Managing a Law Firm

Managing a Law Firm


There is a timeless truth in our profession that every attorney eventually confronts: being a brilliant legal tactician does not automatically make you a successful business owner. Running a modern law firm requires an entirely separate skillset—one that balances financial precision, operational scaling, and team culture.

If you are ready to stop firefighting administrative tasks and start building a highly profitable, scalable enterprise on your own terms, explore our complete, interactive master handbook: Managing a Law Firm: The Modern Partner’s Blueprint.

For targeted strategies, quick operational toolkits, and curated expert columns, browse our deep-dive archives directly below.


sponsoring women business lunch
Sponsors Are the New Mentors, Especially for Women Lawyers

Ida Abbott | Why don't more men sponsor women? As partners and leaders, men have accepted the responsibility to develop all the best talent — but they are losing the female half of that talent pool.

Ida O. Abbott - April 1, 2026
Connections book cover: an actionable business development guide for solo and small firm lawyers.
Book Review: Actionable Guidance on Business Development for Solo and Small Firm Lawyers

Book Review | Looking for an actionable business development guide? "Connections" provides the roadmap solo and small firm lawyers need.

Gene Commander - April 1, 2026
Pixelated lawyer portrait representing AI and unauthorized practice of law.
When ChatGPT Becomes Co-Counsel: A Cautionary Tale About AI and the Unauthorized Practice of Law

Brooke Lively | It finally happened. OpenAI got sued for the unauthorized practice of law. Is it a preview of the legal profession's AI-shaped future — and what should lawyers tell their clients now?

Brooke Lively - March 26, 2026
A person holding a tablet displaying a law firm emergency plan next to a laptop and charts.
Every Lawyer Needs a ‘Red Folder’: 5 Things That Keep Your Firm Alive Without You

Tom Lenfestey | What happens to your firm if you can’t show up on Monday? Your emergency plan should include these five things to keep your practice from imploding in your absence. I call it the red folder.

Tom Lenfestey - March 25, 2026
managed service provider
Managed Services for Law Firms: What Is an MSP and Why Is It Essential for Small Law Firms?

Ted Glutz | MSPs can provide small firms with technology strategies and solutions usually reserved for large firms with in-house IT teams.

Ted Glutz - March 24, 2026
Outsourcing Legal Research
Why and How to Outsource Legal Research and Brief Writing

Lisa Solomon outlines five useful things to know about hiring freelance lawyers for legal research and brief writing.

Lisa Solomon - March 24, 2026
law firm time entry process
5 Tips to Make Time Entry Less Painful for Lawyers

Streamline your time-entry process and you will stop losing money. Karen and David Skinner have five tips to help you fix it now.

David and Karen Skinner - March 12, 2026
Analyzing financial charts, representing the complexity of selling a small law firm.
Law Firm Marketplace Realities: Why Finding a Buyer Is Harder Than You Think

The marketplace for buying and selling law firms is immature and difficult to navigate. Indeed, says Roy Ginsburg, it’s pretty darn fickle. Here’s why, based on his experience of more than a decade brokering law firms nationwide.

Roy S. Ginsburg - March 11, 2026
Attorney at work question bubbles for hiring an associate attorney guide.
Is Your Firm Ready for Your First (or Next) Associate? Four Questions

Katie Lipp | Why do you want to grow your law firm? Protect your money and momentum by honestly answering these four questions for your post the job.

Katie Lipp - March 10, 2026
Red location pin on a green hill representing growth in niche land markets.
2026 Growth Map: How Real Estate Attorneys Can Expand into Niche Land Markets

If you are looking to expand your real estate practice, look to niche land markets (think data centers and solar farms) beyond the suburbs and city centers. If you are looking to expand your real estate practice, look to niche land markets ...

Robert Scott - March 2, 2026
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