Analysis

Midsize Firms Strike a Balance Between Work and Life

Lizzy McLellan | April 20, 2018

“My philosophy is that any time you can marry the work-life benefits with the economic interests of the firm, you’re going to have much more success,” consultant Debbie Epstein Henry said.

Analysis

Mid-Market Recap: One Good Year Both a Blessing and a Curse

Lizzy McLellan | April 20, 2018

This week in the legal mid-market: off years, client pressures and non-merger combinations.

News

Who Got the Work April 23, 2018

Jonathan Erway | April 20, 2018

Bernard Fuhs of Butzel Long is representing Adventure Enterprises in a suit against Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James and his multimedia platform…

Midsize Moves April 23, 2018

Jonathan Erway | April 20, 2018

Barack Ferrazzano Kirschbaum & Nagelberg has added Lloyd "Buddy" E. Ferguson as its newest partner in the firm's litigation and motor vehicle groups.…

Q&A

KBR: Keeping Millennials' Careers on Track in a Collegial Atmosphere

Susan DeSantis| April 19, 2018

Julianna Ryan of Kaufman Borgeest & Ryan says the biggest threat to the defense bar, generally, is the trend toward commoditization of legal services that fails to account for the quality of the service and case results. All firms do not deliver the same results, says Ryan.

Analysis

Common Mistakes in Midsize Firm Planning: Observations From a Veteran Adviser

Jeff Coburn| April 18, 2018

Having spent over 30 years advising smaller and midsize law firms throughout the country, I’ve seen a lot of planning programs that midsize law firms have carried out … but that over time have not had a noticeable impact on the firm’s year-to-year success.

Commentary

Leveraging/Expanding Practices in a Post-Recession Market

Dan Scott| April 18, 2018

Will there be enough mid-to-senior level associates with sophisticated deal training once the market improves and firms need them?

News

Who Got the Work April 16, 2018

Jonathan Erway | April 13, 2018

In matter in which McDonald's ordered up attorneys David J. Doyle and David J. Ogles of Freeborn & Peters in Chicago to defend it, a class suit alleging…

News

Midsize Moves April 16, 2018

Jonathan Erway | April 13, 2018

SmithAmundsen added seven lateral attorneys to its St. Louis office, from the St. Louis firm of Herzog Crebs: partners Gene Brockland, Lynn Goessling,…

News

Mid-Market Recap: Too Midsize to Fail?

Zack Needles | April 13, 2018

We keep saying it because it’s true: Midsize firms, with comparatively low overhead and fewer decision-makers in the mix, have the ability to be…

Analysis

At Midsize Firms, Women Leaders Are on the Rise

Lizzy McLellan | April 13, 2018

A number of midsize law firms have appointed women to their top leadership roles in 2017 and 2018.

Midsize Firms: Opportunities Abound in the Digital Wonderland

Richard Levick, Esq.| April 11, 2018

There are still unique challenges at every level of midsized operations, from managing off-the-reservation rainmakers to convincing clients that sufficient platform doesn’t always necessitate dozens of offices in multiple countries. From a marketing standpoint, the challenges are obviously twofold: to articulate the right message about the specific value the firm offers, size notwithstanding, and to find ways to most effectively disseminate that message. The confusion comes in how to do both. Let’s talk about the easiest and most effective way to execute a strategy that achieves both goals with minimal disruption to the practice of law.

Analysis

Public-Private Partnerships as a Competitive Tool for HBCUs

Robert L. Johnson| April 11, 2018

As all colleges and universities seek competitive solutions to attract and retain quality students, student housing has become an even more significant…

Q&A

Porzio Bromberg MP: 'If I Were a Millennial, I Would Want to Work at a Midsize Firm'

David Gialanella | April 11, 2018

"Our upcoming talent has options that don't exist at larger firms including the ability to experience multiple areas of practice and truly develop a niche that works best for them," says Vito Gagliardi Jr.

News

Mid-Market Recap: California Teaming

David Gialanella | April 06, 2018

Firm leaders love to talk about "the sweet spot." Sounds like a sales pitch, but it's true that a firm's overhead and rate structure need to be in harmony for the business model to sustain.

News

In Training Rainmakers, Midsize Law Firms Offer Flexibility, Resources and a 'Kick'

David Gialanella | April 06, 2018

Philosophies toward and programs to hone the rainmaking abilities of lawyers vary from firm to firm perhaps more widely than on any other management…

Q&A

Schwabe Gets a Makeover: Innovation at a 126-Year-Old Firm

Lizzy McLellan | April 06, 2018

Graciela Gomez Cowger, CEO of Oregon-based Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt, explains her firm's move to an industry-focused model and new governance structure.

