Edge International

Articles by Ed Wesemann

Making Strategic Planning Committees Work

Making Strategic Planning Committees Work

Committees can either drive law firm strategy forward or stall it completely. This article explains how to build small, focused, and purposeful committees that actually get things done—especially when planning for recovery.

Hedging Our Bets in Europe

Hedging Our Bets in Europe

As U.S. law firms expand into Europe, plunging dollar values and currency risks are reshaping compensation, strategy, and global growth. With unhappy partners abroad and UK firms eyeing U.S. expansion, the stakes have never been higher.

Blessed Are the Meek

Blessed Are the Meek

Many law firm leaders hesitate to act, fearing backlash or overstepping boundaries. This article explores why timidity stalls progress—and how setting clear ground rules, taking visible action, and celebrating wins can transform a firm’s ability to implement change.

Local Clients, Local Work

Local Clients, Local Work

Bigger clients don’t always mean better clients. This article explores how law firms can realistically assess their client base, avoid ‘distance illusion,’ and strategically target the types of clients and work that truly enhance profitability.

Home Court Advantage

Home Court Advantage

As national and global firms expand into secondary markets, local firms face new pressure to protect their clients and talent. From loyalty and tailored service to competitive pricing, mid-sized firms are learning how to defend their turf while finding new ways to grow.

True Practice Management

True Practice Management

Not all practice areas drive equal value. This article explores how Feeder, Free Standing, and Dependent practices shape a law firm’s strategy—and why balancing them is key to long-term growth and profitability.

Learning to Dance Backwards: What Successful Acquirers Know

Learning to Dance Backwards: What Successful Acquirers Know

Mergers may seem like the easiest growth path, but playing the acquirer comes with big risks. This article outlines ten key strategies successful law firms use to integrate acquisitions and avoid costly missteps.

Déjà vu All Over Again: The Impact of the Sub-prime Mortgage Crisis on Law Firms

Déjà vu All Over Again: The Impact of the Sub-prime Mortgage Crisis on Law Firms

As the sub-prime crisis echoes the Savings & Loan collapse of the 1980s, a new wave of legal opportunities is emerging. From government contracts to distressed real estate, firms that act quickly—and plan wisely—can turn turmoil into growth.

Creating a Burning Platform

Creating a Burning Platform

Recessions create urgency, but not all partners see the same ‘burning platform.’ This article explains how law firm leaders can turn crisis into meaningful change by building legitimacy, urgency, and clear solutions.

The Value of Clean Underwear and Voluntary Turnover

The Value of Clean Underwear and Voluntary Turnover

Turnover may feel like a threat, but what if it’s also an opportunity? Instead of fighting the inevitable, law firms can use departures to strengthen their reputation, expand networks, and even generate new business. The key is rethinking attrition—not as loss, but as leverage.