Operational Analysis
 The Firm Operational Analysis process is accomplished by an experienced Attorneys Master Class Practice Advisor through a personal, on-site examination of fundamental workflow processes and procedures, staffing and support issues, and foundational problems which may be creating stress, frustration, billing and workflow bottlenecks, and staff or attorney turnover. The analysis process focuses on basic nuts-and bolts operational and process issues to identify practical problems and propose practical, individually implementable changes that can quickly return profit and efficiency to the firm.
After personal investigation, including interviews with a broad sampling of attorneys and staff, the Advisor provides a written report of identified problems and suggested solutions, and participates in a personal or telephone discussion with firm leaders to review findings and solutions.
Marketing Analysis
 While traditional analyses primarily examines the "macro" of firm marketing -- image in the community, website, advertising, letterhead and informational materials, etc. -- the Attorneys Master Class Firm Marketing Analysis focuses on the complete prospect-to-client "continuum" of marketing, from macro to micro -- individual attorney marketing skills, activities and results. While the "macro" aspects are important, the greatest revenue increase can be obtained through skills development, marketing training and practice focus, and through identifying specific ways to support individual marketing, and enhance individual skills.
During the two to five-day on-site analysis, the Practice Advisor interviews all key marketers in the firm at length, identifying each attorneys skill level, key marketing activities, strengths and weaknesses, as well as the attorney's specific needs and concerns regarding "macro" marketing issues and personal marketing support. The Advisor then provides a written report, and participates in a personal or telephone discussion with firm leaders to review findings and solutions.
Small Firm Partner Dispute Resolution
Many attorneys in small firms have inadequate or no partnership agreements. While such informal arrangements are sufficient in profitable periods, their lack becomes critical when individual and/or firm revenues decrease, when significant disagreements arise, when partners become ill or disabled, or when the partnership is to be expanded or disbanded.
Master Practice Advisor Dustin Cole has worked with numerous small firms to successfully resolve a wide range of partnership issues, many of them unique. Call for a confidential, no cost initial consultation regarding your issue.
Firm Retreats
 Firms that do not regularly conduct an effective firm retreat are at a distinct disadvantage over more focused firms due to lack of focus, clarity and urgency regarding how to most effectively respond to the rapid changes in market, technology and people.
With the expert guidance of an experienced Master Class facilitator, the firm can develop a clear focus, vision and plan for the coming year, and build consensus among the leadership team. A properly planned and executed retreat is designed to:
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Review and address current and anticipated changes in the marketplace
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Set firm priorities, visions and goals
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Unify the leadership team around those goals, and address key "people problems" such as personality conflicts, retirement of a partner, or hiring/firing decisions
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Address concerns and threats to the firm's prosperity
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Plan how to take advantage of opportunities
Experienced, focused Master Class facilitators bring new clarity, depth and urgency to otherwise familiar issues, and lead the team through effective resolution of new issues. The experienced facilitator is able to help uncover key strategies and issues, keep the team focused, and draw out undercurrents, hidden agendas and dissension that can diffuse or even defeat the most well meant strategies and plans.
Development of an effective Firm Retreat begins long before the event, with a personal on-site visit to the firm by the facilitator to interview all relevant participants, conduct a survey of the firm's facilities and staff, and review the firms current and historic revenue streams, overhead, facilities and staffing. After this visit, the facilitator works with the managing partner or key contact to develop a proposed agenda for the Retreat. After the retreat, the facilitator meets with principals by conference call to review results and discuss next steps for followup.
Master Class Succession/Retirement/Transition Program
For most firms, the issue of senior attorney retirement is complex and often difficult, involving issues of ownership, management, client development and client transition.
Attorneys Master Class works with attorneys in larger and mid-size firms, supporting both through what can sometimes be a stressful and fractious process, to maximize the desired results for both the firm and the individual attorney.
For attorneys in solo practice or in informal collaborations with others, Attorneys Master Class helps create a well-planned transition that provides the transitioning attorney with the desired result: continuing the practice by transitioning it to younger attorneys, additional income from transitioning from a valuable and successful practice, as well as the opportunity to continue practicing and stay involved with the profession at a reduced level. Attorneys Master Class advisors walk the attorney step-by-step through the complex issues, setting the stage for an ideal transition. Highly personal advisory and coaching support is provided based on the eight essential steps of succession planning:
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Building the transition timetable
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Identifying successor(s)
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Planning for ownership transition
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Planning for management transition
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Planning for leadership transition
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Planning for transition of business development
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Planning for transition of client relationships
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Revision of compensation system
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