We are very proud of our latest Edge International Review. For a complete downloadable version (or just the articles you want) click on the cover or go to EdgeInternationalReview.com
If you have any questions , comments or suggestions, please shoot me a note.
(You can also check out our Edge International web site at Edge-International.com)
If your firm has offices in the Great Lakes Region (or is thinking of expanding into it) there is an unprecedented and unmatched comprehensive analysis available: “2010 Legal Market Analysis Great Lakes Region”
The report contains:
Cities included:
I think this is a fantastic deal. If your firm tried to pull this together on your own, you’d spent months and tens of thousands worth of time doing your due diligence which would include analyzing the firms, clients and economics of the region. I expected the price would be around $7,500 but it offered at $2,995
I was also impressed by the Guarantee of Satisfaction - if your firm is disappointed (you won't be) you can pull the trigger on the guarantee.
For many leaders, the most important and imponderable question relates to the timing of the recovery — one of the elements of this report is
My enthusiasm for The “2010 Legal Market Analysis Great Lakes Region” is based on these simple premises:
The downloadable prospectus including full Table of Contents will give you an idea as to how well organized this work is.
At the very least, this analysis is an important reality check. Many firms have skewed views of their own markets based on prejudices or outdated data that tends to stick in the minds of firm leaders.
Here is an excerpt from the free downloadable prospectus showing the nature of the contents of the report:
A detailed competitive analysis for each city providing:
An accurate and up-to-date economic analysis of each metro area including:
Assessment of demographic, businesses and market data for each state and metro area including:
Download the prospectus and see for yourself.
Note: I know the people behind this initiative very well but want to make it clear that I have absolutely no financial interest in their venture — I am posting this based on receiving a review copy. I believe this is an extraordinary offering and far more valuable than its price would reflect.
Nearly three decades ago, in the early days of Edge International, there was only one writer in the area of managing a professional firm that commanded our unqualified respect and attention. That was David Maister.
“Managing the Professional Services Firm” is the Bible, according to many leaders of some of the largest professional service firms in the world. “True Professionals” spoke to the firms for whom dignity and quality service were the engines of success. And he wrote so much more in collaborations and articles.
In Edge, we were lucky enough to find ourselves presenting at a few conferences in common with David, in various places around the world and one day ended up having a very private informal retreat. This led to the creation of PracticeCoach®, an extraordinarily comprehensive video-based resource to help law firm leaders around the world. It stars David. What a joy it was to create with him.
His philosophy was so in harmony with ours. For example, we loved his guarantee of satisfaction (and were proud that we offered one as well even before we knew he did).
There were some very cool things I learned from David:
I am not surprised by the awards and accolades* he has received… just delighted.
The good news is that this is not a eulogy (even if it sounds like one). David and Kathy’s infectious smiles will remain available to us for many many happy years to come.
If there is a sad note in this homage, it is that David's retirement represents a loss to my beloved legal profession and all the other professions he served so well. However, his books and programs live on. As I write this, I am helping a prominent South American firm to use the study in his book, “Practice What You Preach,” to help them analyze and choose the most fruitful areas of focus for their continued improvement.
Maybe David’s and Kathy's retirements will be like some famous souls who preceded them who were coaxed back into the game for an important gig or two.
By the way, Kathy retired from one of the most incredible video enhanced blogs in history: startcooking.com where you can still experience valuable lessons - check it out ! This is not an amateur undertaking - you will find broadcast-quality production values.
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David and Kathy, Bethany and I treasure you and I know if we gathered those of like mind we’d need a mighty big arena.
Retire in good health!! Well earned - BRAVO!
Tom Peters gave me the thrill of my life when he endorsed my book The Successful Lawyer. I have revered this genius over his many masterpieces starting with In Search of Excellence and then so many more amazing literary, video and blogging contribution
So, law firm leaders, as you think about excellence in 2010, enjoy this message delivered by one of my heroes, Tom Peters (in under 2 minutes).
I hope you'll take hours to reflect on its meaning in your context.
Gerry
PS If you have partners who won't look at the video , here's a transcript
Take a few moments at the beginning of your next (executive, practice group, industry group, client team) meeting and watch this piece from Australia's George and Margaret Beaton (Beaton research and Consulting). They have been friends for a long time and not only built an amazing high end consultancy but have done it with panache and imagination. You will see some data that will act as a catalyst for the thinking of your leadership team.
Enjoy: The Big (Legal) Picture video
Punchline: The legal Profession absolutely refuses to stay the same so don't let your partners treat it like it will.
Pat Lamb's added this commentary at his awesome Blog, In Search of Perfect Client Service: You'll like irrelevance even less
Patrick Lamb is synonymous with Valorem Law Group which is a driving force in changing how legal services are valued and acquired. After learning that Jordan Furlong was joining us, here's (an excerpt from) what he posted:
It's like adding Wayne Gretzky in his prime to the team that already was the best team in the league, or adding an all-star to a team of all-stars. Great move, my friends.
Read the complete post here: WOW! Jordan Furlong joins Edge International!
If you lead a law firm and do not yet subscribe to Patrick's blog, In Search of Perfect Client Service, then go now and take care of that oversight.
If you want to learn more about Patrick, choose one if his bios:
Now as for Jordan Furlong, Jordan thanks again for joining us, You are more like Gretzky than even Patrick may know.
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I was practicing law in Edmonton during the Oiler dynasty and saw Gretzky informally as well as on the ice. He was a young man of values and integrity… a great contributor to the community… and always selfless… ego-less… always doing his best… and his best, we all know in hindsight, was truly awesome.
Having known Jordan Furlong personally and professionaly for many years, I can attest to the attributes that Patrick Lamb affords him and add that he is the kind of dream teammate we so much appreciate at Edge International. In fact Jordan inhales and exhales integrity - it's the core of his DNA. (Heck - he even comes from Ontario, Canada and brings endorsements - thanks to Patrick).
Jordan, (blame this on Patrick Lamb), I now pronounce your Edge International nickname to be "Gretz" from this day forward. Welcome aboard, Gretz !
I believe in capitalism and free enterprise. I have a business degree before law. My practicing years were spent helping clients increase their profits… managing partner years helping my partners increase theirs. You'll get no socialistic psychobabble from me.
I encourage you to assimilate the compelling evidence that increasing compensation in the hope of enhancing performance actually backfires. Law firm leaders need to understand when money motivates and when it does not. In fact, "too much" money demotivates. Get an introduction to the science that supports this hypothesis in the Ted Talk below.
Once the basic compensation is right, there are better ways to motivate. If not money, then what? According to Dan Pink, the presenter in this Ted Talk, the three motivating elements for those who work with complexity, like lawyers, are:
PUNCHLINE: Investing 18 minutes and 40 seconds may start you on the path to leading your firm to legendary performance, your lawyers staff and clients to legendary satisfaction and, last but not least, your firm to legendary profits.
From the Sacramento Business Journal today:
Law firm confidence index drops to record low
Excerpt:
Confidence in the economy among managing partners at large law firms nationwide hit new lows in the first quarter, according to the latest research from the Citi Private Bank Law Firm Group in New York City.
I recommend three priorities to Managing Partners:
PUNCHLINE: There is so much more to do, but I have seen these three initiatives making an immediate palpable difference. NOW is when you need these benefits most.
