Compensation

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THE #1 TOPIC WHEN MANAGING PARTNERS MEET

During gatherings of managing partners, the subject of attorney compensation invariably dominates the conversation. The search for effective compensation models prompts a multitude of inquiries: Which strategies yield optimal results? Which approaches prove counterproductive? What compensation framework best aligns with a firm’s unique objectives and culture?

Unfortunately, definitive answers to these complex questions are seldom straightforward. However, a fundamental principle remains indisputable: attorneys will prioritize and excel in areas that the firm demonstrably measures and rewards.

To assist in this critical decision-making process, we have curated a selection of insightful resources that address the nuances of attorney compensation, offering diverse perspectives and practical guidance.

Thomas C. Grella, Esq.
McGuire Wood & Bissette, P.A.
– Asheville, NC

I highly recommend the MPF Leadership Conference. I’ve participated many times, as have several of my partners. We leave with new ideas and fresh perspectives every time.

Jason P. Waguespack, Esq.
Galloway
– New Orleans, LA

I look forward to this Conference every year. It really helps me to be a more effective firm leader.

Wilbur E. Johnson, Esq.
Clement Rivers, LLP – Charleston, SC

The MPIEs are interesting, informative and useful!

Kenneth J. Albano, Esq.
Bacon Wilson, P.C.
– Springfield, MA

The Conference was terrific, as it exposed me to many issues facing my firm.

Marc D. Fine, Esq.
Jackson Kelly PLLC
– Evansville, IN

The attendees were excellent, and they were very open to candid discussion.

G. Wayne Hillis, Esq.
Parker Hudson Rainer & Dobbs – Atlanta, GA

A very organized and well-run conference. Great food. Great hospitality.

Frank X. Neuner, Jr., Esq.
NeunerPate – Lafayette, LA

A very informative conference with lots of fresh ideas and perspectives.

Russell D. Garrett, Esq.
Jordan Ramis PC – Lake Oswego, OR

The benchmarking data presented during the opening session is fantastic. Our MPIE facilitator was great!

Thomas N. Ryan, Esq.
Laddey Clark & Ryan LLP – Sparta, NJ

As always, The MPF Conference is a very enjoyable and worthwhile experience.

Gerry Riskin
Edge International – Anguilla, BWI

Thank you for allowing me to participate. Your team is masterful at making all feel valued at your event and I dare say helping attendees see the value in attending.

Marc D. Chapman, Esq.
Dean Mead – Orlando, FL

Thank you for the invite to speak on the Managing Partner panel. Even though I have now attended 7 MPFs, I always bring back substantive and helpful information for my partners.

Donald L. Mrozek, Esq.
Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP – Chicago, IL

From my perspective, the conference went extremely well. Thank you for inviting me to participate; I was proud to be part of a very talented faculty. Congratulations to all!

Dr. Larry Richard
LawyerBrain LLC – Wayne, PA

Many thanks. Always a pleasure and an honor.

Katy Goshtasbi, JD
ABA Law Practice Division – San Diego, CA

Thanks for partnering with us from the ABA Law Practice Division. Very well organized. Your team knows precisely what they are doing and we appreciate you.

Darin Klemchuk, Esq.
Klemchuk, LLP – Dallas, TX

Was looking over some old MPF materials and recalled how great this event is. Wanted to thank you all again. I really enjoyed it.

Robert A. Young, Esq.
English Lucas Priest Owsley – Bowling Green, KY

Hands down the best leadership conference for managing partners I’ve ever attended.

Ida Abbott
Ida Abbott Consulting – Oakland, CA

It was indeed a very well run and informative conference. I especially enjoyed meeting the participants and other faculty and learning from them. Thank you, John, for giving me the opportunity to participate.

Ann H. Zucker, Esq.
Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey LLP – Stamford, CT

MPF is a great conference, with excellent interaction among peers.

Arthur G. Connolly, III, Esq.
Connolly Gallagher LLP – Wilmington, DE

I very much enjoyed The Managing Partner Forum and thank you for putting on such a great program. I’m planning to attend again next year.

