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LAW FIRM MERGERS - Part 1.: A Strategic Checklist
January 11, 2012
LAW FIRM MERGERS – Part 1 : A Strategic ChecklistWe are bringing back an earlier series on law firm mergers since the number of mergers jumped 65% in 2011, according to the American Lawyer. The focus will be on why most underachieving law firm mergers share one fundamental deficiency. Over the next several columns, I'll identify a checklist to be used by the negotiating partners and marketing leadership to deal with it.The failure to work a practicable marketing strategy into the very soul of the merger – before it happens, while it hapens and after it happens. Keep in mind that marketing is not just self-promotional activity but the process by which the institution actually defines itself. It is also used by others, such as in recruitment and business development to define the firm externally. Marketing likewise has an immediate impact on internal perceptions.The first of the strategic questions from both firms' marketing leadership should include:1. Who is going to care about the merger? The answer, of course, is anyone directly affected by it, mainly clients and internal stakeholders. So marketing leadership must provide for direct and well-timed outreach to both constituencies, by phone whenever appropriate.Stay tuned for more.
LAW FIRM MERGERS – Part 1 : A Strategic ChecklistWe are bringing back an earlier series on law firm mergers since the number of mergers jumped 65% in 2011, according to the American Lawyer. The focus will be on why most underachieving law firm mergers share one fundamental deficiency. Over the next several columns, I'll identify a checklist to be used by the negotiating partners and marketing leadership to deal with it.The failure to work a practicable marketing strategy into the very soul of the merger – before it happens, while it hapens and after it happens. Keep in mind that marketing is not just self-promotional activity but the process by which the institution actually defines itself. It is also used by others, such as in recruitment and business development to define the firm externally. Marketing likewise has an immediate impact on internal perceptions.The first of the strategic questions from both firms' marketing leadership should include:1. Who is going to care about the merger? The answer, of course, is anyone directly affected by it, mainly clients and internal stakeholders. So marketing leadership must provide for direct and well-timed outreach to both constituencies, by phone whenever appropriate.Stay tuned for more.
Top 5 Strategies for Managing the End-of-Year Collections Frenzy
End of year collections are crucial for law firms because they allow them to maximize their revenue for the year, impacting profitability, partner distributions and bonus calculations by ensuring outstanding invoices are paid before the year closes, which is especially important for meeting financial targets and managing cash flow throughout the firm.
The Self-Service Buyer Is On the Rise
Law firms and companies in the professional services space must recognize that clients are conducting extensive online research before making contact. Prospective buyers are no longer waiting for meetings with partners or business development professionals to understand the firm's offerings. Instead, they are seeking out information on their own, and they want to do it quickly and efficiently.
Should Large Law Firms Penalize RTO Rebels or Explore Alternatives?
Through a balanced approach that combines incentives with accountability, firms can navigate the complexities of returning to the office while maintaining productivity and morale.
Sink or Swim: The Evolving State of Law Firm Administrative Support
The paradigm of legal administrative support within law firms has undergone a remarkable transformation over the last decade. But this begs the question: are the changes to administrative support successful, and do law firms feel they are sufficiently prepared to meet future business needs?
Tax Treatment of Judgments and Settlements
Counsel should include in its analysis of a case the taxability of the anticipated and sought after damages as the tax effect could be substantial.