The Price of Acquisitions: Assessing and Managing the Real Cost
Law firm mergers often look like equal deals—but they rarely are. This article unpacks how cash basis accounting, partner capital, and overlooked assets can leave one firm unknowingly paying a steep acquisition price.
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.
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.
Staying Out of Sam’s Club: Making Small Acquisitions Work
The recession is creating prime opportunities for law firms to grow through small acquisitions. This article explores how larger firms can strategically evaluate and integrate smaller firms—without falling into the ‘Sam’s Club’ trap of buying what they don’t truly need.
Should Firm Cultures Merge?
Merging law firm cultures can make or break a merger’s success. This article explores when to blend cultures, when to preserve differences, and how to create a unified firm without losing what makes each office thrive.
Evaluating Merger Opportunities: A Managed Process
Law firm mergers often hinge on gut instinct, but the balanced scorecard offers a structured way to evaluate opportunities. By weighing profitability, values, capabilities, and assets, firms can make smarter decisions about when two plus two truly equals five.
The Perfect Need Not Be the Enemy of the Good
While few law firm mergers are flawless, most ultimately succeed — not just through increased profits but by boosting partner morale, consolidating leadership, and uncovering new opportunities. The real question is whether firms can embrace the patience required for long-term gains without chasing the “perfect” merger that may never come.
When Providence Knocks
With law firm mergers on the rise, the real challenge isn’t just courting potential partners—it’s keeping your top talent from being poached. Learn how proactive leadership and genuine appreciation can make your stars poacher-proof.