And, have you ever seen an attorney with years of experience shift from lawyering a contract to captivating a jury? There’s some kind of magic there. Managing a leading a law firm cannot be any lesser than marshaling a team, steering a ship, reading a room, converting anxiety into momentum – think of a partner dealing with clients, mentoring juniors, and still sparing time to prepare for a keynote. It’s akin to trying to herd cats with law degrees.
Great leadership here needs to be crystal clear. No more ambiguous instructions. For any team, they need clear expectations to thrive. See a Monday morning whenever a team gathers with a clear focus: “Merger first, Lunch break, and then after, an appeal for an example set. Not fluff. Just direction. But it’s not all about charts and deadlines. Empathy fills in cracks. Instead of lecturing a junior associate about an overdue deadline, just say “Walk me through where you are facing difficulties.”
Now Public Speaking. Lawyers; creatures of language, yet many avoid the stage as hellfire. Here’s the spin: Persuasion is not about perfection. It’s connection. Think of one trial lawyer you know of whose plot doesn’t seem right yet makes a funny just after. No one starts frowning at that. Why? Originality beats polish every time.
Also, how you breathe matters. Like makes a hell of a difference. Reason partner’ “I visualize I am consuming a good bottle of bourbon, like slowly, every word deliberate and peaceful before I speak”. This is no drama. Just continuity spells it out. Breaks after key points. Pauses after sentences. See a veteran litigator—silence is a strategy.
Frames also help in Speaking. Start with a hook, ditch the “I’m honored to be here.” for “3 years back a single case changed my entire insight to justice”. People get glued to Stories, yet data just convinces but stories catch fire. Quite a scene when a corporate counselor won rage fans by likening contract clauses to thrashy splits. Laughter to break the ice.
Speaking-Practice first, No exceptions. Try it in your bathroom, in a car and even whilst taking your dog out for a walk. For just an example, one managing partner secretly records speeches and then mercilessly critiques them with every single possible point involved. Tough love much? maybe just how required. Feedback acts as fuel.
Leading your firm targets; one cardinal truth that is flexibility. Able to change strategies as quick as the law and adapt. Also, a speaker gets the vibe—drops the slides if eyes remain dim and shifts to Q&A when the audience distracted. Flexibility isn’t a sign of weaknes