Leadership in the Modern Law Firm

Australian law firms are at an inflection point. Externally, disruptive forces ranging from innovative technology, sustainability and new competitors are rapidly changing the practice of law. Internally, firms face concerns around retention, wellbeing and intergenerational demographics. Addressing these challenges requires effective leadership. However, the scarcity of literature and resources tailored to leadership in law firms, especially in the Australian context, poses problems for lawyers who seek direction on how best to navigate these profoundly transformative times. This article seeks to address the deficiency in lawyer-leader education. It proceeds on the basis that leadership is a skill that can be learnt, but requires understanding of context, here the modern law firm. The article then puts forward recommendations for how law firm leadership may be improved and developed.