Human Resources | Leadership

From Small Seeds to Big Success: Overcoming Growing Pains in Your Law Firm's Journey

Published on Aug 21, 2023

Author

Amanda Hankins

graphic image of growing the firm line chart

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Do you remember when you were a kid waking during the night with pain in your legs, calves, and thighs? I can remember many tearful nights when my mom would have me soak in a warm bath and take Children’s Tylenol to ease what she called growing pains. My mom would promise the pain wouldn’t last too long, that I was growing stronger and taller. She was always right, and I would feel better by the morning.

Much like my childhood growing pains, personal injury law firms experience a similar phenomenon as they expand in revenue and team size. With well over 50,000 personal injury law firms in the US, I am sure someone out there can relate. Let’s face it: growth can be downright painful.

I’ve had the opportunity to work with firms in the industry from coast to coast and of all shapes and sizes. The similarities I’ve seen in the growing pains lead me to write this blog. There are peaks when the pain seems unbearable, even so horrendous, you might question why you ever decided to hang a shingle and start a law firm. While a warm bath and a heavy pour of bourbon might ease the adult business owner’s pain, it’s not going to subside until you learn how to grow as a leader. In fact, until you’re ready to relinquish some responsibilities and trust your leadership team, you might be in for many sleepless nights. Your firm’s leadership must evolve over time if you want to be successful. In this blog, I’ll look at firms of varying sizes, dissect some of their specific growing pains, and provide tips on overcoming them at every benchmark.

Law firms with up to 15 team members

Where you are

For firms under a total of 15 team members (team members defined as every person that works at the firm, including the owners), you can get away with rapid, quick-fire change. You know that glorious timeframe when everyone still knows everyone, you try to make it to each other’s celebrations, leaders are expected to have an open-door policy, there’s no problem too small or large, and you want everyone to feel like “family.” Who needs meetings, we all eat lunch together, isn’t that enough?

You may have thought of yourself as a “boutique” practice or a “start-up” at this size. You pride yourself on being able to really get to know all the clients that trust your brand.

All team members wear multiple hats, and as a leader in the firm, you are under a microscope by your team and must lead by example with professionalism and integrity.

There are not many processes, and each team member might have their own way of taking care of tasks because no one has taken the time to think about a standardized firm way of doing things.

Where to go next

This is the perfect time to empower your team and implement streamlined processes that can support future growth. Here are some key steps you can take to navigate this transition:

Standardize and Document Workflows: Start by identifying recurring tasks and creating standardized workflows for them. Document these processes in a clear and accessible manner, ensuring that every team member understands how to approach each task efficiently. This will not only promote consistency, but also streamline training for new hires.
Invest in Technology: Explore legal practice management software or case management systems that can automate routine administrative tasks. By leveraging technology, you can reduce manual errors, improve efficiency, and free up valuable time for more strategic work.
Encourage Collaboration: Foster a culture of collaboration among your team members. Encourage regular communication and knowledge-sharing to foster creativity and innovation. Consider implementing project management tools or internal communication platforms to facilitate seamless collaboration.
Delegate Responsibility: As your firm grows, it’s crucial to delegate tasks and responsibilities. Identify team members’ strengths and distribute workload accordingly. Delegation empowers your team and allows you to focus on high-level strategies and client relationships.
Continued Professional Development: Invest in ongoing professional development opportunities for your team. This could include attending legal conferences, participating in webinars, or enrolling in courses specific to your practice area. By sharpening their skills, your team will be better equipped to handle complex cases and deliver exceptional service.

Remember, embracing change and implementing efficient processes now will set a solid foundation for future growth. While it’s essential to maintain the personal touch that sets smaller firms apart, combining it with streamlined operations will allow you to scale and meet the needs of an expanding client base.

