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THE MANAGING PARTNER AS CEO

The managing partner of a contemporary law firm assumes the pivotal role of a Chief Executive Officer, overseeing a multi-million dollar enterprise. Their primary responsibilities extend beyond daily operations to encompass the strategic direction of the firm, the cultivation of consensus among its partners, and the proactive implementation of changes necessary to ensure long-term success and sustained prosperity. This demands a comprehensive understanding of both legal practice and business acumen.

Effective leadership in this demanding role requires an exceptional individual, possessing a unique blend of skills. As Dr. Larry Richard astutely observes in his widely cited article on lawyer personalities, managing a law firm is often akin to ‘herding cats,’ demanding a nuanced approach. It necessitates a combination of strategic vision, resolute resilience, empathetic understanding, and superior interpersonal abilities. Above all, it requires an unwavering passion and steadfast commitment to the firm’s success.

The challenges inherent in this leadership position are rarely addressed in traditional legal education. For the majority of managing partners, the acquisition of these crucial skills occurs through on-the-job experience, often involving a steep learning curve.

This section is dedicated to providing access to a curated collection of resources, encompassing best practices in leadership, governance, and the multifaceted role of the managing partner, designed to facilitate their success.

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.

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Managing Partner Forum Annual Leadership Conference photo

MPF Annual Leadership Conference May 7-8, 2025 Capital City Club – Atlanta, GA

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This thought-provoking article was featured in Law Practice Today, the ABA’s monthly online magazine. In it, William Blackburn reports on a growing number of law firms that have adopted new models of governance to help them survive, even thrive, in both...

Take Responsibility for Rising Stars

This article contends that companies that are good at growing leaders do so in the trenches at the “line manager” level, not through their HR departments. That would equate to a department head and practice...

Ten Things I’d DoDifferently as a Law Firm CEO

This is a terrific article written by Tim Corcoran, a new member of the MPF faculty. Tim has worked in the legal industry for more than 20 years helping law firms, in-house legal departments and...

The Chain: LinkedIn is More than Social Media for Lawyers

In this article from the ABA Journal, Dennis succinctly presents his reasons why every lawyer in private practice should have a LinkedIn profile. For starters, it's likely to be among the top three results when...

The Evolving Role of Today’s Law Firm Leaders

Today’s law firm leaders face extraordinary challenges. Learn steps that the top level of firm leadership can take to enhance the effectiveness and performance of their organizations.

The Makings of an Exceptional Law Firm Leader

In April 2017, McKinsey & Company published an article – “What Makes a CEO ‘Exceptional’?” – that examines and analyzes the characteristics of highly effective CEOs of S&P 500 companies. Roger’s article brings it home...

The Relationship between Leadership and Management in Successful Law Firms

Armed with an MBA from The Wharton School, Joel has been advising law firms since he began his management consulting career in 1966. He’s a frequent speaker and author on a myriad of topics related...

The Role of Leadership in Law Firm Success or Failure

Based in Dallas, Roger has been working with law firms and service providers to the legal industry for more than 30 years. Interestingly, he especially enjoys working with firms in transition. In this article, he...

The State of the Business of Law:
Leadership and Governance

As the business of law evolves, so do the leadership and governance models at today’s most successful smaller and mid-size law firms. Drawing upon bench-marking data we collected in three MPF surveys last year, this...

Three Steps to More Effective Practice Group Leadership

The success (or failure) of your firm’s practice groups will depend largely on the effectiveness of its practice group leaders. Because firms compete primarily at the practice group level, it’s imperative for your firm to...

Today’s Law Firm Leader as Juggler

Much has been written lately about where an effective managing partner should spend most of his/her leadership and management time. And MPF faculty member Brian Burke has strong feelings on the issue. He suggests that helping strong...

Tolstoy Was Right

In this gem of an article, Ed says he finds little in common among unsuccessful law firms, because each one tends to fail in its own unique way. He does, however, find that there are...

Turning The Business Model in Your Law Firm Inside Out

According to a recent Harvard University study, more than 70% of a customer’s "brand perception" is based on experiences they have with the organization’s employees. For law firms this means both lawyers and support staff. This article speaks to the...

