There’s a direct connection between being a top rainmaker and a leader. At the most successful law firms, powerful partners exhibit qualities that inspire both their colleagues and clients.
Law firm leadership tends to consist of strong-willed experts who highly value independence. However, the best leaders can easily connect with others, influence decisions, and bring new ideas and perspectives.
Guiding Principles Lawyers Must Embrace To Make It Rain:
1. Be Open to Change
In today’s rapidly shifting legal landscape, leaders must be adaptable. Partners must embrace technology, optimize remote work, and make diversity and inclusion a core part of their firm’s culture.
2. Establish Integrity & Legitimacy
Authenticity is key. Lawyers should be empathetic, non-judgmental, and transparent when dealing with clients and colleagues. Strong leaders take responsibility for their actions and lead by example, always aiming to improve situations. Co-workers need to trust that a leader’s words and actions align with the best interests of the team and the firm.
3. Creatively Negotiate & Collaborate
Great leaders think outside the box. They work together with others to solve complex problems and seek win-win solutions that strengthen relationships with clients and staff.
4. Exercise Good Judgment & Be Assertive
Leaders must be confident and assertive to guide the firm toward common goals. Listening empathetically to the team’s concerns is crucial, but making decisive moves is equally important. The goal is to strike a balance—solutions should be thoughtful, compassionate, and drive profitable outcomes.
5. Client Focus
Leaders need to truly understand what clients expect and constantly strive to improve the client experience while enhancing the firm’s bottom line. Ask yourself: How are we meeting client needs today, and what can we do to improve the experience?
Final Thoughts
Shari Davidson, president of On Balance Search Consultants, says, “True leaders possess high ethical standards and inspire others to do their best. They’re passionate about everything they do and genuinely care about how things get done.”
Leaders express their insights clearly and concisely, making them easy for others to follow. They generously share their time and expertise to help grow the practice. Build a reputation for doing great work with integrity, and you’ll create the kind of success that makes it rain.
More about leadership from Harvard Business Review: How to Lead Your Fellow Rainmakers.
https://hbr.org/2019/03/how-to-lead-your-fellow-rainmakers
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About On Balance Search Consultants
On Balance offers great insight and industry intelligence. Shari Davidson, president of On Balance Search Consultants, advises law firms on how to take a firm to the next level and helps rising talent make the transition to the right law firm.
Contact us today. Call 516.731.3400 or visit our website at https://www.onbalancesearch.com
Please note that the content of this blog does not constitute legal advice and is only intended for the educational purpose of the reader. Please consult your legal counsel for specifics regarding your specific circumstances and the laws in your states pertaining to social media and any legal restrictions regarding the law.
