Apr 07, 2021
Law Firm Internal Succession – Non-Equity Partners and Business Development Ability
Question:
Our firm is a twelve-attorney insurance defense firm based in Indianapolis, Indiana. The firm was founded thirty years ago by myself and two other partners. We represent approximately twenty-five insurance companies. Our lawyer headcount consists of three equity partners, four non-equity partners, and five associate attorneys. My partners and I are in our early sixties and just beginning to think about retirement. Two equity partners will retire in the next five years and the third is not sure of his timeline. We would really like to see an internal succession as opposed to a merger with another firm. We have yet to have any discussions with our non-equity partners and their interest in equity ownership. Frankly, we have never promoted any non-equity partners to equity partnership because none of them bring in any business and we have always thought this should be a prerequisite to equity partnership. Your advise and thoughts are most welcomed.
Response:
I believe that for an internal succession strategy to be successful you have to start the transition early and the best way to accomplish this is to begin admitting others to equity partnership sooner than later, especially if you are expecting a founder benefit or buyout. While I believe that business development should be a major consideration when admitting equity partners this may not apply in your situation. If your non-equity partners are good minders, have solid relationships with your insurance company clients, and can hold the clients after the three of you retire this may be more than adequate for a successful succession strategy. I have worked with numerous insurance defense firms that are in their second generation totally serving clients that were originated by the original founders. Keep in mind that you are looking for an exit strategy.
By starting early and admitting them sooner than later you can implement a client and management transition strategy and determine if they are willing to buy-in and purchase an initial minority interest as well commit to purchasing your remaining ownership interests or paying your founder benefits.
The three of you should be giving some thought as to your financial expectations keeping in mind that valuation of the firm must be balanced with affordability and future equity partners ability to financially handle the buy-ins and buyouts.
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John W. Olmstead, MBA, Ph.D, CMC
Posted at 10:09 AM in Succession/Exit Strategies
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