Walker Clark Worldview
commentary and insights for law firm leaders
Avoiding Buyer’s Remorse: Ask the right questions.
As we approach the end of another calendar year, there is an upsurge almost everywhere in the world among small law firms looking for possible merger or acquisition opportunities.
The short-term motivations and long-term objectives of these explorations vary, but there are several questions that any law firm receiving an overture from another firm or prospective lateral partner should ask first, before entering into serious negotiations.
Having solid, fact-based answers to these questions will help you to avoid wasting time and management attention, as well as possible disappointment, on overtures that look promising on the surface but lack the underlying foundations needed for success.
Are you ready for unexpected opportunities?
Sometimes the greatest risk is the risk of unexpected success.
According to recent coverage, some of the largest U.S. law firms have become less likely to contest Trump administration actions in his second term, reportedly due to new executive pressures and retributive policies targeting law firms perceived as adversaries. As a result, cases that would traditionally be absorbed by these firms are cascading down to smaller practices—many of which face limits in staff, technology, and financial resources to handle this new caseload.
Taking on a sudden, unpredictable surge in caseload can jeopardize a small firm’s service quality, staffing capacity, and client relationships.
