Leadership in law firms is so important. Providing information and teaching about leadership is one of the core areas of the American Bar Association Law Practice Division (LP). I am grateful that LP has a group of dedicated members driving leadership programming and education. Leadership programming includes the Lawyer Leadership Mastermind Series of webinars. In addition, LP publishes a number of books that assist lawyers with leadership skills.
I started my own law firm many years ago with some natural leadership skills but a complete lack of leadership training. The lack of leadership training quickly showed and made the early years of trying to lead my law firm quite challenging. Most of the leadership skills I have ultimately developed were with the support and training of leadership experts in the Law Practice Division.
An important leadership skill is developing visionary organizational strategy. An excellent law firm leader will stay current on the trends occurring in the legal industry and develop a strategic plan that responds to such trends. A great leader will communicate the strategic plan to those who are part of the law firm and inspire them to engage in a way that the firm can succeed at its plan.
Excellence in leadership also involves understanding personal leadership styles. A leadership style refers to the way a particular leader communicates to and motivates teams. Leadership styles are shaped by a variety of factors. The excellent leader understands his or her personal style as well as the styles of those around the leader to facilitate working together in a positive and productive manner to achieve the organization’s goals.
A leader is responsible for developing a positive and inclusive work culture. Work culture refers to the characteristics, attitudes and behaviors that make up the atmosphere of a workplace. In a healthy workplace culture, law firm goals and policies are consistent with the manner in which employees' function. The well-being of employees is considered an important aspect of the culture.
Talented employees are fundamental to a successful Law firm. An important leadership skill is investing in the development of upcoming lawyers and support professionals and encouraging everyone in the firm to invest in the development of others.
Excellence in leadership embraces advances in technology and embraces the ability to use technology to improve efficiencies and enhance client service. In encouraging the use of technology, it is important for leaders to demonstrate the use of technology rather than just talking about it. Teams should be brought together and engage in activities showing how tools such as artificial intelligence can be used successfully and ethically.
A visionary law firm leader will foster a culture of innovation. An innovative culture is typically one where employees are encouraged and incentivized for innovation. In addition, failure is acknowledged as part of the process of innovation. In encouraging innovation, acceptance of failed experiments as well as successful ones is part of the culture. Innovative ideas are put into action.
Law firm leadership is an essential aspect of the success of any law firm. Excellent communication, visionary thinking, cultivating a positive work culture and empowering talent all add to the success of the law firm as well as the well-being and satisfaction of law firm employees. I look forward to the contributions over the next year from the American Bar Association Law Practice Division in supporting and developing law firm leaders.
