For decades, Kirkland grew by picking strategic markets and acquiring elite partners. They just bet $500 million they found something even better through AI. What if Kirkland’s real objective is creating super partners, stickier client relationships, institutionalized expertise, and a firm where the enterprise becomes smarter after every client matter?…

AI, Geopolitical Volatility, Client Demands, and Finding Laterals are stealing leadership mindshare – but one risk outshines them all: Partner confidence in each other. And it’s headed the wrong way for law firms. In 2023, 12.9% of partners said they do not trust their partners. Fast forward to 1,000 responses…

Every dysfunctional BD strategy starts with good intentions. Smart people create structure, accountability and controls. Then trust, momentum, compensation, politics and attorney behavior collide with the plan. What could possibly go wrong? Here are 4 real examples of how firms accidentally shut down business development with the best of intentions:…

Most lawyers don’t struggle with business development because they lack intelligence, experience, or relationships. They struggle because they lack confidence in what they’re doing will actually work. This uncertainty drives attorneys toward the lowest-common-denominator version of business development: Asking clients for meetings Inviting contacts to webinars “Checking in” Adding people…