms
by Ida O. Abbott, J.D.Ida is an internationally recognized expert on law firm leadership and transition planning. Over the years, she has also written numerous books and articles about women in leadership. We are pleased to feature four chapters from her book entitled Women on Top: The Woman’s Guide to Leadership and Power in Law Firms. The topics are:
Each chapter contains practical advice and guidance for women in or ascending to leadership in the legal profession. - Mitigating the Psychological Impacts of COVID at Your Law Firm
by Managing Partner Forum with Dr. Larry RichardAn MPF Webinar Originally Broadcast on June 2, 2021
Larry is a long-time member of the MPF Faculty and expert on the lawyer personality. As always, we collect and share current data through survey questions and audience polling. Here is some of what we learned:- Eighty percent (80%) of firm leaders think some of their firms' lawyers are struggling with impacts of COVID. Ninety-two percent (92%) say they have support staff who are struggling.
- Ninety-three percent (93%) report increased "distractibility" or "anxiety" among their people.
- Seventy-five percent (75%) of firm leaders say they are proactively reaching out to their people to make sure they are doing OK. People living alone and those with young kids are especially vulnerable.
- Providing "social support" is the most beneficial thing law firm leaders can do to mitigate the impacts.
Click here for On-Demand Webinar.
Click here for Handout Materials. - Women in Leadership: Tips from the Trenches
by Managing Partner Forum with Lisa Ramsey Cole and Leslie PackerAn MPF Webinar Originally Broadcast on February 3, 2021
On this edition of our series "The Law Firm of the Future". Our guest panelists were Lisa Ramsay Cole, President and Managing Shareholder of Tennessee’s Lewis Thomason, and Leslie Packer, Managing Partner of North Carolina’s Ellis & Winters. One hundred-forty (140) firm leaders participated. Dr. Sharon Meit Abrahams was our guest co-host. As always, we collect and present relevant bench-marking data on our topic, including:- Sixty-four percent (64%) of participating firms report challenges retaining women lawyers,
- Forty-nine percent (49%) have a formal diversity and inclusion initiative in place, and
- Fifty-six percent (56%) allow for part-time equity partners.
Click here to hear the Webinar.
Click here for Handout Materials. - Disruption Alert! The Movement towards Law Firm Ownership Reform
by Managing Partner Forum with Whitney Cunningham and Carson PearsonAn MPF Webinar Originally Broadcast on January 6, 2021
One of our most important and thought-provoking Webinars to date, which covered recent developments in Arizona and Utah that are predicted to have profound and fundamental impacts on the legal profession throughout the country. Both states formally allow nonlawyers to co-own law firms and give companies (mostly technology firms) the ability to provide legal services. Bigger states like California, New York, Florida and many others are watching closely and are not far behind in enacting similar reforms. During the session, managing partners Whitney Cunningham of Arizona and Carson Pearson of Utah discussed these changes in their states, how local legal communities are responding and some of the initiatives underway at their law firms. As always, we collect and present current survey data on our topic and incorporate it into the handout materials, which also include a nice article from Bloomberg Law that provides a good national overview of the situation.
Click here to hear the Webinar.
Click here for Handout Materials. - Lessons Learned in 2020 and Big Bold Predictions for 2021
by Managing Partner Forum with Uri Gutfeund and John Remsen, Jr.An MPF Webinar Originally Broadcast on December 31, 2020
We are pleased to present the on-demand recording and handout material for this week’s MPF Webinar called ”Lessons Learned in 2020 and Big Bold Predictions for 2021." Since April, more 2,300 managing partners and law firm leaders have participated in The MPF Webinar Series. The feedback we have been receiving has been gratifying and nothing short of fantastic. It was a fun, fast-paced session during which Uri Gutfreund and I shared our thoughts and perspectives about the impact of COVID-19 on the legal profession. We think you will enjoy it.
Click here to hear the Webinar.
