Tag Archives: mergers

Carrots and sticks in a post-merger law firm

Posted on March 4, 2013 by Norman Clark

Today’s on-line edition of The Lawyer leads with an article about concerns about individual partner performance at Norton Rose. In brief, the management has sent letters warning under-performing partners that they are at risk of being sacked or demoted on … Continue reading →

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After the Gold Rush III: “Where’s the gold?”

Posted on November 18, 2012 by Norman Clark

This is the final part of three posts on the frequently overlooked short-term results of law firm mergers. financial performance in practice groups As Walker Clark LLC has observed law firm mergers, especially those involving small and midsize firms, we … Continue reading →

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After the Gold Rush II: practice group staffing and workflow

Posted on November 16, 2012 by Norman Clark

This is the second of three posts under the title of After the Gold Rush. Today’s post outlines three post-merger issues that: Are the natural and almost inevitable result of combining two or more practice groups in a merged firm … Continue reading →

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After the Gold Rush: managing the risk of “revolving door” partners

Posted on November 14, 2012 by Norman Clark

What happens after the initial excitement of a law firm merger subsides? When planning a merger or acquisition, many law firms minimize the short-term consequences of combining two professional services organizations.  If not managed well, some of these can weaken … Continue reading →

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Who’s afraid of Norton Rose?

Posted on November 14, 2012 by Norman Clark

Norton Rose has announced its latest accomplishment in its relentless march to global status, a merger with U.S.-based Fulbright & Jaworski. This announcement comes as other substantial intercontinental deals appear to be in the works, such as the reported three-way … Continue reading →

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A new strategic era in Peru

Posted on October 10, 2012 by Norman Clark

The announcement of the merger of one of Peru’s leading law firms, Estudio Echecopar, with global giant Baker & McKenzie, should grab the strategic attention of Peruvian law firms. It should not be a big surprise. The entry of major … Continue reading →

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After a perfect storm

Posted on May 14, 2012 by Norman Clark

Commentators on the unfolding financial crisis at Dewey & LeBeouf have focused on a variety of factors why this firm might (I stress might – see more below) be doomed.  To mention a few that have been cited by others: the … Continue reading →

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After the honeymoon

Posted on March 29, 2012 by Norman Clark

There has been a remarkable, but not unexpected, increase in merger activity among law firms in the first quarter of 2012. Careful planning and due diligence are absolutely essential in law firm mergers and acquisitions. However, most law firms give … 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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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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