As a consultant for law firms and other professional organisations, one of the most important aspects I stress to my clients is the importance of having a clear set of values and goals for their law firm.

Values and goals serve as a guide for the firm’s members, helping to ensure that everyone is working towards a common purpose and is aligned in their efforts. Without a clear set of values and goals, law firms can easily become bogged down by confusion and inefficiencies, struggling to achieve the success they are capable of.

Some relevant points to consider:

1. Having a clear set of values and goals allows a law firm to ensure that all members are working towards a common purpose and are aligned in their efforts. This is especially important in a small to medium law firm of 15-20 lawyers, where the effects of inertia and entropy can be particularly pronounced. For example, without a clear direction, a small law firm may struggle to grow, with lawyers focusing only on maintaining their current clients rather than seeking new business opportunities.
2. When values and goals are not clearly defined, it can lead to confusion and inefficiencies in the firm, as lawyers may not be sure of what is expected of them or where the firm is headed. This can lead to a lack of productivity, and ultimately, a loss of revenue for the firm.
3. Having a clear set of values and goals also helps to create a sense of cohesion and resonance within the firm, as all members are working towards the same objectives. This sense of unity can help to build a more successful and efficient law firm.
4. One practical example of how a lack of values and goals can negatively impact a small law firm is when the expectations of the firm and the lawyers are misaligned. For example, a firm that values promptness and efficiency in their work may expect their lawyers to meet tight deadlines and respond quickly to client inquiries. However, if the lawyers do not share this value, they may prioritize other aspects of their work over promptness. This lack of alignment can lead to conflicts and a lack of cooperation among the lawyers, ultimately hurting the firm’s bottom line.
5. Another example is when a law firm values integrity and ethical behavior, but the lawyers may not share this value. This can lead to issues such as lawyers taking on clients or cases that the firm would not approve of, or engaging in unethical practices. This can damage the firm’s reputation and lead to potential legal consequences.

In conclusion, clear values and goals, supported by an appraisal system and relevant KPIs, are essential for any law firm. Without them, law firms can struggle to achieve success and avoid conflicts or misalignment of focus. By keeping values such as excellence, promptness, and integrity at the forefront of their minds and tracking progress with relevant KPIs, law firms can operate at their full potential.