The law firm structure is generally broken into practice groups based on the varied expertise of the lawyers in the firm. For many law firms, the primary purposes of practice groups are to channel young talent toward a particular expertise and provide a platform for each group to market itself and the firm. The practice group is a brand and a “product” of the firm to sell.
Thus, the agenda of a typical practice group meeting is largely devoted to promoting the brand and the product: new business opportunities and the status of existing clients, publication assignments, marketing trips and speaking engagements. Coverage of substantive issues may be limited to a review of recent developments in the law. It is atypical for lawyers to discuss their own cases within these groups, unless it is to tout a good result.