Adam K. Peck, Esq.
Lightfoot Franklin White LLC – Birmingham, AL

Our new managing partner, Wynn Shuford, attended your conference last month and has raved about it ever since. Thanks for your continued great work in the area of law firm leadership.

Joseph A. Bubba, Esq.
Fitzpatrick Lentz & Bubba – Center Valley, PA

The conference was tremendous and I've already made tentative plans to attend next year's event. I've also reached out to other firm leaders I know to let them know the advantages of the Managing Partner Forum. Thank you.

John J. Michalik
Former Exec Director, Association of Legal Administrators – Chicago, IL

Many thanks for inviting me to be a part of this great program! I thought it was outstanding and was honored to be part of it.

Traci S. Lagasse, Esq.
Andrews Lagasse Branch Bell – San Diego, CA

Thank you so much for such a wonderful conference. It was invaluable, and I am already looking forward to next year.

Barry M. Miller, Esq.
Fowler Bell PLLC – Lexington, KY

I've attended two events through John's Managing Partner Forum. They are always of high quality, and provide invaluable information that is useful to our firm.

Mark E. Goodman, Esq.
Capes Sokol Goodman Sarachan – St. Louis, MO

It's a great format overall, and the MPIEs provide a fabulous exchange for ideas and perspectives.

Michael J. Maher, Esq.
Hecht Solberg – San Diego, CA

The MPF provides a very consistent and solid program.

Jarrell B. Hammond, Esq.
Lewis Wagner, LLP – Indianapolis, IN

This is a fantastic conference with great topics and great people. The sharing of ideas and information among managing partners is invaluable.

Kurtis J. Winstead, Esq.
Rudy Winstead Turner – Nashville, TN

An excellent program and overall very valuable experience. Bright participants, terrific discussions and outstanding statistics. I’ll be back.

Jason M. Casini, Esq.
Whitfield & Eddy Law – Des Moines, IA

MPF provides tremendous value and excellent resources. Great information. Great speakers. Great networking opportunities.

Dana D. McDaniel, Esq.
Spotts Fain, PC – Richmond, VA

A great program! It was very helpful to hear both the faculty and participants comment on key issues.

Richard N. Sherrill, Esq.
Clark Partington – Pensacola, FL

I thoroughly enjoyed participating in this year's Conference. Thank you for your enthusiasm and leadership.

Charles B. Jimerson, Esq.
Jimerson & Cobb, PA – Jacksonville, FL

Thank you for what you do for our industry. I go to a lot of conferences, and your event is the one I look forward to and gain the most from each year.

Kenneth W. Dodge, Esq.
Lewis Longman & Walker, PA – West Palm Beach, FL

In particular, I valued the breakout sessions, which allowed for informal conversations on jointly shared issues.

Michelle M. Symank, Esq.
Evans & Dixon, LLC – St. Louis, MO

As a first time attendee, I really enjoyed it!

Thomas C. Logan, Esq.
Carr Allison – Birmingham, AL

What do I like best? The MPIE sessions and meeting so many managing partners in one place.

Kenneth R. Wooten, Esq.
Ward and Smith, P.A. – New Bern, NC

A very well planned and executed conference. I’ll be back.

Edward C. Winslow, III, Esq.
Brooks Pierce – Greensboro, NC

The Managing Partner Idea Exchanges (MPIEs) are excellent.

Stephen M. Schatz, Esq.
Swift Currie – Atlanta, GA

A great event. Thank you for the invitation. I’ll be back next year.

Ronald J. Hein, Jr., Esq.
Franczek Radelet – Chicago, IL

I found this conference to be extremely valuable. We all face very similar challenges, and it’s comforting to know that others share the same questions and concerns.

John K. Krajewski, Esq.
Stark & Knoll – Akron, OH

The faculty and breakout sessions were great. I also enjoyed the first-class location. Please keep me on your invitation list.

John R. Mineaux, Esq.
Roemer Wallens Gold & Mineaux LLP – Albany, NY

I continue to tell people that the MPF is the single, most valuable conference I've ever attended.

John K. Krajewsky, Esq.
Stark & Knoll – Akron, OH

This was a great seminar. I especially enjoyed the open sharing of ideas among firm leaders.