Law firms with up to 40 team members

Where you are

Congratulations! You’ve successfully grown your practice to include 30-40 team members, and revenue has soared to eight figures. It’s astounding to see how far you’ve come, but you may be feeling a mix of excitement and overwhelm. With a growing team, you’ve likely outgrown your office space and find yourself encountering unfamiliar faces in the hallway. While you still cherish personal connections and maintain an open-door policy, the demands of managing a larger team are stretching your already busy schedule. Meetings dominate your days, leaving little time for lawyering. If you haven’t implemented processes, manuals, handbooks, and disciplinary procedures, it’s time to take a pause and reassess. Your seasoned team members may also voice concerns about preserving the family-like atmosphere amid rapid growth.

At this vital stage, it is important to have developed a strong leadership team to work side by side with the owner and second in command, probably a COO or very skilled Firm Administrator. The leaders are typically in the role of overseeing legal operations, non-legal operations, marketing, and finance. You can get away without an actual Human Resources department, but not for much longer. Owners typically have a hard time letting go at this stage since, not too many years ago, they did almost everything without help.

Understand this reality: Most days, you probably want to nail your door closed.

Where to go next

As your firm continues to flourish, it’s essential to strike a balance between maintaining a close-knit culture and implementing the necessary procedures to support your expanding operations. Here are some key considerations for this stage:

Scale Your Leadership: As the firm’s leader, it’s crucial to delegate responsibilities and empower your team members. Identify individuals who can lead various departments or practice areas, allowing you to focus on strategic decision-making and client relationships. By distributing leadership and fostering a sense of ownership, you can navigate growth while preserving the essence of your firm.
Establish Clear Processes and Documentation: Take the time to develop comprehensive processes, manuals, and handbooks that outline the firm’s policies, procedures, and expectations. This documentation will provide consistency, ensure everyone is on the same page, and serve as a valuable resource for new hires. Regularly review and update these materials to reflect any changes in your firm’s structure or practices.
Invest in Next-Level Technology and Automation: Consider implementing advanced legal technology solutions to streamline your firm’s operations. Practice management software, document automation tools, and client management systems can help you automate repetitive tasks, reduce errors, and enhance efficiency. This will free up time for you and your team to focus on delivering exceptional legal services.
Cultivate a Positive Work Environment: As your firm grows, pay close attention to maintaining a positive work culture. Encourage open communication, foster teamwork, and provide opportunities for professional development. Regularly check in with your team members to address any concerns or challenges they may be facing. Remember, a happy and engaged team is more likely to deliver exceptional results to your clients.
Embrace Change: Growth often requires adapting and evolving. Embrace change and encourage a growth mindset among your team members. Be open to new ideas, encourage innovation, and embrace technology as a tool for growth rather than a threat to the firm’s culture.

Navigating growth while preserving the family-like atmosphere requires intentional effort and strategic planning. By implementing effective processes, embracing technology, and cultivating a positive work environment, you can continue to thrive and deliver outstanding legal services to your clients.

Law firms with up to 80 team members

Where you are

If this was a dream of yours and you’ve made it to this level, please pause to pat yourself on the back. You have celebrated many firm anniversaries by now, 5, 10, 15+ years of serving clients in your community. Your leadership team has doubled in size with the addition of an HR Director, a New Business Director, a Client & Community Outreach Lead, and a CFO. Your marketing team has you at events shaking hands and kissing babies, being filmed while you learn bizarre Tik Tok dances, and you are bogged down with service providers wanting to help you build your brand.

At this point, you might not visit the office daily or ever visit the satellite offices. Your leadership team has done a good job structuring meetings, and providing you with great scoreboard reports so you know if you are winning or losing, but your head is probably spinning with so many ideas it’s hard to slow down and smell the roses.

Where to go next

As your firm continues its upward trajectory, it’s crucial to consolidate your success and lay the foundation for sustainable growth. Here are some key steps to consider:

