A Texas firm leads nation in growth; targeting growing practice areas, then wooing teams of attorneys, has been key to firm's steep rise

Article Abstract:

Texas law firm Jenkens and Gilchrist PC grew faster than any other US law firm from 1994-1997, growing about 86% during that time. In 1994, it was 166 in the annual National Law Journal survey of the nation's largest law firms and in 1997, was 68. The vibrant Texas economy has spurred that growth and the firm's selection of intellectual property and heavy construction law as specialties have also helped. The firm is trying to forestall economic trouble by diversifying. The attrition it has suffered is relatively low, and the good economy has helped cohesion.

Texas, Jenkens & Gilchrist P.C.

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Law firm re-engineering, starting with processes; productivity can be improved by replacing task-based specialists with functionally oriented teams

Article Abstract:

Re-engineering can improve both the efficiency and productivity of law firms. Law firms wishing to re-engineer must discard the long-used hierarchical, task-oriented approach to practicing law. The firm must first identify its goals and business processes. Then, the firm must be reorganized around processes rather than tasks. The process approach uses teams of lawyers and non-lawyers to do the work which was formerly done by department specialists. Building, managing and compensating teams is discussed.

Analysis, Industrial productivity

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A small firm: moving from sole practitioner to senior partner

Article Abstract:

Solo practice in Maryland proved educational but unstable, and the rewards of turning it into a small firm have far outweighed the drawbacks. The firm first took shape when the senior partner's bankruptcy practice was at its height, both forming a foundation and showing the need for other practice areas. The infrastructure needed to support one lawyer was equally able to support four, whose varied practice areas provided more referrals and a more stable income, while allowing narrower individual focus.

United States, Sole practitioners, Sole practitioners (Lawyers)

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