Product Description

The last ten years have been a period of extraordinary change for law firms. The rapid growth of corporate law firms and the emergence of global mega-firms such as Clifford Chance, Linklaters, and Freshfields, have strained the traditional partnership model of management. Some managers of law firms are appalled at the creeping 'corporatism' that they fear may result. However a growing number believe that it is time to move on and adopt more contemporary forms of structure and management. Successfully meeting the challenges of this new business environment is vital for the continuing prosperity of law firms. Featuring contributions from both management researchers and legal practitioners, Managing the Modern Law Firm presents the latest insights from Management Studies in an approachable, practical, and relevant manner for lawyers and other professionals involved directly and indirectly with the management of law firms.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #209038 in Books
• Published on: 2007-01-18
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 262 pages

The Times (Law), February 13, 2007
This is a rich and stimulating blend of practical insight,
scholarly analysis, historical narrative, and solid empirical research.

Review
...a valuable collection of essays...check out the book (The American Lawyer )

The publication of Managing the Modern Law Firm marks something of a seminal moment in the development of management theory in this market. For the first time... academic and professional heavyweights have faced up to the scale and unique complexity of law firm management. (The Times )

It looks a real winner. (Edward Fennell, The Times (Law) d 06/02/2007 )

While most lawyers admire sound organisation, they regard the discipline of management with considerable mistrust. These management sceptics would do better to immerse themselves in a different book Managing the Modern Law Firm, edited by Laura Empson... This is a rich and stimulating blend of practical insight, scholarly analysis, historical narrative, and solid empirical research, written by an impressive array of leading experts. (Richard Susskind, The Times )

About the Author
Laura Empson is Professor in the Management of Professional Services Firms at Cass Business School, City of London, and was previously Director of the Clifford Chance Centre at Said Business School, University of Oxford. Her research has focused on a wide range of issues in accounting, consulting and law firms, including the organizational implications of strategic change, managing the post-merger integration process, overcoming impediments to knowledge-sharing among professionals, changing organizational and professional identities, and the governance of professional service firms. Prior to becoming an academic, Laura Empson worked for several years as an investment banker and strategy consultant and continues to act as a consultant to professional service firms. She has a PhD and MBA from London Business School.

Customer Reviews

Guide to the issues facing the modern legal firm
Editor Laura Empson has collected papers that present the latest research on the evolution of the modern law practice. Although the writers here are academics, their papers are not overly technical. In straightforward language, they discuss the various challenges new international, corporate structures present to legal traditions, from public service to the "partnership ethos" to billing. getAbstract recommends this book to strategically minded legal executives who want to map out new directions while retaining the best of the old values and ethics.