The Practice Magazine

Our bi-monthly magazine showcases the latest academic research on the legal profession. Each issue explores a specific theme and features the latest scholarship and original analysis. Written for busy practitioners and those interested in the global legal profession.

Leading Strategy

Current issue May/June 2023

How do law firms think about strategy? Using quantitative and qualitative data, this issue explores the growing world of formalized strategy thinking to understand movement across the industry.

May/June 2023

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Introducing the May 2023 Issue

Business of law Law firms Strategy

In this issue, we delve into the variety of ways that law firms and lawyers understand and execute on strategy.

Pen sitting on top of opened binder with blank pages.

Leading the Way

Robert J. Couture

Business of law Leadership Law firms Law firm management Talent

The movement of firms in the Am Law 100 during the past six years provokes the question: why did some far outpace the pack? What differences were present that allowed them to improve their strategic positioning vis-à-vis their competitors? From interviews with firm chairs, Robert Couture identifies a rather simple commonality that surpasses all the other elements of success: ownership and passion.

Lead Article

Preparing to Steer the Ship

Culture Future of law Leadership Law firms Strategy

How does an upcoming law firm chair view strategy? In this conversation, Bob Couture speaks to Seyfarth Shaw Chair and Managing Partner-Elect Lorie Almon about how she sees strategy and plans for her upcoming leadership.

A modern steering wheel at the front of the boat.

Animating Strategy for Lawyers

Executive education Leadership Law schools Law firms Strategy

When law schools prepare students for the profession, they are often missing a key ingredient: strategy. Courtroom strategy is one thing, but lawyers who lead practice areas or firms require a solid understanding of business strategy. Executive education has stepped in to fill the gap.

A book opens and magic and gold dust jump out of it

The Chief Strategy Officer

Business of law Collaboration Leadership Law firms Strategy

Over the past decade, a number of major law firms have created new executive roles focused specifically on strategy. Who are these chief strategy officers? What experiences prepare them for the role? We talk to three law firm strategy officers to gain a better understanding of the emerging position.

Hands holding gears in the sun to see if they fit together.

Strategy, Professionalism, and Passion

Business of law Comparative Professions Culture General counsel In-house departments Strategy

Pierre Gentin is chief legal officer and senior partner at the management consulting firm, McKinsey & Co. In this conversation, he talks about his background across consulting, government, law firms, and in-house and how each experience gave him new outlooks on strategy.

Speaker’s Corner