William H. Hollander, Esq.
Wyatt, Tarrant & Combs, LLP – Louisville, KY

The MPIE sessions are always very helpful. We implemented several successful programs after the last Forum and I expect we'll do so again after what I learned today.

Jeffrey D. Featherstun, Esq.
Plews Shadley Racher & Braun LLP – Indianapolis, IN

I’m really impressed with everything about The Managing Partner Forum. Very useful.

David J. Klippert, Esq.
Warner Norcross & Judd – Midland, MI

The roundtable discussions with other managing partners in the MPIE sessions was exceptionally valuable.

Peter S. Marlette, Esq.
Damon & Morey LLP – Buffalo, NY

A terrific program. The interactive sharing of information in a non-competitive atmosphere among peers was most valuable to me.

Robert U. Sattin, Esq.
TAGLaw – St. Petersburg, FL

A very well-run program, with good issues and great exchange among participants. Thanks for the invitation.

Michael C. Cohan, Esq.
Cavitch, Familo, Durkin & Frutkin – Cleveland, OH

I very much enjoy these programs, especially the open exchange of information among fellow managing partners.

Elisabeth M. Snyder, Esq.
Cooley Manion Jones LLP – Boston, MA

The information exchange was great, especially since I don't have a lot of colleagues in this area. This was a really nice event.

Clark R. Hammond, Esq.
Wallace Jordan Ratliff & Brandt – Birmingham, AL

The group dynamics in the MPIE sessions are a great value. I liked Susan Hackett (General Counsel of the Association for Corporate Counsel) on Skype, too.

David E. Surprenant, Esq.
Mirick O'Connell DeMallie – Worcester, MA

The instant statistical feedback during the Opening Session and the opportunity to share experiences with other firm leaders were great.

Jeffrey L. Embleton, Esq.
Mansour, Gavin, Gerlack & Manos – Cleveland, OH

The opportunity to spend an entire day sharing ideas with other managing partners was very therapeutic. I feel better knowing that I am not alone.

Benjamin A. Irwin, Esq.
The Cochran Firm – Dothan, AL

What great participation from other managing partners! There’s no other conference like it.

Michael E. Keeney, Esq.
Lewis Thomason – Memphis, TN

I gained much value from the candid sharing of ideas and interaction with other managing partners.

Daniel G. McKay, Esq.
Eaton Peabody – Bangor, ME

The interactive sessions were great and the facilitators did a fantastic job.

José I. Astigarraga, Esq.
Astigarraga Davis – Miami, FL

The MPF brings together the leaders of Florida's top firms, together with experienced consultants, for a great exchange of ideas and information. It's an excellent resource.

Elisabeth M. Snyder, Esq.
Cooley Manion Jones LLP – Boston, MA

I thoroughly enjoyed it! The MPIEs were especially worthwhile and very well presented.

Preston W. Halperin, Esq.
Shechtman Halperin Savage, LLP – Pawtucket, RI

The opportunity to spend the day exchanging ideas and solutions with other managing partners is what I liked best.

Joseph H. Serota, Esq.
Weiss Serota Helfman Cole & Bierman – Miami, FL

This is a dynamic industry and the Managing Partner Forum is a great place to learn about how other firms are adjusting to it.

Mark J. Neuberger, Esq.
Foley & Lardner, LLP – Miami, FL

The true value comes from the opportunity to share solutions with your professional peers. I highly recommend this program to any managing partner.

Howard J. Berlin, Esq.
Berger Singerman – Miami, FL

Since the majority of our firm’s business is referred by other law firms, The Forum is a great place to catch up with our clients while also learning from my peers. It’s a terrific program.

Gail A. McQuilkin, Esq.
Kozyak Tropin Throckmorton – Miami, FL

The Managing Partner Forum is a rare opportunity to network with my peers from throughout Florida. I highly recommend it.

Ira J. Coleman, Esq.
McDermott Will & Emery – Miami, FL

I attended The Managing Partner Forum and thought it was outstanding. The program provided an excellent opportunity to benchmark my firm’s performance with our peer group.