Establish Local Leadership: If you’ve opened additional office locations, ensure that each one has a dedicated leader. These leaders should be cross-trained to handle all essential duties, guaranteeing operational continuity even if someone needs time off. By empowering local leaders, you can foster a sense of ownership and accountability at each location.
Revisit Processes and Documentation: Growth often brings changes, and it’s vital to keep your processes, meetings, reports, and handbooks in line with your evolving firm. Regularly review and update these resources to ensure they reflect the current needs and challenges of your expanding team. Streamline workflows, eliminate any redundancies, and incorporate feedback from your team to create efficient systems that support productivity and collaboration.
Continue Investing in Professional Development: As your firm grows, invest in the professional development of your team members. Offer training programs, mentorship opportunities, and continuing education to enhance their skills and keep them aligned with industry trends. By prioritizing their growth, you’ll foster a culture of continuous improvement and attract top talent to your firm.
Stay Connected to Your Purpose: Amidst the rapid growth and expanding responsibilities, remind yourself and your team of the firm’s purpose and values. Regularly communicate and reinforce these guiding principles to ensure everyone remains aligned and motivated. Celebrate your achievements as a team, and don’t forget to take a moment to appreciate the journey you’ve embarked upon.

As you continue to build your firm’s legacy, remember to strike a balance between ambitious growth and maintaining a supportive and engaging work environment. By investing in your team, revisiting processes, and embracing technology, you’ll position your firm for long-term success.

Law firms with over 150 team members

Where you are

You’ve hit the big time! There’s a chance your growth from 80 – 150 happened at an accelerated rate. You blinked and realized you’re a business owner of a legitimately big business. At this stage, you must be okay that at any given moment, at any given place, someone is screwing something up. That’s important to remember because we are all human-ing: your team and your clients.

You still have a corner office (that your COO wants to cut up and divide into two since you are never in the office). Team members have probably never met you, only heard your voice on commercials or a recorded onboarding message. There are decisions being made without your input, you have the flexibility, structure, and cash flow to breathe just a little. The firm has been through leadership changes/challenges, technology enhancements and built a strong reputation.

Where to go next

As your firm continues to thrive and assert its dominance, it’s crucial to focus on sustaining and elevating your success. Here are key areas to consider:

Strengthen Leadership Continuity: With a larger team, it’s imperative to ensure smooth leadership transitions and maintain a strong sense of continuity. Foster a culture of succession planning and mentorship, allowing potential leaders to grow and develop within the organization. By nurturing future talent, you’ll create a seamless transition process and ensure your firm’s long-term stability.
Foster Collaboration and Communication: Despite your expanding size, it’s essential to foster a sense of unity and cohesion among your team members. Implement robust communication channels and collaboration platforms to facilitate knowledge sharing, idea exchange, and cross-departmental cooperation. Encourage open dialogue and create opportunities for team members to connect and build relationships, even in a virtual or distributed work environment.
Refine Processes and Systems: As your firm continues to grow, regularly assess and refine your processes and systems to accommodate the increased volume of work. Streamline workflows, automate repetitive tasks, and implement advanced case management software to enhance efficiency and productivity. Continuously evaluate the effectiveness of your systems and seek feedback from your team to drive continuous improvement.
Leverage Technology for Innovation: Embrace cutting-edge technologies and legal innovations to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry. Explore emerging trends such as artificial intelligence to optimize your legal processes, streamline research and analysis, and deliver exceptional client experiences. Adopting technology-driven solutions will position your firm as a leader in the digital age and enable you to deliver unparalleled value to your clients.
Cultivate a Positive Workplace Culture: As your firm continues to grow, don’t lose sight of the importance of a positive workplace culture. Nurture an environment that values collaboration, diversity, and work-life balance. Celebrate achievements, recognize outstanding contributions, and create opportunities for team building and social connection. A thriving and supportive culture will attract top talent, boost employee morale, and enhance client satisfaction.

Reaching the milestone of a law firm with over 150 team members is a remarkable achievement. With your firm’s strong foundation, expansive resources, and unwavering commitment to excellence, the possibilities for growth and success are endless. Embrace these next steps with confidence and continue to chart a path that sets new standards in the legal industry. As you navigate this stage of growth, it’s important to remember that success is not an endpoint, but a continuous journey. By navigating growing pains at every phase, you can propel your firm to even greater heights.

Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is a thriving law firm. Stay committed to constant improvement, to industry changes, and delivering exceptional client experiences. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, cultivate a team of dedicated professionals, and remain at the forefront of legal innovation. With your unwavering dedication, your law firm will continue to flourish and solidify its position as a true industry leader.