Click here for Handout Materials. - Update on PPP Loan Forgiveness
by Managing Partner Forum with Scott Burke, Dan Mayo and Lisa MurrayAn MPF Webinar Originally Broadcast on December 9, 2020
We thank Scott Burke, Managing Partner of Morrison Mahoney LLP; Dan Mayo, National Lead-Federal Tax Policy of Withum; and Lisa Murray, Head of Professionals Banking of Citizens Bank, for their insights and perspectives on this timely and important year-end topic for many, many law firms. As always, we collect and present survey data on our topic (183 law firm leaders participating) and learned the following:- Ten percent (10%) of firm leaders report that their law firms have applied for PPP Loan Forgiveness, and have been approved by both their bank and the SBA
- On the other hand, fifty-one percent (51%) had not yet applied for Loan Forgiveness
- Eighty-three percent (83%) expect to receive 100% forgiveness
Click here to hear the Webinar.
Click here for Handout Materials. - Budgeting Considerations for 2021
by Managing Partner Forum with Fred Esposito and Tom ObermaierAn MPF Webinar Originally Broadcast on November 18, 2020
Our MPF Webinar entitled "Budgeting Considerations for 2021" with Frederick J. Esposito, Jr., Chief Operating Officer of Rivkin Radler, LLP and Tom Obermaier, Chief Executive Officer of SurePoint Technologies.119 firm leaders participated during the live session, and here are a few of the things we learned:- Twenty-six percent (26%) of firm leaders project in an increase in Revenue per Lawyer (RPL) for their firms in 2021 compared to 2020.
- Sixty percent (60%) of firm leaders report a substantial increase (10% or more) in their firms’ investments in technology in 2021.
- Thirty-seven percent (37%) report an increase in their firms’ marketing and business development budgets in 2021.
- Seventy-four percent (74%) are planning associate raises in 2021, with forty-three percent (43%) looking at increases of five percent or more. Raises are not as generous for non-lawyer support staff.
Click here for Handout Materials. - Which KPIs Are Best for Your Law Firm?
by Managing Partner Forum with Roger Hayse and Steve MabeyAn MPF Webinar Originally Broadcast on November 4, 2020
On the latest installment of The MPF Webinar Series we call "The Law Firm of the Future." we discussed the importance of measuring both financial and firm-building contributions. In addition to plenty of timely benchmarking data on the topic, the handouts include biographical profiles, PowerPoint deck, and the raw data from The MPF 2019 Law Firm Leadership survey Here are a few highlights:- Eighty-five percent (85%) of firm leaders say they use KPIs to monitor firm and individual performance. "Productivity" was by far the #1 metric they monitor.
- Twenty-six percent (26%) of firms have modified their KPIs since the COVID outbreak. Another twenty-four percent (24%) are considering it.
- Looking beyond financial KPIs, just twenty-four percent (24%) of firms measure client satisfaction and thirty-five percent (35%) measure employee satisfaction.
Click here for Handout Materials.
- Building the Virtual Law Firm
by Managing Partner Forum with Michael Moradzadeh and Chris WilsonAn MPF Webinar Originally Broadcast on October 21, 2020
We had a very interesting and thought-provoking conversation about the growing trend for law firms to move toward virtual business models as we work through the immediacy of the pandemic and look toward a post-COVID environment. Here are a few program highlights:- In the remote working environment, partner productivity has slightly increased, while associate and staff productivity have significantly decreased.
- Twenty-eight percent (28%) of smaller and midsize law firms have decided to move to a more virtual business model. Fifty-one percent (51%) are considering it.
- The biggest concerns are the impacts on associate development and training, and maintaining a collaborative firm culture.
Click here for Handout Materials. - Finding the Leader in You
by Managing Partner Forum with John Fanburg, Mickey Maher and Leah NelsonAn MPF Webinar Originally Broadcast on September 16, 2020
The session was an open conversation about how law firm leaders find resolve and resilience in times of change and uncertainty. Thank you to our guest speakers: John Fanburg, Managing Member of Brach Eichler, LLC; Mickey Maher, Managing Partner of Hecht Solberg; and Leah Nelson, Founder of Nelson Leadership.
Click here to hear the Webinar.
