Strong Law Firms Stress Productivity Above Collegiality, Consultant Says
Many partners will pick collegiality as the most important element of a strong law firm culture.
But a consultant whose firm advised two dissolving law firms would disagree. Peter Zeughauser lists four essential ingredients of a strong law firm culture, and collegiality isn’t among them. His article in the American Lawyer says a strong culture includes:
Hard work. The world’s best firms have high levels of productivity. They will shed underperforming partners rather than trying to manage low productivity through compensation. And they will make clear what lawyers must do to reach acceptable performance levels.
Rewards for rainmakers. Law firms survive by staying busy, and that happens by rewarding lawyers who bring in the business.
Having a shared vision. Law firms shouldn’t expand into a new city unless there is a good reason. There also should be a likelihood of attracting lawyers to work there and work to support them.
Transparency. Partners who understand the economics of their law firm are more willing to support the steps needed to keep it strong. But firms should create a “culture of discretion” that discourages partners from talking to the media.