Who Got the Work April 9, 2018

Jonathan Erway | April 06, 2018

Le Sueur County Historical Society, represented by Gray, Plant, Mooty, Mooty & Bennett in Minneapolis, has asked that a lawsuit asking for access…

News

Midsize Moves April 9, 2018

Jonathan Erway | April 06, 2018

    Swift Currie McGhee & Hiers LLP has hired three lateral partners—William T. Casey Jr., Erica Morton and Richie Foster—in its…

Midsize Firms Better Positioned Than Big Law to Attract, Develop Diverse Lawyers

Zack Needles | March 30, 2018

The opportunities to quickly get into the fold when it comes to hands-on legal work is one of the many factors giving midsize firms an edge in retaining diverse talent.

News

Who Got the Work - April 2, 2018

Jonathan Erway | March 30, 2018

On March 14, Lexington Insurance Co. and Aspen Specialty Insurance Company received a decision from the Superior Court of New Jersey, Atlantic…

News

Midsize Moves - April 2, 2018

Jonathan Erway | March 30, 2018

Sullivan & Worcester LLP announced March 12 that John W. Gahan III, Deirdre M. Robinson and Karen J. Kepler joined the firm’s real estate department…

Analysis

Mid-Market Recap: Firms Flock South to Texas

Lizzy McLellan | March 30, 2018

Everything’s bigger in Texas, right? So it only makes sense that law firms are looking to the Lone Star State for growth.

Analysis

Outside Voice: Why the 'Y' Is the Problem in BYOD

Jared D. Correia| March 30, 2018

These days, everybody’s got a smartphone. Well, everybody except for me and your grandma. But, for everybody else, they’ve got an array of personal electronic devices via which to access all of those important things on the internet—such as business information and YouTube videos where people fall.

Q&A

Packing a 'Big Punch' Key for Midsize Firms, Becker & Poliakoff's Rosen Says

David Gialanella | March 30, 2018

Managing shareholder Gary Rosen talks about how the firm has "benefited from the post-recession trend and seen a growing number of large clients coming to us who can no longer justify paying Big Law rates."

Analysis

Midsize Firms Struggle to Recruit Diverse Attorneys, But Have Much to Offer Them: Part 1

Zack Needles | March 23, 2018

Midsize law firms may prove an attractive landing spot for diverse attorneys, if those firms could get them in the door.

News

Mid-Market Recap: The Opposite of a Spinoff

David Gialanella | March 23, 2018

Evidenced by our coverage and columns, we at the Mid-Market Report are a little obsessed with spinoff law firms—those that spin off from large or…

News

Who Got the Work March 26

Jonathan Erway | March 23, 2018

Michael Holmes, a Pennsylvania man who has been incarcerated for nearly 26 years, was granted parole on Feb.19, represented by lawyers from Montgomery McCracken Walker & Rhoads.

Q&A

Law Firms, Don't Go 'The Way of Blockbuster,' Fennemore Craig's Leader Says

Lizzy McLellan | March 23, 2018

"If law firms don’t change the way they do business, they run the risk of going the way of Blockbuster," James Goodnow says.

News

Midsize Moves March 26

Jonathan Erway | March 23, 2018

Goulston & Storrs PC announced Feb. 23, that Gene T. Barton Jr. has joined the firm’s corporate practice as a partner in its Boston office.

Analysis

Communication Can Make All the Difference for Millennials

Kristy Bourgeois| March 21, 2018

We all have a tendency to fall into our preferred methods and styles of communicating, but doing so may mean we end up missing excellent opportunities to reach across the generational divides.

The Behavioral Health Crisis Among U.S. Lawyers: It’s Time to Take Action

Gina F. Rubel| March 21, 2018

As lawyers, we pledge that fiduciary duty to our clients, to act in their best interests, to proceed prudently, to solve their complex problems and to help them avoid future issues. But who’s taking care of the lawyers?

Analysis

The Art of the Spinoff: Starting From Scratch as a Midsize Firm

Gina Passarella Cipriani | March 19, 2018

As the legal industry clamors for a new model, will the market for spinoffs grow? If so, what goes into starting anew, and what are the hurdles to overcome?

