Learning from Law Firm Leaders

Drawing on interviews with 31 leaders from law firms of all sizes and types, Manch, a director of learning and development at a law firm, and Nash, managing director of talent development for an organization that consults with law firms, associations, and law schools and develops curricula on professional development topics, describe the essential nature of leadership as illustrated by these leaders and how firms can nurture and develop future leaders, for law firm business strategists, chief advertising officers, and firm leaders at any stage of their career. They discuss the concept of followership, what makes effective leaders tick, what influences them to invest their time and energy in the firm, their individual paths to leadership, their personal traits and skills, core leadership competencies, effective communication and interpersonal style, mentoring, creating a vision, diversity, succession planning, their approaches, and lessons learned, as well as a model leadership development program and advice for next-generation leaders. Annotation c2013 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Susan G. Manch has more than thirty years of experience helping lawyers and others maximize career paths and practices. She resides in Washington, DC.

Michelle C. Nash has over two decades of concentrated experience in the area of legal professional development. She develops curriculum and presents seminars,programs, and workshops on a wide variety of professional development topics. She lives in Washington, DC.