In an effort to better understand the busy mind of a law firm leader, The American Lawyer has asked managing partners and chairs around the Am Law 200 to discuss their goals and governance, their competition and concerns. In the first of a series of question-and-answer features, Sandy Thomas, the global managing partner and executive committee chair of 1,500-lawyer Reed Smith, opens up about the firm’s transition to an alternative business structure in the U.K., the Big Four, talent management and more. Responses have been lightly edited.

If your firm’s leader would like to participate in a future edition of Leading Questions, contact Ben Seal at [email protected].