What Are the Obligations of Partners?

Back in the good ole days, a young lawyer “made partner” simply by hanging around for seven or eight years and not upsetting too many clients or too many of the current partners. Once in,...

What to Do When Morale is Low

Larry is the world’s leading expert on the lawyer personality. He’s has been on the MPF Faculty since the early days and is consistently rated one of our most popular speakers. We’ve also presented stand-alone...

What's Our Deal?

David Maister writes some really good stuff and you'll find lots of his books and articles featured on our Website. This particular article discusses things like mission, vision, values and culture in the context of...

Where Leaders Stumble

In working with hundreds of law firm leaders over the past twenty years, McKenna has observed several warning signs that often lead to weak or ineffective firm leadership.

Why Do Law Firms Die?

There are three common reasons why law firms fail, says this article that appears in the June edition of ABA’s Law Practice magazine. Lack of leadership. Lack of strategic focus. Lack of financial discipline. Don’t...

Why Inclusive Leaders Are Good for Organizations, and How to Become One

According to numerous studies and our experience working with hundreds of law firms, the most successful and profitable firms are characterized by a culture of collaboration, sharing and teamwork. After all, you’re running a law...

Why Leaders Need Feedback

As a new member of the MPF faculty, we’ve asked Larry to provide a few articles for our Website. This one says that, as a law firm leader, you should want and solicit feedback about...

Why Managing Partners “Own” Law Firm Cyber Security and Three Steps to Take Control Now

This article maintains that the managing partner must take the helm as the true owner of the law firm’s cybersecurity. We agree. Unfortunately, many firm leaders view it as an “IT issue.” Judy and Deena...

Your Firm Administrator: The Best Investment Your Firm Can Make

We’re constantly reminding managing partners to think “big picture” and get the day-to-day stuff off their plates. Ideally, they should think and act more like CEOs, with trusted, competent and capable COOs at their sides....

Your Firm's Noble Purpose: The Key to Partner Engagement

Riveting bolts or building the Golden Gate Bridge? Cutting stone or constructing Notre Dame Cathedral? Does your firm have a “Noble Purpose?” Many studies reveal that how your firm and its people perceive their contributions...

Your Mission, Should You Choose to Accept It: First Steps for the New Managing Partner

You’ve just accepted your new role as managing partner of the firm. Congratulations. Now what? This article, published recently in the ABA’s Law Practice Magazine, offers a list of savvy first steps to help you get started on the...

Your Old Guard is Leaving. Are Your Firm’s New Leaders Ready?

Rather than a formal and elaborate firm-wide training and development program, Ida believes that the best approach to developing future firm leaders is to have established firm leaders build the next generation of leaders through...

International Review – Fall 2016

As always, Patrick delivers another set of terrific articles in the current edition of International Review. The magazine runs 24-pages and we thank him for sharing it with us. The articles in this issue are:...

International Review – Fall/Winter 2017

Twice a year, Patrick publishes and distributes a collection of articles in a 24-page e-magazine he calls International Review. Although geared primarily toward “BigLaw,” its content is also timely and relevant for smaller and mid-size...

International Review – Fall/Winter 2018

Twice a year, Patrick publishes International Review, an electronic magazine that contains four to five thoughtful and inspiring articles for law firm leaders. It’s geared primarily toward BigLaw but highly applicable to smaller and mid-size...

International Review – Spring/Summer 2017

Patrick and I see eye-to-eye on many of the issues law firm leaders confront in these challenging times. As always, he delivers a fine set of articles in the current edition of International Review. Here...

International Review – Spring/Summer 2019

Once again, Patrick has been kind enough to share with us a collection of articles he distributes twice a year in a publication he calls International Review. Patrick consults mostly with AmLaw 200 firms and...

International Review – Fall 2011

Twice a year, MPF faculty member Patrick McKenna publishes and distibutes his magazine called International Review to leaders of firms with 50 or more lawyers in the US and Canada. He is kind enough to...

International Review – Fall 2012

Twice a year, Patrick publishes and distributes International Review, a magazine featuring insightful articles on law firm leadership. This issue examines compensation systems, retirement plans for senior lawyers and several other thought-provoking ideas and concepts....

