Are These Good Times to Innovate and Dare to Be Different

Question:

We have had recent discussions in our partner meetings as to whether in these challenging economic times we should play it safe or to step out and innovate.

Response:

As far as the economy – several legal industry sources are advising that the economy may be turning the corner for law firms. According to a PricewaterhouseCoopers Survey – the Worst of the Recession is Over for Law Firms. http://bit.ly/VUEbM. Hildebrandt also recently announced an improvement in the Peer Monitor Index. http://www.hildebrandt.com/Pages/default.aspx.

While all of us need to be cautious concerning playing games of chance and gambling with our professional practices – this is an excellent time to re-examine business models and approaches of the past. Many large and small firms alike are doing just that. Clients are looking for more value for their fee dollars and better client service. Firms that are daring to be different are experimenting and exploring:

Alternatives to hourly pricing – for real this time
How to market to break-the-backs of practicing attorneys are finally force leverage and true group practice
Switching from lockstep career tracks to competency-based tracks for associates
Alternatives to brick-and-motar offices
Virtual staffing
Outsourcing and off-shoring

This recession may have been more that just another recession – it may have been a management lesson for us all – resulting in permanant structural changes to how legal services are produced, delivered, and consumed.

John W. Olmstead, MBA, Ph.D, CMC

Posted at 06:46 AM in Competitive Business Models, Strategy

Oct 01, 2009

Are These Good Times to Innovate and Dare to Be Different

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