Patrick works primarily with leaders of AmLaw 100 law firms and has written many articles and several books on effective law firm leadership. Each year, he also presents a one-day Workshop called “The First 100 Days” for leaders of large law firms. In this article, he provides 29 tips to be more effective in the challenging, often ill-defined, role of law firm leaders. Among his suggestions:
- Attend to the needs of your family, as your change in responsibilities will affect them whether you acknowledge it or not.
- Be ready to deal with the sudden isolation associated with the leadership role. As they say, it can be lonely at the top.
- Set your own path, and avoid undue bias from your predecessor’s priorities, influence and style.
- Carefully manage your daily agenda, including ample “walking around time” to interact regularly with your colleagues.
- Pick your battles carefully, as moving too quickly can cause as many problems as moving too slowly.
- Achieve some quick, small, visible successes early on to inspire initial confidence in your leadership skills.
This great article is a “must read” for law firm leaders, both new and old!