International Review – Fall 2013

Twice a year, Patrick publishes a great set of articles in a magazine he calls International Review, and he distributes a hard copy to selected leaders of the very largest law firms. He also provides...

International Review – Fall 2014

For several years now, Patrick has been kind enough to share his bi-annual collection of articles with our readers. It invariably includes some of the best, most thoughtful articles on law firm leadership and the...

International Review – Fall 2015

Twice a year, MPF Faculty member Patrick McKenna publishes a collection of articles and insights in a magazine he calls International Review. Although directed primarily toward leaders at BigLaw, his articles are timely and relevant for...

International Review – Spring 2011

Twice a year, McKenna Associates publishes a magazine called International Review. Each issue strives to contain a “balanced blend of contributions covering the subjects of law firm strategy, economics and leadership,” and this issue includes articles...

International Review – Spring 2012

Twice a year, Patrick publishes a collection of articles written by him and others on law firm leadership. He calls it International Review. One of the articles we especially like in the current issue is entitled “Confronting the Underperforming...

International Review – Spring 2013

Twice a year, Patrick McKenna distributes International Review, a magazine for law firm leaders. Although most of his work focuses on Am Law 100 firms, much of what he writes is also timely and relevant...

International Review – Spring 2014

Twice a year, Patrick publishes his International Review, a collection of articles on law firm leadership and management. It’s geared mostly toward those who lead larger firms, but its teachings apply to managing partners of law...

International Review – Spring 2015

This issue of Internatinal Review, published by Patrick McKenna, runs 24 pages and features five great articles every firm leader should read. They include numerous practical ideas, tips and techniques that will make you a...

International Review – Spring 2016

Twice a year, Patrick McKenna distributes a collection of articles in a magazine he calls International Review. Each issue includes five or six thoughtful articles – which often focus on leadership transition and succession planning...

International Review – Spring/Summer 2018

Twice a year, Patrick publishes and distributes a 24-30-page magazine he calls International Review. It typically contains four to five thoughtful and inspiring articles for law firm leaders, designed mostly for BigLaw. For many years,...

Leadership At Its Strongest: What Successful Managing Partners Do

This is one of the better White Papers we’re read in recent years on firm leadership, and we highly recommend that you take a few minutes to check it out, as well. August and his...

MPF INSIGHT Re-Envisioning the Law Firm: How to Lead Change and Thrive in the Future

This hard-hitting and ground-breaking report, which includes an abundance of benchmarking data drawn from two MPF surveys conducted earlier this year, serves as a wake-up call for leaders and owners of smaller and mid-size US...

Practical Advice to Improve Your Firm’s Profitability

From the inaugural issue of the Managing Partner Forum newsletter, firm leaders reveal their top management concerns and thoughts on strategic planning. Our response? It’s time to assume the role of CEO in order to...

Report of the 2018 NAWL Survey on Retention and Promotion of Women in Law Firms

In our work with smaller and mid-size firms, we find that most have challenges achieving diversity and inclusion. And they are not alone as even the largest US law firms face similar challenges. Since...

The MPF 2010 Annual Conference A Summary of Discussion Points and Findings

Over 90 managing partners, firm leaders and top consultants to the legal industry participated in The MPF 2010 Annual Conference on April 29th in Atlanta, Georgia. This comprehensive White Paper summarizes the key findings revealed through...

The State of Law Firm Leadership

The role of law firm maning partner is like no other and they teach you little about how to lead lawyers in law school. This report summarizes the results of a 30-question survey in which...

The State of Law Firm Leadership

In November 2010, Patrick McKenna published this six-page report consisting of survey results to a series of questions posed to 92 leaders of law firms with more than 100 lawyers. Its findings are very consistent with data...

Aligning the Stars: How to Succeed When Professionals Drive Results

In talent driven firms, stars, say the authors of Aligning the Stars ($39.95, Harvard Business School Press), make the difference between winning and losing – and they walk out the door each day. Outstanding firms align stars across...

First Among Equals: How to Manage a Group of Professionals

There has never been a book quite like this one. First Among Equals ($26, Free Press) is among the foremost books ever written on leadership within a professional services firm and is essential reading for law firm...

Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap and Others Don't

Good to Great ($29.99, HarperCollins) is one of the leading books on organizational performance in many decades. It discusses concepts like Level 5 Leadership, First Who (first get the right people on the bus, then figure out...

Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion

Collaboration among highly autonomous partners is essential and still too rare. Learn the six psychological secrets behind people's powerful impulse to comply, how to put them to work on your behalf and how to defend...

Leadership for Lawyers

Leading for Lawyers ($39.95, ABA Publishing) is the first book of its kind written by a lawyer for lawyers, judges, law firm administrators and others in the legal profession and provides practical advice on how...

Lessons in Leadership: Essential Skills for Lawyers

Over the past few years, MPF Faculty member Tom Grella has written numerous articles and several books on law firm leadership and strategic planning. Through a series of practical lessons, Tom draws on his own...

Managing the Modern Law Firm: New Challenges, New Perspectives

As the legal profession evolves, competition heats up and law firms continue to grow, an increasing number of firms are choosing to run themselves more like businesses and less like loose confederations of sole practitioners....

Managing the Professional Services Firm

If you had to pick just one book to read to be more a more effective managing partner, this is it. Managing the Professional Services Firm ($26.00, Free Press), written by David Maister, covers a wide array of topics ranging...

Never Eat Alone – And Other Secrets to Success, One Relationship at a Time

In this best-seller, Ferrazzi writes about how to build a lifelong community of colleagues, contacts and friends without becoming a networking jack-ass. Never Eat Alone ($24.95, Doubleday) is on almost every rainmaker's short list of recommended reading. It makes...

On Change Management

According to HBR, 70% of all change initiatives fail. Don’t let yours be among them. This collection of ten must-read articles helps firm leaders understand that change involves a long-term, multi-faceted approach in order to...

Serving at the Pleasure of My Partners: Advice for the New Firm Leader

If we've heard it once, we've heard it 1,000 times. Leading a law firm is by no means an easy task…and they certainly didn't teach you much about it in law school. Thank goodness for...

The Extraordinary Administrator: Career Progession for Law Firm Managers

The Association of Legal Administrators (ALA) holds a treasure trove of great information about the business side of running a law firm. This groundbreaking book – written especially for law firm management professionals – provides practical and...

The Knowing-Doing Gap

The Knowing-Doing Gap ($32.50, Harvard Business School Press) confronts the challenge faced by many law firms and their leaders. They know what to do, but they just don't do it! This book is a candid, uselful and realistic...

The No Asshole Rule: Building a Civilized Workplace and Surviving One That Isn't

This meticulously researched book puts into plain language an undeniable fact: The modern workplace, law firms included, is beset with assholes. Sutton argues that assholes – those who deliberately make co-workers feel bad about themselves...

The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference

The Tipping Point ($39.95, Hachette Book Group) is another international best-seller from Malcom Gladwell, whose other books include Blink and Outliers. Gladwell examines the phenomenon of social change – that magical, defining moment when an...

True Professionalism: The Courage to Care about Your People, Your Clients and Your Career

If we could only recommend one book to a lawyer in private practice, it would be True Professionalism ($26, Simon & Schuster)! Maister's lesson is clear: believe passionately in what you do and never compromise your standards and values....

Leading Change

John Kotter is widely regarded as the world’s foremost authority on leadership and change. Leading Change ($26.95, Harvard Business School Press) outlines in just over 200 pages an actionable 8-step process to initiate and sustain organizational change….even in...

The Extraordinary Managing Partner: Reaching the Pinnacle of Law Firm Management

At 184-pages, The Extraordinary Managing Partner ($65, ALA) is a must-read for anyone serving or aspiring to serve as a managing partner in a law firm. In 2010, John Michalik stepped down as Executive Director of the Association of Legal...

Law Practice Today: The Leadership Issue

Law Practice Today is a monthly digital publication by the ABA’s Law Practice Division that provides “the most current information and trends in the legal industry by delivering anecdotes from professional in the field of...

Harvard Business Review

It’s a good idea for firm leaders to look outside the legal industry from time to time to gain leadership and management perspectives and ideas. This is the best place to find them. The Harvard Business Review ($79/year...