Click here for Handout Materials. - Legal and Accounting Networks in the Time of COVID-19
by Association of International Law Firm NetworksAn On-Demand Webinar for the Association of International Law Firm Networks
In August, we led a discussion among four leaders of top law and accounting firm networks to learn how they have adapted and how they see the future roles of their organizations. Our panelists were:- Terri Pepper Gavulic - Chief Business Officer, TerraLex – Miami, FL
- Michael Reiss von Filski- Global CEO, GGI (Geneva Group International) – Zurich, Switzerland
- Martin Sharp - Executive Officer, DFK International– London, England
- Timothy C. Violet - Executive Director, Harmonie – Minneapolis, MN
- The Law Firm of the Future: The Managing Partner's Perspective
by Managing Partner Forum with Jon Pinney and Bob YoungAn MPF Webinar Originally Broadcast on July 22, 2020
Our guest speakers were Jon J. Pinney, Esq., Managing Partner of Kohrman Jackson & Krantz (KJK) in Cleveland, Ohio; and Robert A. Young, Esq., Managing Partner of English Lucas Priest & Owsley (ELPOLaw) in Bowling Green, Kentucky. We had a lively discussion about what leaders of mid-size law firms need to be thinking about during these transitional times, and here are a few program highlights:- The traditional law office is dead.
- Smart investment in technology is critical going forward.
- Alternative Legal Service Providers (ALSPs) will continue to thrive and disrupt.
- Forward-thinking law firms will dominate the market.
Click here to hear the Webinar
Click here for Handout Materials. - Leveraging Technology to Improve
Your Firm's Performance and Profitability
by Managing Partner Forum with Lee Hovermale and Morris TabushAn MPF Webinar Originally Broadcast on July 8, 2020
Currently the CEO of FlexManage, Lee has been in the legal technology field for more than three decades. Morris is the Founder and President of Tabush Group. Both are recognized thought leaders on technology and the law firm of the future. We survey registrants on several topics and here is what we learned this week:- 56% of workers prefer to stay working in a remote environment even after the restrictions are lifted
- 41% of firm leaders say their firms will invest more heavily in technology in the wake of COVID-19
- 51% of firms staff their technology needs mostly or entirely in-house. 18% outsource all of it.
- Many firms are wasting lots of money on technology. Be strategic. Training is paramount.
Click here to hear the Webinar.
Click here for Handout Materials. - Marketing Your Law Firm During a Pandemic
by Managing Partner Forum with Guy Alvarez and Lynn TellefsenAn MPF Webinar Originally Broadcast on June 24, 2020
Since mid-March, we have been presenting an MPF Webinar series called "Responding to the Coronavirus Pandemic." This session we called "Marketing Your Law Firm During a Pandemic" with Guy Alvarez, Founder of Good2BSocial, and Lynn Tellefsen, Chief Marketing and Business Development Director of Wilentz. Here are some of the highlights of what we learned:- 82% of participating law firm leaders believe that it is "very important" to build and maintain their firm's marketing efforts during the pandemic. Another 15% say it is "somewhat important."
- 46% of firm leaders report that their firms provide business development training for all lawyers who want it.
- Among digital marketing tactics, 78% report that their firms distribute e-newsletter/alerts, and 61% say they are presenting webinars.
As an added bonus for this session, participants were invited to register for “How Lawyers Can Use Social Media to Build their Brand and Grow their Practice,” an on-demand Webinar presented by Guy Alvarez. Click here to register.
Click here to hear the Webinar.
Click here for Handout Materials. - Your Firm's Culture in a Post-COVID-19 World
by Managing Partner Forum with Terry Isner and Leah NelsonAn MPF Webinar Originally Broadcast on June 10, 2020
On June 10th, we presented our seventh MPF Webinar in a series called "Responding to the Coronavirus Pandemic." Our topic was “Your Firm’s Culture in a Post-COVID-19 World”, and our guest speakers were Terry Isner of Jaffe and Leah Nelson of Nelson Leadership. Here is what we learned this week:- 85% of firm leaders say their firm responses "better than expected" to the Pandemic.
- 82% of them believe their firms will emerge from the Pandemic in a “stronger” position. 26% say “much stronger.”
- 88% say firm culture is "very important" to their firms.
- 85% believe that “culture” differentiates their law firms from competing firms in their markets.
