Description

In an environment where innovation, value-added services, and AFAs are now the ‘new normal’, the effective management of practice groups is fundamental to a law firm’s success. PGLs are ultimately responsible for the growth and profitability of their practice area – but they are often weighed down with administrative tasks, and pressured to deliver as many billable hours as possible. Even worse, PGLs are often not given the management training they need to deliver the goals and expectations put upon them by senior management.

Managing Partners’ report, Practice Group Leadership for Lawyers, provides practical guidance, academic research and expert commentary on:

• Key issues facing practice group leaders and how to overcome them;
• The steps needed to make groups more outward-focused and client-facing;
• Setting clear goals that align with overall business objectives and structures;
• Understanding what an effective practice group strategy is, and devising effective business development plans;
• Leading, managing, and motivating practice group members; and
• Recognising future leaders and mentoring them.

Featuring Q&A’s, master classes, and case studies from the likes of: 

• Paul Lippe, CEO, Legal OnRamp;
• Tom Clay, Principal, Altman Weil;
• Eric Seeger, COO, Barley Snyder;
• Norman Letalik, Partner, Borden Ladner Gervais;
• Perry A. Napolitano, Chair Financial Industry group, Reed Smith;
• Scott D. Gordon, Director and Litigation Department Chairman, Rodey, Dickason, Sloan, Akin & Robb;
• Thomas L. Stahl, Director and Employment Law Practice Group Leader, Rodey, Dickason, Sloan, Akin & Robb;
• Bradley E. Berg, Partner and litigation Practice Group Co-ordinator, Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP;
• Tea Hoffmann, Chief Business Development and Marketing Officer, Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein;
• Larry Bodine, Editor in Chief, Lawyers.com;
• John Smock, Partner, Smock Law Firm Consultants; and
• Patrick J. McKenna, internationally recognised authority on law practice management and strategy.…

Practice Group Leadership for Lawyers covers topics including:

• Facilitating effective practice group meetings;
• The evolution of effective practice group leadership;
• Leadership development and recognising future leaders;
• Leading large international teams;
• Addressing practice group under-performance;
• Managing practice group staffing/recruiting;
• Leadership accountability;
• Professional development and mentoring;
• Collaboration between business development teams and practice groups;
• Mentoring and people management; and 
• Management activities versus billable hour work.

With more competition than ever, it is critical that PGLs are given the support, encouragement, and training they need to meet business requirements, develop stronger client relationships, and generate increased revenue for their firm.

Contents

Chapter 1: The problem with practice groups

Chapter 2: What makes an effective practice group strategy?

Chapter 3: All hail the practice group leader

Chapter 4: Practice group leadership and business development

Chapter 5: Planning for the future

Authors