Dealing with Change: Q&A with Managing Partner-Elect Al Dotson
Florida Trend Magazine
Publication
June 28, 2018
Q: What’s the most challenging aspect of running a law firm today?
A: Attracting and retaining talent is a challenge for any law firm, particularly in today’s cross-generational workplace. Bilzin Sumberg places high priority on leadership development because we recognize the importance of cultivating the next generation of leaders. Our associates and junior partners work one-on-one alongside senior partners, and because of our lean staffing model, our associates are provided greater opportunities for hands-on learning. This not only leads to a more cohesive firm culture, but it makes us more responsive to the needs and concerns of our next generation.
Q: How has the practice of law changed most in the past five to 10 years?
A: Clients are willing to pay for good work but are increasingly demanding that a firm understands their business objectives and provides good and efficient legal services. More than anything, clients want predictability with their legal services and fees. We accomplish this through legal project management, which is based on principles of predictability, accountability, transparency and open communication, utilizing software platforms to increase efficiency and control costs.
Q: Has your firm’s policy on pro bono work changed through the years? If so, how?
A: We augment pro bono legal services with expansive involvement by our attorneys in community-based organizations and community initiatives as leaders. We also provide financial support to numerous non-profits. All of our employees participate through our signature volunteer program, Bilzin Sumberg Cares. An example of our community engagement is the firm’s support of the development for a new $25-million five-story facility for Lotus House Women’s Shelter in Miami. On a pro bono basis, we assisted with legal work behind the real estate, financing, zoning and environmental requirements for the project. The new facility opened earlier this year and is capable of housing nearly 450 homeless women and children — providing them essential services from housing, to medical care to skills training to re-enter the workplace.
A: Attracting and retaining talent is a challenge for any law firm, particularly in today’s cross-generational workplace. Bilzin Sumberg places high priority on leadership development because we recognize the importance of cultivating the next generation of leaders. Our associates and junior partners work one-on-one alongside senior partners, and because of our lean staffing model, our associates are provided greater opportunities for hands-on learning. This not only leads to a more cohesive firm culture, but it makes us more responsive to the needs and concerns of our next generation.
Q: How has the practice of law changed most in the past five to 10 years?
A: Clients are willing to pay for good work but are increasingly demanding that a firm understands their business objectives and provides good and efficient legal services. More than anything, clients want predictability with their legal services and fees. We accomplish this through legal project management, which is based on principles of predictability, accountability, transparency and open communication, utilizing software platforms to increase efficiency and control costs.
Q: Has your firm’s policy on pro bono work changed through the years? If so, how?
A: We augment pro bono legal services with expansive involvement by our attorneys in community-based organizations and community initiatives as leaders. We also provide financial support to numerous non-profits. All of our employees participate through our signature volunteer program, Bilzin Sumberg Cares. An example of our community engagement is the firm’s support of the development for a new $25-million five-story facility for Lotus House Women’s Shelter in Miami. On a pro bono basis, we assisted with legal work behind the real estate, financing, zoning and environmental requirements for the project. The new facility opened earlier this year and is capable of housing nearly 450 homeless women and children — providing them essential services from housing, to medical care to skills training to re-enter the workplace.
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