Click here to hear the Webinar.
Click here for Handout Materials. - The Law Office of the Future
by Managing Partner Forum with Sherry Cushman and Morris TabushAn MPF Webinar Originally Broadcast on May 27, 2020
On May 27th, we presented our sixth MPF Webinar in a series called "Responding to the Coronavirus Pandemic." Every other Wednesday at 2:00pm ET, Uri Gutfreund and I co-host a dynamic, interactive conversation with legal industry experts on critical topics and issues. Our mission is assist law firms and their leaders navigate the COVID-19 crisis. In this Webinar, we talk about long-term impacts of the pandemic, with a focus on office space and technology. The session includes an abundance of timely data provided by participants when they register and via live audience polling. The handouts include our PowerPoint deck, survey results and supporting articles.
Click here to hear the Webinar.
Click here for Handout Materials. - Finding Forgiveness in Your Law Firm's PPP Loan
by Managing Partner Forum with Scott Burke, Esq; Dan Mayo, JD; and Lisa MurrayAn MPF Webinar Originally Broadcast on May 13, 2020
On May 13th, we presented our fifth MPF Webinar in a series we're calling "Responding to the Coronavirus Pandemic." Our most popular session to date – “Finding Forgiveness in Your Law Firm's PPP Loan” – with more than 250 law firm leaders in attendance for the live session. During the 60-minute program, we learned that 99% of law firms have applied for a PPP loan with most having received funding. But details of the program remain murky. Our panel did a great job bringing us up to speed on the latest developments. The handouts include our PP deck, online survey results, a few timely articles and the most recent (May 13, 2020) FAQ update. Be sure to check out the response to Question #46.
Click here to hear the Webinar.
Click here for Handout Materials. - Maintaining Productivity When People Work at Home
by Managing Partner Forum with Dr. Sharon Meit Abrahams, Legal Talent AdvisorsAn MPF Webinar Originally Broadcast on April 29, 2020 On April 29th, we presented our fourth MPF Webinar called “Maintaining Productivity When People Work at Home.” Sharon Abrahams joined us to discuss strategies to maintain and improve productivity when lawyers and support staff work from home. Here is some of what they told us:
- 53% of firm leaders believe that "productivity" declines of 10% or more when people work from home. 11% see declines of more than 25%.
- Too many distractions, lack of structure and little accountability are the primary reasons.
- 73% think the pandemic has accelerated long term trends in the profession in areas like flex-time, work-at-home and the use of technology.
Click here to hear the Webinar.
Click here for Handout Materials. - International Review - Spring/Summer 2020
by Patrick J. McKenna, McKenna Associates, Inc.As always, Patrick delivers a terrific set of articles for law firm leaders in his e-magazine called International Review. In this edition:
- "Having a Real Industry Focus: Because Clients Want Firms that Know their Business"
- "A Lucrative Micro-Niche: Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine"
- "Effective Strategy Often Requires Being First and Being Exceptional"
- "Having Your Groups Firing on All Cylinders"
- Managing Expenses During an Economic Downturn
by Managing Partner Forum and HBR ConsultingAn MPF Webinar Originally Broadcast on April 15, 2020
Since many firms are looking at ways to reduce expenses, we invited Kevin McClean and Lee Garbowitz from HBR Consulting to discuss "Managing Expenses During an Economic Downturn." In addition, here's what we learned in this week's brief online survey in which 75 law firms, mostly mid-size, participated:- 57% of law firms project total firm revenue in 2020 to decline between 11-25% due to the coronaviris outbreak. 11% anticipate a hit of more than 25%.
- Postponing major investments, eliminating discretionary spending (mostly travel, client events and the like),and reducing partner draws are the top three ways firms are reducing short-term expenses.
- As of Wednesday, 99% of firms reported that they had applied for a PPP loan. Nearly half said they had been approved, and 12% reported that they had already received the funds.
