Monthly Archives: December 2011

Two key planning concepts for an uncertain new year

Posted on December 29, 2011 by Norman Clark

One of the most difficult challenges to well-informed business planning for 2012 is that the economic forecast remains hazy in most countries. Those of you who follow our news feed on Page One of our website have been treated to predictions … Continue reading →

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Korean reunification by 2015?

Posted on December 27, 2011 by Norman Clark

The apparent transfer of power in North Korea to the totally unprepared Kim Jong-un raises profound questions about the future of the Korean peninsula and the role of law firms in South Korea in reunification. These questions need to be … Continue reading →

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Rough seas ahead for M&A?

Posted on December 22, 2011 by Norman Clark

Having been very busy helping our clients with their 2012 business plans this week, I have only this morning gotten to an important analytical piece in yesterday’s Financial Times on-line: “Collapse in M&A amid debt turbulence” by Helen Thomas and Anousha … Continue reading →

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Concentrate your marketing resources in 2012

Posted on December 18, 2011 by Norman Clark

As our law firm clients finalize their marketing plans and budgets for 2012, my colleagues and I are frequently asked about the value of attending professional conferences. Don’t panic. We expect 2012 to be a troubling and uncertain year for … Continue reading →

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No strategy? No problem.

Posted on December 14, 2011 by Norman Clark

Should a law firm even bother write a business plan if it first does not have a set of strategic objectives to which to link it? I do not mean to suggest that law firms can be successful over the … Continue reading →

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Voodoo economics

Posted on December 13, 2011 by Norman Clark

A leading U.K. firm appears to be dabbling in a little voodoo economics. Herbert Smith is a firm that has long enjoyed a reputation for stability and professional excellence. Recently, however, leaders of Herbert Smith apparently have decided, as reported by … Continue reading →

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Five simple planning questions for 2012

Posted on December 10, 2011 by Norman Clark

Many lawyers instinctively know that they should plan do business planning; but many are not sure how to begin. Business planning is more than developing a budget. It involves setting measurable goals, identifying actions needed to achieve those goals, and … Continue reading →

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Here we go again…

Posted on December 8, 2011 by Norman Clark

Linklaters is preparing to expel or de-equitize between 30 to 40 partners, according a report today by The Lawyer. This comes only two years after their most recent bloodletting in 2009, when the firm sacked 70 partners and 10% of … Continue reading →

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