ABA Web Seminar: Strategic Planning for Law Firms: 10 Critical Steps to Success

Even today, 60% of mid-size commercial law firms do not have a written strategic plan. Among those that do, 90% report that it has led to improved firm profitability and performance. Why, then, do most...

ALA 2017 Compensation & Benefits Survey Reports

For this year’s Reports, ALA (Association of Legal Administrators) has collected data for 60+ different positions in 40+ metropolitan areas, including compensation information for law firm COOs, Executive Directors and other key positions, as well...

ALA’s Career Center

Founded in 1971, the Association of Legal Administrators (ALA) has grown to more than 10,000 members in 30 countries. If your firm is looking for a new administrator, its Career Center has a number of...

Association of Legal Administrators

According to its website, “The ALA is the undisputed leader for the business of law, focused on the delivery of cutting-edge management and leadership products and services to the global legal community.” If you are...

AUDIENCE POLLING RESULTS The MPF 2015 Leadership Conference

On May 7th, more than 100 managing partners and law firm leaders gathered in Atlanta to learn with and from peers at our 24th law firm leadership conference. During the Opening Session, we featured audience...

AUDIENCE POLLING RESULTSThe MPF 2014 Leadership Conference

We’re pleased to share the audience polling results from The MPF 2014 Leadership Conference held on May 8, 2014 in Atlanta. More than 100 managing partners and firm leaders participated. The bench-marking data in this...

Building for the Future Audience Polling Results from The MPF 2016 Leadership Conference

On May 5, 2016, more than 100 managing partners and law firm leaders gathered in Atlanta for The MPF 2016 Leadership Conference. During the opening session, we distribute audience polling devices and asked participants to...

Current Issues, Trends and the Challenges Facing Today’s Law Firms…And What They’re Doing About It!

Too many lawyers. More demanding clients. Increasing competition. Industry consolidation. Globalizing economy. Advances in technology. Proliferation of disruptors. Yikes! What’s a law firm to do? As we know, change surrounds the legal industry, yet smaller...

Description of Responsibilities: Managing Partner

Most law firms don’t have a written job description for the managing partner. Grab this one. How does it compare to your responsibilities and duties as leader of the firm?

Desirable Dimensions of Executive Committee Member Performance

This is an invaluable scorecard. Rank executive committee members on a scale of 1 to 5 based on performance attributes including collegiality, marketing and technical expertise.

HANDOUT MATERIALSThe Critical Role of Law Firm Leadership

Change surrounds the legal industry. The marketplace for legal services is more competitive than ever, and the pace of change will accelerate into the future. Law firms that embrace strategic planning and innovation, invest in...

How to Be a More Effective Firm Leader – PDF of Handout Materials

On August 29th, we presented a Managing Partner Breakfast Roundtable in San Diego. The meeting attracted 20 firm leaders from the region and was sponsored by UPS. The topic was “How to Be a More Effective...

How to Build Trust

This seven-and-a-half (7-1/2) minute video about building trust and leading change is well worth the time. In it, Spence talks about how effective change leaders can build trust among those they lead. He discusses the...

Law Firm Leadership:The Critical Role of Firm Administrators

On April 16, 2013 MPF President and CEO John Remsen, Jr. spoke at the ALA’s Annual Conference on a topic near and dear to The Managing Partner Forum. It was entitled “Law Firm Leadership: The Critical Role...

Preparing Your Firm’s Future Leaders for Success

Last week, we spoke at the 20th Annual Meeting of LEGUS, an international network of law firms, in New Orleans. We were asked to discuss the importance of investing in young lawyers and grooming them...

Sterling Strategies’ Question of the Month Managing Under Productive Partners

Each month, John Sterling offers insightful analysis of his “Law Firm Strategy Question of the Month” and presents a new question for the coming month. Recent topics include: • Partner Compensation System Satisfaction, • Profit...

The MPF for Northeastern Law FirmsResults of Audience Participation Session

We asked a series of questions, utilizing state-of-the-art audiance participation technology, to more than 35 managing partners and firm leaders at the inaugural Managing Partner Forum for Northeastern Law Firms held on November 4, 2011 in Boston. Their answers...

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