Two legal sector experts are coming together to challenge law firm leaders and partners to answer the “fundamental question” of “What is leadership in a law firm and what role should Partners play in it?”
“Partner, Leader?” is a half day symposium hosted by Simon McCrum and Simon Tupman with the aim of coaching law firm leaders to “respond to market pressures and opportunities while accommodating the changing expectations of their various stakeholders.”
Throughout the session delegates are encouraged to consider the changing dynamic of the partnership model and the role of the Managing Partner, alongside other partners. There are also significant external risks to consider says Simon McCrum, a former managing partner of Darbys and now the founder of McCrum & Co, a management consultancy for law firms.
“There are huge (and growing) forces at work that are pushing law firms in the wrong direction. Headwinds are getting stronger. Left to flap in the wind, law firms will quickly diminish and wither. There is no middle ground – grow or wither. Standing still is not an option.
“But law firms can’t and won’t grow on their own. Leaders and Partners have to make them grow. And make them grow sustainably. That last part means that deep-rooted exceptional behaviours are needed from leaders and partners – “flash in the pan” business improvements don’t last long.
“As with the options mentioned above, there is no middle ground. Leaders and partners are good at these things or bad at them. Being okay at them – ie being in the middle ground – is the same as being bad. Leaders and partners need, more than ever, to make the right things happen, sustainably.”
Simon Tupman is an international business speaker and author of “Why Entrepreneurs Should Eat Bananas,” “Legal Eagles,” “Why Lawyers Should Eat Bananas” and “The Heart of Practice” and will be joining Simon McCrum to deliver the event.
“The onus is now on Partners, Directors and Senior Executives to pull their business away from darkness and towards the light. There is literally no one else who will do this. If you aren’t pushing forwards, you are moving backwards. The traditional style of command and control leadership is being replaced by a more purpose-driven, reflective and inclusive style. But is this the right way for these times?”
he adds.
Partner, Leader? is being hosted at The Studio Conference Centres, Leeds on Friday 17th November 2023. For more information and to book click here.