News

Who Got the Work March 19

Jonathan Erway | March 19, 2018

Spearheaded by Fort Lauderdale, Florida-based Becker & Poliakoff's Yolanda Cash Jackson, Mario Bailey and the firm’s entire lobbying team in Tallahassee,…

News

Mid-Market Recap: Growing Without Walls, Firm Touts Big Margins

Lizzy McLellan | March 19, 2018

A big decision for any midsize law firm is how to manage their geographic footprint, and the firm identity that goes along with that—stay centralized in one city, go regional, or open a few offices in key markets across the country?

News

Midsize Moves March 19

Jonathan Erway | March 19, 2018

Segal McCambridge Singer and Mahoney has opened an office in Houston with the addition of shareholder Mark Willingham, who will manage the new office.…

Commentary

Is Your Firm Really a Firm? The 'Firmness' Scale Can Help

Jeff Coburn| March 14, 2018

Over many years working with smaller and midsize law firms throughout the country, I’ve experienced a wide range of firm typologies. Much of the difference among such firms can be attributed to the degree of “firmness” that smaller and midsize firms exhibit.

Commentary

Boutique Firms Gain Momentum in the Legal Industry

Michael A. Tanenbaum| March 14, 2018

As the legal industry searches to find solutions to its historical inefficient delivery of services, corporate counsel are evaluating approaches to the engagement of outside counsel best suited to meet their legal and business needs.

Q&A

Tarter Krinsky & Drogin: How to Stay True to Entrepreneurial Roots

David Gialanella | March 13, 2018

"As we change, we are very conscious to stay true to our values and maintain our close-knit and collaborative culture," says Alan Tarter, managing partner of Tarter Krinsky & Drogin, in describing how his young, midsize firm strives to stay true to its entrepreneurial roots while continuing to grow.

News

Mid-Market Recap: The Importance of Being Nimble and Flexible, Part I

Hank Grezlak | March 10, 2018

  Starting any collective endeavor from scratch is never easy. That’s especially true for law firms, given the competition, the wide array…

Analysis

Valuing a Law Firm

William F. Brennan| March 09, 2018

Establishing the value of a law firm is complicated; there is no simple "rule of thumb."

Analysis

Midsize Migration: How the Recession Pushed Big Fish to Seek Bigger Ponds

Dan Scott| March 09, 2018

The pressures of a lengthy downturn in work created opportunities for law firms that were willing and able to be creative in how they provided services to their clients.

Analysis

Costs, 'Communication Gap' Challenge Midsize Firms Upgrading IT Systems

David Gialanella | March 09, 2018

Information technology professionals tell tales of butting heads with law firm leaders over the costs of technology upgrades, and what constitute necessities…

Midsize Moves March 12

Jonathan Erway | March 08, 2018

Spilman Thomas & Battle announced that former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett has joined the law firm based in the firm's Pittsburgh office. Corbett…

Who Got the Work March 12

Jonathan Erway | March 08, 2018

The city of Pittsburgh hired South Carolina-based Motley Rice for a possible lawsuit against pharmaceutical companies over the opioid epidemic.  Motley…

Q&A

Sandberg Phoenix MP Says Project Management, Collaboration and Commoditization All Factors in Firm's Future

Lizzy McLellan | March 08, 2018

Sandberg Phoenix & von Gontard P.C. is a Midwest law headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri with offices in Kansas City, Missouri and Southern Illinois.

Who Got the Work March 5

Jonathan Erway | March 02, 2018

In an action pending in the Nassau County Commercial Division in New York, the Supreme Court vacated an order barring Catherine Scalia, a client of Ken…

Mid-Market Moves March 5

Jonathan Erway | March 02, 2018

Partner Steven Laureanti and associate David Banko have joined Spencer Fane LLP in its Phoenix office, adding to the firm’s intellectual property…

News

Mid-Market Recap: Using Bankruptcy to Break in to the Big Apple

Hank Grezlak | March 02, 2018

      As discussed in this column just a few weeks ago, New York City would seem a daunting and unforgiving market for anyone to want to…

Analysis

Ignoring the Future Can Cost a Firm Talent and Clients Today

Zack Needles | March 02, 2018

It doesn't—or at least it shouldn't—take an army of business consultants to explain why law firms lacking succession plans are probably headed…

The Economic Basis for Greater Diversity in the Legal Profession

Robert L. Johnson and Steven H. Sholk| February 28, 2018

Law firms should embrace diversity and strive to increase and retain their minority ranks not just as a form of corporate social responsibility, but also because it makes economic sense.