J. Thomas Cardwell, Esq.
Akerman Senterfitt – Orlando, FL

The Florida focus is what distinguishes this program from others and gives it particular relevant value.

Vincent L. Valenza, Esq.
McNamee Lochner Titus & Williams PC – Albany, NY

The MPIE sessions were rich in content, and are what make this leadership conference better than all the rest.

Christine A. Gimber, Esq.
Weld Riley – Eau Claire, WI

Thank you for putting on another outstanding MPF Conference. I came away, once again, feeling reassured and encouraged.

Kimberly A. Davison, Esq.
Griffith Nixon Davison, PC – Dallas, TX

The MPF provides much-needed interaction for those of us in the 'isolated' role of managing partner of a mid-sized firm. I liked the professionalism of the attendees.

Joseph H. Bourgon, Esq.
Sommers Schwartz, PC – Southfield, MI

The format was terrific. It gives participants the ability to interact and compare notes with other firm leaders.

John H. Cooper, Esq.
Sirote & Permutt PC – Birmingham, AL

The MPF is unique among law firm conferences because it features relaxed, informal discussions among managing partners from other large firms.

Thomas M. Sullivan, Esq.
Lando and Anastasi – Cambridge, MA

I got an unbelievable number of great ideas in the Managing Partner Idea Exchange sessions.

T. Douglas Wilson, Jr., Esq.
McGuire Wood & Bissette, PA – Asheville, NC

The MPF presents a rare opportunity to exchange ideas and learn how other firm leaders are handling difficult and challenging situations.

Alexander J. Walker, Jr., Esq.
Devine Millimet – Manchester, NH

The format was excellent and the program was well organized. I will definitely return. The organizers do a fantastic job.

James L. Costello, Esq.
Curtis Thaxter – Portland, ME

The exchange of ideas was well worth my time and money. I'll be back.

Amy M. Soisson, Esq.
The McCormack Firm, LLC – Boston, MA

I truly appreciated the opportunity to interact with other managing partners throughout the region. Well done!

The successful managing partner develops a clear sense of strategic direction, so that on most days most partners are marching in the same direction. How one does this is what the Forum is all about.

Stephen D. Susman, Esq.
Susman Godfrey LLP – Houston, TX

The MPF provides a rare opportunity for managing partners to gather and share insights and perspectives on ways to be more effective law firm leaders.

There is a difference between leadership and management. Law firms need both. The managing partner must be the keeper of the vision and its continuous champion.

The Managing Partner Forum provides a unique venue to network with other managing partners so I can learn new ways to be more successful in today’s climate.

Michael M. Boone, Esq.
Haynes & Boone LLP – Dallas, TX

The Managing Partner Forum offers an invaluable opportunity to learn about the latest trends in the legal industry and to compare notes with other law firm leaders.

David W. Proctor, Esq.
Hall Booth Smith – Birmingham, AL

The exchange of practical ideas and hearing success stories from other managing partners is what I liked best. This program could have easily lasted two days.

Howard Levine, Esq.
Miller & Martin LLP – Chattanooga, TN

The exchange of ideas and valuable information was impressively solid throughout the day. I appreciate the opportunity to be included.

Daniel P. Berexa, Esq.
Cornelius & Collins LLP – Nashville, TN

The discussions were surprisingly open and productive. I came away with much information on where we are doing well, ideas for improvement and strategies for capitalizing on opportunities.

James L. Ward, Jr., Esq.
Richardson Patrick Westbrook & Brickman – Charleston, SC

I was impressed by the openness with which the participants shared their experiences, procedures and policies.

Gerald M. Finkel, Esq.
Finkel & Altman – Columbia, SC

I especially liked the information sharing and the chance to network with other managing partners.

William C. Knight, Jr., Esq.
Burr & Forman LLP – Birmingham, AL

I’ve attended many law firm leadership conferences over the years and this is one of the best. A great program with outstanding participants.

Steve A. Matthews, Esq.
Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, PA – Columbia, SC

Great job! The Managing Partner Forum exceeded my expectations – very valuable. Thanks for including me.

