More midsize firms use lateral recruiting to hire nonlawyer managers
Nonlawyer managers with business and financial backgrounds are growing in popularity at midsize firms, and law firms are using lateral recruiting to find them, legal consultants say.
Some midsize firms are hiring chief operating officers or executive directors, though their roles vary, the Legal Intelligencer (sub. req.). reports. Their responsibilities can range from overseeing financial issues to having “a credible say” in firm governance, the article reports.
Legal management consultant Jeff Coburn told the Legal Intelligencer that technical skills aren’t the only important qualities in nonlawyer managers. Those holding the position will also need political skills so they can collaborate and negotiate with partners and the management committee, he said.
