It Ain’t Brain Surgery
When it comes to high-stakes legal work—what many call “bet-the-company” matters—clients choose lawyers much like they choose brain surgeons: not based on price or marketing, but on trust, urgent referrals, and credible expertise. This article, inspired by the author’s real-life experience selecting a brain surgeon for his wife, offers practical insight into how elite legal specialists actually get chosen, and what law firms must do to position themselves as the go-to experts when crisis strikes.
Nibbling Around the Edges
Many law firms nibble around the edges of strategy instead of playing to win. True success comes from boldly building on strengths, dominating key markets, and targeting competitors’ weaknesses with purpose.
Think Globally, Act Regionally
In a post-recession legal market, mid-sized and regional law firms may hold the winning hand. While many chased national giants and Fortune 500 clients, new data suggests the real opportunity lies closer to home—with loyal, growing, and often-overlooked middle-market clients. Is it time for firms to rediscover the power of going local?
The Bookstore Window: Dealing with a Strategic Focus
In law firm strategy, focus can feel like favouritism—but spreading resources too thin rarely wins. This article explores how one firm tackled the politics of prioritization and built consensus around investing where it counts most.
Taking Advantage of a Recession: Seven Strategies for Opportunistic Law Firms
While most firms brace for a downturn, others seize the storm. This deep dive reveals seven bold strategies law firms have used to turn recessions into springboards for long-term growth, profitability, and competitive dominance.
Moving Upstream: Practice Migration Strategies to Improve Law Firm Profitability
Want to boost law firm profitability? Go upstream. This article explores how strategically shifting practice areas to higher-value work can not only elevate profits but reignite purpose—if firms have the vision, discipline, and cultural will to make it happen.
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.
Defending Dominance
Reaching the top of the legal market is only half the battle—staying there is harder. Dominant firms risk complacency, but with bold attack, breadth, and refocusing strategies, they can secure their place at the summit.
Industry Focus
Clients don’t just want smart lawyers—they want lawyers who understand their business. By focusing on industries, law firms can stand out, build credibility, and win dominance with far fewer resources than traditional strategies.
Implementing Strategy
Why do some law firm initiatives succeed while most strategic plans gather dust? Often it comes down to three forces: the relentless push of a “monomaniac with a mission,” a change disguised as defending the status quo, or the herd instinct of following what competitors have already done. Understanding these dynamics may be the real key to turning plans into action.