Features
Hugh A. Simons
It is widely recognized that Big Law has surplus partner capacity. What is less well recognized is just how massive this surplus has become, how unevenly it is spread across firms in different profitability cohorts, and what it portends for when the next downturn hits.
Features
Michael DeCosta
For the most part, law firms continue to structure themselves in a traditional operating and employment models with a dedicated workforce of talent arranged in an organizational hierarchy. In today's Gig Economy, this will unlikely hold.
Features
Hugh A. Simons
Setting the next year's billing rates follows a simple formula at most firms: last year's rate plus a common percentage increase across all lawyer cohorts. A more disaggregated approach is needed -- firms should set higher percentage increases for senior lawyers and lower increases for junior lawyers.
Features
Roy Strom
In a market where clients are struggling to deliver more legal services for less cost (the challenge), RichardSusskind says a law firm may be tempted to undercut its competition on price in hopes of winning more work. But is it actually happening?
Features
Overton Thompson III
&
David Rue
<i><b>The Case for Value Billing</i></b><p>Alternative fee arrangements (AFAs) are about value, a benefit legal departments are increasingly pressured to bring to their companies. When hiring an outside lawyer, clients are not looking for "hours," and they certainly are not looking for tenths of hours. They seek value.
Features
Hugh A. Simons
Matter profitability matters. Yet most firms struggle to measure it in a manner that is accurate, focused on the levers partners control, and inclines partners to take action. Using margin per-partner-hour (MPH) to measure profitability delivers on these objectives.
Features
Hugh A. Simons
&
Nicholas Bruch
Economics tells us an industry that experiences a drop in aggregate demand, adds production capacity, and increases the market overlap among competitors will suffer price erosion and profitability decline. Law firms fit this profile. Yet, in talking with law firm partners, you don't get the sense that any such "disruption" is happening. Perhaps economics has bypassed law?
Features
John Montgomery
This article explores whether or not it makes sense to organize your law firm as a professional benefit corporation and/or B Corp to help you attract the growing number of clients seeking a law firm aligned with their social and environmental values.
Features
Scott McFetters
Law firms may want to leverage a specific law firm management technology to gain a competitive advantage in the marketplace, but might not want to purchase those tools outright. How are you equipping your firm to succeed both in the present day and into the future?
Features
Hugh A. Simons
Matter profitability matters. Yet most firms struggle to measure it in a manner that is accurate, focused on the levers partners control, and inclines partners to take action. Using margin per-partner-hour (MPH) to measure profitability delivers on these objectives.
