Operations Analysis

            An in depth operations analysis will encompass any and all issues that a firm may be dealing with, including firm profitability, management and governance, attorney productivity, partner and associate compensation, practice development, office administration, dealing with senior partners, planning for the future-you name it.          

            Although I am flexible depending on the circumstances, the typical methodology I have developed begins begin with a thought provoking confidential questionnaire covering all aspects of law firm operation for each of the attorneys to complete and return to me in confidence.  I also review and analyze copies of all relevant firm reports and documents, such as profit and loss statements, attorney productivity and compensation histories, aged accounts receivable, copies of partnership/corporation documents, etc.

            The process continues with a visit to the client’s offices for the purpose of interviewing the members of the firm and any other relevant personnel, such as an office manager/administrator.  Following that visit, I provide the client with a written summary, or “word picture” of the firm, including my impressions and observations, analysis of the financial data, comparisons with other firms, etc.

            The process I have described has proven to be very effective to identify the issues and concerns and to gather the necessary information.  The final step is an exit briefing, which usually lasts a full day, at which I present and discuss my written report that contains specific recommendations on the issues identified by the review process described above.  The exit meeting is typically held about 6 to 8 weeks after my visit to the client’s offices, depending upon scheduling.