Click here for Handout Materials. - The Psychology of Leadership in Times of Crisis
by Managing Partner Forum with Dr. Larry Richard, LawyerBrain LLCAn MPF Webinar Originally Broadcast on April 1, 2020
On April 1st, we presented our second of a series of MPF Webinars called “Responding to the Coronavirus Pandemic.” We invited Dr. Larry Richard, a long-time MPF Faculty member and the world's leading expert on the lawyer personality and the psychology of leading lawyers, to share his insights and guidance to law firm leaders to help them in the unsettled times before us. He talks about lawyers' need for predictability, control and connection; and that all of three of these needs have been disrupted in an abrupt and dramatic way. Larry talks about the importance of calm and steady leadership in times of crisis, with plenty of communication, authenticity and gratitude.
Click here to hear the Webinar.
Click here for handout materials. - Responding to the Coronavirus Pandemic
by Managing Partner Forum with Uri Gutfreund, Risk StrategiesAn MPF Webinar Originally Broadcast on March 18, 2020
On March 18th, we presented a 45-minute MPF Webinar called “Responding to the Coronavirus Pandemic.” During the session, Uri Gutfreund and I provided guidance and resources to firm leaders on how to lead their firms through this unfolding crisis. The handouts include our PP deck, links to resources, online survey results, a template called “Pandemic Preparation and Response Plan” and a template for a “Business Continuity Plan.”
Click here to hear the Webinar.
Click here for handout materials. - Law Practice Today: The Leadership Issue
by ABA’s Law Practice DivisionLaw Practice Today is a monthly digital publication by the ABA’s Law Practice Division that provides “the most current information and trends in the legal industry by delivering anecdotes from professional in the field of law.” Each year, they publish “The Leadership Issue” featuring a collection of articles about law firm leadership and governance. Among the articles in this issue:
- Leadership: Do We Have it All Wrong?
Susan Letterman White - Building a Culture of Rainmakers
David King Keller - Nine Simple Actions to Create a Culture of Leadership
Anna Rappaport - It’s Never Too Early to Plan for Management Transition
David R. Pierce - Five Traits of Champion Managers
Andrew Elowitt and Marcia Watson Wasserman
- Leadership: Do We Have it All Wrong?
- Current Issues, Trends and the Challenges Facing Today’s Law Firms…
And What They’re Doing About It!
by John Remsen, Jr.Too many lawyers. More demanding clients. Increasing competition. Industry consolidation. Globalizing economy. Advances in technology. Proliferation of disruptors. Yikes! What’s a law firm to do? As we know, change surrounds the legal industry, yet smaller and mid-size firms have been slow to adapt and evolve. On July 19th, we presented a hard-hitting program for 70 managing partners and firm administrators in Chicago. To prepare, we drew upon bench-marking data we collected for The MPF Leadership and Governance Survey (147 firms, April 2016) and the Audience Polling Results we collected at The MPF 2016 Leadership Conference (87 firm leaders, May 2016). We also provided some strong advice to leaders of mid-size firms. Here are a few highlights:
- Mid-size law firms are slowly moving toward more formal, structured governance models.
- Firms with strategic plans report positive results, yet more than half of mid-size firms don’t have one.
- Marketing, succession planning and growth top the list of strategies priorities for mid-size firms.
- Despite what we read and many have predicted, alternative fee arrangements are not taking off.
- 60% of managing partners confess that they are not dealing with problematic partners as they know they should.
- Building for the Future
Audience Polling Results from The MPF 2016 Leadership Conference
by Managing Partner ForumOn May 5, 2016, more than 100 managing partners and law firm leaders gathered in Atlanta for The MPF 2016 Leadership Conference. During the opening session, we distribute audience polling devices and asked participants to weigh in on a variety of issues important to leading a successful mid-size law firm. The polling technology is fun, and the results are anonymous and instantaneous. Looking at the data, here are a few highlights from this year’s Conference:
- Ten percent (10%) of firm leaders report that their firms use psychological assessment tools as part of their hiring and recruiting process. With few exceptions, Fortune 1000 companies use these instruments routinely as they onboard and assess talent. Given the importance of recruiting and retaining top legal talent, shouldn’t your law firm be using them as well?
- Thirty-eight percent (38%) of firm leaders say their law firms provide leadership training to junior partners and associates. Sixty percent (60%) say their firms provide training in marketing and business development. To be competitive in the long run, law firms must invest in the “soft skills” of their young lawyers.