Charles M. Dalziel, Jr. Esq.
Gregory Doyle Calhoun & Rogers – Marietta, GA

The sessions on strategic planning and the interactive afternoon sessions were extremely valuable.

Thomas C. Logan, Esq.
Carr Allison – Birmingham, AL

All in all, a very well-run program. The ability to interact with other managing partners was especially valuable.

James M. Anderson, Esq.
Anderson Crawley & Burke, PLLC – Ridgeland, MS

The opportunity to meet and interact with other managing partners in such a high level setting was well worth the price of admission.

R. Bradley Carr, Esq.
Andersen Tate Mahaffey & McGarity – Lawrenceville, GA

The Managing Partner Idea Exchanges were the best part of the day. I very much appreciate the opportunity to participate and will be here again in the future.

Ronald G. Daves, Esq.
Wimberly Lawson – Knoxville, TN

The Keynote Presentation was concise, to the point and had great written materials and presentation slides. It certainly measured up to its advertising and then some!

David M. Armitage, Esq.
Bryan Cave LLP – Atlanta, GA

A terrific conference. I was impressed by the wide variety of viewpoints and candidness of the participants.

Kelly Overstreet Johnson, Esq. – President
The Florida Bar – Tallahassee, FL

The MPF is a first-class event. It’s a rare opportunity to interact and learn with other managing partners, and there is nothing else quite like it.

The MPF is unique because it is an exclusive and productive gathering of many peers at one time. The perspectives and insights are invaluable.

Articles
Books
Other Resources

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Administering Partner Compensation Systems

Partner compensation. It’s invariably the “hot-button” issue whenever a group of managing partners gathers to talk shop and compare notes. This thoughtful article discusses ideas your firm might consider to build a more “unified” firm culture. When it comes to comp,...

Best Practices for Setting Managing Partner Pay

How should a firm appropriately compensate its managing partner for the non-billable time required of the role? Take a look at Peter Giuliani’s article that appeared recently in the ABA’s Law Practice Magazine.

Bonuses Spread to Associates at Midsize and Small Firms

Compensation is always a hot topic when a group of managing partners gets together to talk shop. And if you’ve read any of our writings over the years, you know how we feel about compensation....

Dealing with Tensions Surrounding Partner Compensation

This article presents a good overview of various compensation systems and poses the question "Is there an ultimate solution to setting a partner compensation formula?"

Do Law Firm Compensation Systems Drive Profitability?

While there is certainly no such thing as the "right" compensation system, here’s an interesting article from our friends at Edge Group concluding that formula-driven compensation systems hurt firm profitability.

It’s Bonus Time! Rewarding Top Performers with Innovative Incentive Programs

Compensation is always a touchy subject…especially in an off year like this one. This article features case studies of what a handful of innovative firms are doing to reward exceptional – often non-billable – contributions to firm goals and objectives.

Compensation

RESOURCES

Administering Partner Compensation Systems

Best Practices for Setting Managing Partner Pay

Bonuses Spread to Associates at Midsize and Small Firms

Dealing with Tensions Surrounding Partner Compensation

Do Law Firm Compensation Systems Drive Profitability?

It’s Bonus Time! Rewarding Top Performers with Innovative Incentive Programs

Law Firm Compensation Systems

Meaningful Compensation for Practice and Industry Team Leaders (and Teams) – How Important Is It?

Partner Compensation Systems in Professional Service Firms – Part 1

Partner Compensation Systems in Professional Service Firms – Part 2

Partner Compensation Systems in Professional Services Firms

Partner Compensation Systems: Systems Used in Professional Services Firms

Partner Compensation: Creating a Performance-Boosting Scorecard

Rethinking Partner Compensation Criteria

Revealed: Compensation Spreads of The AmLaw 200

Splitting the Pie: Partner Compensation

Tolstoy Was Right

Trends in Partner Compensation

Compensation Plans for Law Firms

Managing the Professional Services Firm

2018 Salary Guide for Legal Professionals

2018 Salary Guide for Legal Professionals

ALA 2017 Compensation & Benefits Survey Reports

ALA’s 2016 Compensation & Benefits Survey

ALA’s 2018 Compensation & Benefits Survey Reports

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