by Bruce | August 18, 2005 | Articles, Compensation, Cultural Considerations, Finance, Globalization, Leadership, Partnership Structures, Strategy
We note with great sadness the passing of a 150+ year old firm, a pioneer on the international scene in ways many are still trying to emulate. (Also here.) The firm’s demise strikes me as exceedingly unnecessary—given the long perspective—but...
by Bruce | August 17, 2005 | Articles, Compensation, Cultural Considerations, Leadership, Marketing, Strategy
Sometimes it doesn’t hurt to be reminded of the obvious. Permit me to remind you: Ours is a talent-driven profession. Professionals—"elevator assets"—are highly mobile. The best people are always in limited supply. Turnover is...
by Bruce | August 15, 2005 | Articles, Finance, Globalization, Leadership, Strategy
Pop quiz: Q.: How many of the AmLaw 100 have a presence in London? A.: 70. Surprised me as well, but apparently the number is only going to rise. Reportedly on the prowl for merger partners in London are Cooley Godward, Heller Ehrman, Proskauer...
by Bruce | August 12, 2005 | Articles, Compensation, Cultural Considerations, Finance, Leadership, Partnership Structures, Strategy
Imagine a highly productive partner with a stand-out book of business that other firms would salivate over, years of experience and accumulated wisdom, and deep ties to blue-chip clients. What are the odds a firm would introduce a clause in its partnership...
by Bruce | August 10, 2005 | Articles, Compensation, Cultural Considerations, Globalization, Leadership, Partnership Structures, Practice Group Management, Strategy
Is "leadership" a verb or a noun? I’m not trying to be cute—the real question is whether leaders are simply born, or can be made. To step back, leadership is one of those ineffable qualities the intrinsic desirability of which no one...
by Bruce | August 10, 2005 | Articles, Finance, Leadership, Marketing, Strategy
My friend Patrick McKenna, of Edge International, sent me a press release announcing the two winners of this year’s "InnovAction Awards," a contest held annually to identify firms that significantly stand out for initiatives in: (a) client service; (b)...