Q&A

Connell Foley's McGovern Talks Nonlawyer Chiefs, Collaboration and 'Continuous' Revenue Challenge

David Gialanella | February 27, 2018

McGovern credits technology, a change of scene and "goal-oriented" nonlawyer staff for a firm he says is well-prepared for the future.

Mid-Market Moves Feb. 26

Jonathan Erway | February 22, 2018

Fennemore Craig, a Mountain West law firm, announced that Ann Morgan, a director in the firm’s Reno, Nevada, office, has been selected to serve as chair…

News

Who Got the Work Feb. 26

Jonathan Erway | February 22, 2018

New Jersey firm Riker Danzig Scherer Hyland & Perretti’s Corporate, Securities and Tax Groups are advising the Government of India on its partial divestment of its equity interest in RITES Limited (“RITES”), a multi-disciplinary public sector transportation and engineering consultancy, the firm announced Feb. 6.

News

Mid-Market Recap: Signs of Momentum for Female Leadership at Midsize Firms

Hank Grezlak | February 22, 2018

The legal profession, particularly when it comes to firm leadership and highest paid partners, remains, amazingly in 2018, overwhelmingly white and…

Analysis

Midsize Firms Have an Edge With Millennials, If They Listen

Lizzy McLellan | February 22, 2018

Midsize firms are finding ways to bridge the generational divide and take advantage of millennial strengths.

Mid-market Moves Feb. 20

Jonathan Erway | February 16, 2018

Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein LLP in Charlotte, N.C., announced Feb. 5 the addition of Amy Allen Hinson as a partner in the firm’s Greenville,…

Who Got the Work Feb. 20

Jonathan Erway | February 16, 2018

An Iowa federal court has ruled that Liberty Mutual Insurance Co. must foot the bill for McKool Smith client Pella Corp.’s defense as the window…

Analysis

Midsize Firms, Light on Bureaucracy, Make AFAs a Reality

Zack Needles | February 16, 2018

Are clients and their firms really ready to bury the billable hour? Some midsize firm leaders say talk is cheap—but others say nontraditional billing has proven lucrative.

News

Mid-Market Recap: Litigation Funding Both a Boon and Bust for Smaller Firms?

Hank Grezlak | February 15, 2018

One of the things coming up more and more in litigation is the whole concept of litigation funding. While it featured prominently in Hulk Hogan’s…

Differentiating the Midsize Law Firm to Compete With Big Law

Gina F. Rubel| February 14, 2018

How does the midsize law firm differentiate itself from big law?

Q&A

McNees Wallace: How One of Pennsylvania's Biggest 'Midsize' Firms Straddles Two Worlds

Zack Needles | February 14, 2018

David Kleppinger, chairman of Harrisburg-based McNees Wallace & Nurick, discusses the "interesting position" of being a midsize firm in the national legal market while simultaneously being the largest firm in central Pennsylvania.

Q&A

Terry Brantley, on Averaging a New Lawyer a Month at Midsize Swift Currie

Jonathan Ringel| February 14, 2018

"Since July 2016, we have grown from 107 attorneys to 123 at present, an increase of 15 percent in the past 17 months."

News

Mid-Market Recap: How Midsize Firms Repel Big Law Client Poaching

Hank Grezlak | February 06, 2018

The legal market is more competitive than it ever has been, and that applies to firms of all sizes, including those in the middle-market. Right…

Analysis

The Unique Position of Midsize Law Firms

Jeff Coburn| January 26, 2018

As a planning and management advisor to law firms of all sizes over the past 30 years, I have found mid-size firms to be both interesting and professionally rewarding clients. They are also the firms for which my services have had the most impact.

Analysis

Litigation Funding: The Dam Is About to Break

John M. Pierce| January 26, 2018

From a legal profession perspective, a mini-revolution is indeed underway, empowering a population of leaner, cost-efficient law firms. But there’s a larger perspective as well.

Analysis

Compensation Models Vary, But Transparency the Best Policy, Firm Leaders Say

David Gialanella | January 26, 2018

“It may not be perfect, but it’s fair, and we have yet to see a better system.”

Q&A

Pryor Cashman: The Challenges and Advantages of Being a Midsize Law Firm in a Supersized City

Susan DeSantis| January 26, 2018

Ronald Shechtman, managing partner of Pryor Cashman, addresses issues facing midsize law firms in New York.