HedsUP! From Hedley Consulting

Welcome to the Summer 2010
issue of HedsUP!

Changed Minds

"My dear friend, clear
your mind of can’t."
Samuel Johnson

June 10

The challenge of change remains the most pressing issue facing firms. Overcoming longstanding, deeply held assumptions about the way in which a professional should, or can, operate is the cultural roadblock that many need to overcome.

A different way of thinking must permeate all aspects of the firm. A changed mindset to address the “how”, “who” and “where” elements of operational efficiency is key. But most importantly a different perspective on the “what” aspects of business vision is required.

What sort of firm do we want to be? What do our target clients and markets need today and in the future? What should our service profile look like and how can we develop it? What shape of infrastructure is needed to support this? What sort of people do we need? Answering these strategic questions with clarity allows the business to plot a course with high levels of certainty.

I hope that you enjoy this issue of HedsUP! If you have any questions or would like further information please do not hesitate to contact me.

Best wishes,

Andrew Hedley

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On your desktop

Merging Cultures
Published in Managing Partner Magazine

The principle drivers behind law firm mergers are fundamentally economics and sustainable competitive position, but at the core of their long-term success is the ability to create a unified culture and shared sense of purpose. Even in the most unbalanced of law firm marriages, it is a foolhardy managing partner that ignores levels of cultural fit and doesn’t take action to resolve deep-seated cultural differences. Dealt with early, such idiosyncrasies can be resolved quickly and effectively. Left to fester, they become all pervasive and difficult to purge.

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A New Model of Partnership
Published in Managing Partner magazine

Being a partner isn’t what it used to be! The economic climate, impending deregulation, ever rising client demands, attitudinal changes (both in society and among young professionals), the apparent obsolescence of the historic charging model and the impact of IT on process efficiency are all catalysts forcing change in many firms. As leaders of the firm, partners must be in the vanguard of this change process.

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Fit for the Future
Published in Legal Week Student

What sort of world will the law firms of tomorrow inhabit? How will firms respond to changing client demands? What will the fundamental economics of a legal services business look like in ten years? What skills will be needed to succeed and where will they be acquired? These are some of the core questions which the leaders of major law firms consider regularly and which guide their strategies. They are also crucial issues for individuals who are ambitious to succeed in the profession over the next decade.

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News Bytes

MPF European Practice Management Awards 2010

Andrew Hedley will again be a member of the judging panel of the MPF Annual European Practice Management Awards. Europe’s premier awards for excellence in professional services management, now in their 9th year, showcasing leadership in a wide range of management disciplines. The ceremony and gala dinner will take place on 14th October in London. For more information about the awards click here or to download a copy of the guidelines and entry form click here.

Innovative Leadership Programme for Lawyers

The newly launched LawNet Strategic Leadership and Management programme will be led by Andrew Hedley. Having been involved in the development of this innovative approach to leadership development he will now be central to its delivery. The programme has been designed in the context of the growing deregulation of the profession and the impact of the Legal Services Act, by providing a route to develop the talent that will be needed to lead and manage law firms in the future.
Access the LawNet Academy website to explore the programme in more detail or download a copy of the brochure. To read the programme launch press release click here.

Sharplegal Advisory Board

Andrew Hedley has been invited to join the advisory board of Sharplegal the leading global legal market management survey produced by Acritas. The advisory board is made up of 21 key individuals from law firms, the General Counsel community and advisors to both private practice and in house. Members are drawn from the Europe, the USA, Asia and the Middle East. To read more about Sharplegal click here and to learn about the Advisory Board and its members click here.

Developing Strategic Client Relationships Report

Andrew Hedley’s comprehensive report, Developing Strategic Client Relationships, published by ARK Group, continues to attract purchasers from around the world. Running to over 150 pages, with case studies of leading firms and ground breaking initiatives in this area, the report brings a much needed strategic perspective to client development and relationship management. For more information about the report and to order a copy click here.

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