- Seventy-three percent (73%) of firm leaders report that that their firms are doing a “fair” or “poor” job when it comes to grooming future leaders. Just two percent (2%) say “excellent.” If your firm’s owners care about succession, here’s an area where most firms can improve.
- Forty percent (40%) of firm leaders say their law firms are proactively dealing with underperforming equity partners. Fifty-nine percent (59%) report that they want to act, but have yet to do anything about the situation. Healthy and successful law firms recognize the importance dealing with partners who aren’t pulling their weight.
- Preparing Your Firm’s Future Leaders for Success
by John Remsen, Jr.Last week, we spoke at the 20th Annual Meeting of LEGUS, an international network of law firms, in New Orleans. We were asked to discuss the importance of investing in young lawyers and grooming them for a successful future. Generally, law schools aren’t doing a very good job training and developing “practice-ready” lawyers. And most law firms aren’t doing a stand-out job either when it comes to training them in areas such as time management, billing practices, marketing and business development. (By the way, click here to read what Skadden is up to.)
In addition to the obligatory PowerPoint slide deck, my handout materials include five great articles about law firm leadership. - AUDIENCE POLLING RESULTS
The MPF 2015 Leadership ConferenceOn May 7th, more than 100 managing partners and law firm leaders gathered in Atlanta to learn with and from peers at our 24th law firm leadership conference. During the Opening Session, we featured audience polling technology to collect input on a variety of issues ranging from strategic planning to the authority they have as managing partners. The results were instant and anonymous. Here are some of the more interesting findings:
- Thirty-five percent (35%) of firm leaders report that their firms have a written strategic plan. Twenty-three percent (23%) say they’re working on one.
- Of firms with a plan, sixty-seven percent (67%) attribute improved sharing and teamwork to the plan. Fifty-two percent (52%) attribute improved profitability to the plan.
- Of firms without a plan, lack of time is the number one reason why.
- Eighty-nine percent (89%) of managing partners say they enjoy the leadership role.
- Seventy percent (70%) say they have no formal job description, and half don’t want one! They like the flexibility.
- Leading change, implementing long-term strategic goals and building consensus among partners are the three most important contributions leaders believe they provide their firms.
- HANDOUT MATERIALS
The Critical Role of Law Firm Leadership
by John Remsen, Jr.Change surrounds the legal industry. The marketplace for legal services is more competitive than ever, and the pace of change will accelerate into the future. Law firms that embrace strategic planning and innovation, invest in their people and their clients, and build cultures that encourage teamwork and accountability are emerging as the clear winners. At the same time, once great law firms are falling apart and many won’t survive. To remain viable and competitive, law firms must operate more like businesses, and that means strong, effective and passionate leadership.
- AUDIENCE POLLING RESULTS
The MPF 2014 Leadership Conference
by John Remsen, Jr.We’re pleased to share the audience polling results from The MPF 2014 Leadership Conference held on May 8, 2014 in Atlanta. More than 100 managing partners and firm leaders participated. The bench-marking data in this slide deck is especially relevant to smaller and mid-size firms. Among the highlights:
- Sixty-eight percent (68%) of managing partners believe that the legal profession has experienced profound and permanent change over the past ten years.
- Thirty-two percent (32%) of firm leaders are “very concerned” about their firm’s long-term viability.
- Sixty-five percent (65%) don’t think their younger lawyers are up to the task of inheriting the firm.
- Seventy percent (70%) believe that a firm-wide strategic plan is “absolutely essential” to lead a successful firm.
- The top three initiatives firms have implemented in response to the changing market are: 1) Ramp up marketing and business development. 2) Improve internal processes and procedures. 3) Pursue lateral hires with books of business.
- Eighty-eight percent (88%) of managing partners say they enjoy the leadership role.
- Association of Legal Administrators
According to its website, “The ALA is the undisputed leader for the business of law, focused on the delivery of cutting-edge management and leadership products and services to the global legal community.”
