Author(s): Nick Jarrett-Kerr, Jonathan Middleburgh, Patrick J McKenna, Michael Roch, Ray D'Cruz, Joel Barolsky, Paula Davis, Graham Browning, Bree Buchanan, Jonathan Watmough, Krystal Champlin-Gerage, Jim Lawrence, Stephan Lucks, Martin Hill, Dr Heidi K Gardner, Ivan Matviak
Consulting editor(s): Nick Jarrett-Kerr and Jonathan Middleburgh
Publication date: Aug 2024
Format: Softback
Pages: 271
Price: £149.00
ISBN: 9781837230259
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Reviews
It is good to read a comprehensive collection of essays that address from multiple perspectives one of the hardest issues of all: how to undertake highly sensitive and potentially sensitive conversations with senior colleagues… this is an enlightening collection which strikes the appropriate balance between authoritative commentary and sensitivity to its subject-matter; it is a fine stable-mate to the Globe Law and Business list.
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Managing Partner Performance: Strategies for Transforming Underperforming Partners was a great joy to read as it provides great insights, contains very clear descriptions of behavior patterns and causes for partners’ underperformance and has many brilliant and practical recommendations to remedy the underperformance and to help struggling partners.
The book is very much directed at firm leaders, and quite rightly so, as many have little or no management training and skills and the book will prove immensely helpful to them. This book is equally helpful to all those partners (whether on equity level or below) and other senior lawyers who are actually struggling. It provides such a wealth of good advice that it may even be used as a “self-help” book.
But there is a third group of people that will actually greatly benefit from perusing this book – anyone in a big law firm with the goal of making partner and having a successful long-term partner career. I would like to recommend this book specifically to this latter group of partners and lawyers. They will find a wealth of information, recommendations, action lists, alternative ways of handling matters, or dealing with issues that will prove invaluable and that I wish had been available both at my transition from senior associate to partner and on moving firms.
While one may find today much help, information, and support on the internet or on social media, it is difficult to find a collection of such high-caliber experts who have authored the 20 chapters of this book and the depth that they provide in each of them. I have rarely read a book on law firms where I was not disappointed by significant parts or where whole chapters did not meet my expectations – this book is one of these rare exceptions where I thoroughly enjoyed each chapter.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book and each of its chapters to anyone interested in the workings of a big law firm.
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It is a strategic imperative for firms to remain competitive, adaptive, and capable of delivering high-quality legal services in today's complex business environment. Partner performance is a critical issue and will become more so in the coming years as AI threatens to replace or reposition underperforming employees. The dynamic and evolving nature of the legal profession, coupled with external factors such as technology, globalization, and economic changes, underscores the importance of performance management for law firms.
Managing Partner Performance: Strategies for Transforming Underperforming Partners takes a comprehensive look at how to improve underperforming partners within the legal profession. It provides insight and practical solutions for law firm leaders committed to revitalizing their teams and optimizing organizational success. Structured into four parts, the book systematically diagnoses underperformance, its cause and effect, how to deal with underperforming partners, and how to proactively performance manage over the long-term.
From crafting individualized improvement plans to implementing mentoring and coaching programs to unlock untapped potential, the book addresses skill development and continuous professional growth through training, while also emphasizing the crucial role of effective communication in improving internal dynamics and client relationships.
Strategic role redefinition is discussed to align partners' strengths with organizational goals, while motivation and engagement strategies offer tools to boost overall job satisfaction. The book tackles interpersonal conflicts through conflict resolution and team dynamics, ensuring a collaborative environment.
Throughout, the importance of accountability and consequences is emphasized, establishing clear expectations and measures for underperformance. The book, enriched with real-world examples and case studies, will appeal to law firm leaders, managing partners and HR professionals. It will equip readers with actionable strategies to transform underperformance into excellence. Managing Partner Performance: Strategies for Transforming Underperforming Partners fosters a high-performance culture, promoting individual growth and ensuring the enduring success of underperforming partners and the entire legal organization.
