The People Who Run Law Firms: Lessons Learned from Law Firm Leaders

Who would want to be a senior partner? Most of us want to practise law not manage lawyers. That is what we studied for. It is hard enough to keep up to date with cases and legislation without taking on other roles.

Most of us who take on a management role enjoy it. As well as being a change from dealing with clients, it is a challenge: shaping a firm’s future and setting standards and values. There is not much training available. We tend to rely on our experience of other senior partners and either follow or avoid their example.

This short and well-constructed book is described by its publishers as a special report. It is a collection of 10 interviews with managing and senior partners from leading firms from Europe and beyond. 

Author Bill Knight worked at Simmons & Simmons for 35 years, from articled clerk to senior partner. He is now a professional photographer.

The contributions are from a diverse group of lawyers, many of whom have been with their firms for their whole career. They seem approachable, committed and passionate about the law. Written in the shadow of Covid, the contributors share their experience of leadership.

Thre is good advice for everyone. Leadership is about values and standards and what people now call ‘building a brand’. It also involves recognising potential and nurturing talent.

This book offers valuable insights into leadership.

David Pickup is a partner at Pickup & Scott Solicitors, Aylesbury

• Would you be interested in writing a book review for the Law Society Gazette? The Gazette receives books on a range of legal specialisms, as well as fiction, history and biography. If you are interested please write to Nicholas Goodman indicating your specialism