If you are not familar with the ALA, you should be; and if your firm administrator is not a member of the Association of Legal Administrators, he or she should consider joining and getting involved. The ALA has more than 9,500 members and 110 chapters throughout the United States.
Its 2014 Annual Conference and Exposition will be held May 19-22, 2014, in Toronto. - Law Firm Leadership:
The Critical Role of Firm Administrators
by John Remsen, Jr.On April 16, 2013 MPF President and CEO John Remsen, Jr. spoke at the ALA's Annual Conference on a topic near and dear to The Managing Partner Forum. It was entitled "Law Firm Leadership: The Critical Role of Firm Administrators." When it comes to firm administrators, our message to managing partners is really quite simple. As managing partner, you're the CEO of a multi-million dollar enterprise. To be most effective in the role, hire and empower a trusted and competent COO to take time-consuming day-to-day matters off your desk, so you can focus on more important big picture issues. More than 200 attended the session. Click above to download the handout materials.
- Sterling Strategies' Question of the Month
Managing Under Productive Partners
by John SterlingEach month, John Sterling offers insightful analysis of his “Law Firm Strategy Question of the Month” and presents a new question for the coming month. Recent topics include:
• Partner Compensation System Satisfaction,
• Profit Improvement Strategies, and
• Creating the Model Partner.
It’s good stuff and we encourage you to check it out. - How to Be a More Effective Firm Leader
- PDF of Handout Materials
by John Remsen, Jr.On August 29th, we presented a Managing Partner Breakfast Roundtable in San Diego. The meeting attracted 20 firm leaders from the region and was sponsored by UPS. The topic was "How to Be a More Effective Firm Leader." These handout materials include some terrific benchmarking data on how 160 managing partners rate their firms in twelve critical areas.
- ALA's Career Center
by Association of Legal AdministratorsFounded in 1971, the Association of Legal Administrators (ALA) has grown to more than 10,000 members in 30 countries. If your firm is looking for a new administrator, its Career Center has a number of articles and resources that will be helpful to you, including:
- Evaluating Your Firm's Needs
- The Candidate Search Process
- Defining the Role of the Firm Administrator
- How to Succeed When Hiring for the First Time - ABA Web Seminar:
Strategic Planning for Law Firms: 10 Critical Steps to Success
by John Remsen, Jr., Vincent L. Valenza, Esq. and Robert A. Young, Esq.Even today, 60% of mid-size commercial law firms do not have a written strategic plan. Among those that do, 90% report that it has led to improved firm profitability and performance. Why, then, do most firms still not have a firm-wide plan? The reasons vary...but it's not really that hard if you go about it in a thoughtful, systematic way.
MPF CEO John Remsen, Jr. led a Web seminar presented by the ABA's Law Practice Management Section in September 2011. Panelists included MPF Advisory Board member, Vince Valenza, Managing Principal McNamee Lochner in Albany, New York, and Bob Young, Managing Partner of English Lucas in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Allison Shields was the moderator.
This is a timely and helpful program if your firm is thinking about embarking on a strategic planning initiative. Click here for more information and to download the session. - The MPF for Northeastern Law Firms
Results of Audience Participation Session
by John Remsen, Jr.We asked a series of questions, utilizing state-of-the-art audiance participation technology, to more than 35 managing partners and firm leaders at the inaugural Managing Partner Forum for Northeastern Law Firms held on November 4, 2011 in Boston. Their answers are consistent with previous polling sessions. 80% do not have a job description and 85% have no planned exit strategy. We think they should have both.
- Harvard Business Review
It's a good idea for firm leaders to look outside the legal industry from time to time to gain leadership and management perspectives and ideas. This is the best place to find them. The Harvard Business Review ($79/year for 12 issues; $129/year includes HBR online) sets the standard when it comes to monthly business newsletters.
- Desirable Dimensions of Executive Committee Member Performance
by William C. CobbThis is an invaluable scorecard. Rank executive committee members on a scale of 1 to 5 based on performance attributes including collegiality, marketing and technical expertise.
- Description of Responsibilities: Managing Partner
by William C. CobbMost law firms don't have a written job description for the managing partner. Grab this one. How does it compare to your responsibilities and duties as leader of the firm?