Dealing with underperforming partners is one of those topics firm leaders avoid. No one wants to have “the talk”.
You can turn to me . . . the Partner Whisperer. Many firms handle the underperformer in a punitive fashion by reducing compensation or de-equitizing the partner. There is another way to address this issue. I help the attorney distill their purpose to rebuild their future.
“You really set me on a path that led me to the success I was struggling so hard to find. I can never thank you enough.”
- Gregory Monday, Family Business Lawyer at Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren
“Thanks Sharon, for you enthusiastic insights. You helped me.”
- Thomas Nork, Partner, Holman Fenwick Willan LLP
“We were delighted to have Sharon orchestrate and conduct a session to address a key law firm issue – how to identify and turn around problem Partners. Sharon is vibrant and very knowledgeable, so the session was dynamic, engaging and very well received by member firms across our legal network, many of whom are now putting Sharon’s advice into practice.”
- Keith Heddle, Managing Director at Mackrell International
July 14, 2022 Presentatiion for The Successful Firm Project
expertise in working with partners
INTERVIEW
Practicing Law Institute: PD Insider Video
Dr. Sharon Meit Abrahams, president of Legal Talent Advisors LLC, spoke to Craig Miller over videoconference for an illuminating discussion about best strategies for supporting and coaching underperforming partners. Using her extensive industry experience, she explores the complex ways of measuring partner performance and offers candid and actionable advice based on her own success with coaching at a wide range of top law firms. Watch the interview here.
ARTICLES
Problem Partners
All firms have it. Underperforming partners are a pain point for many firms. Read the article now.
Undercutting the Cost of Underperforming Attorneys Is Your Responsibility
The cost to a firm is not only to the bottom line, but to your reputation as a leader. Read the article now.
From Problem Partner to Productive Partner: Helping Your Law Firms’ Underperformers
It can be stressful to coach your own partners, but, it can also be rewarding. Read the article now.
CLE PROGRAMS
Underperforming Attorneys: From Problem Partner to Productive Partner
Dealing with underperforming partners is a cringeworthy topic. No one wants to have “the talk” with the underperformer. To be an effective leader and move your firm forward, you have to address this situation no matter how uncomfortable it makes you. Schedule a program for your firm, association, or legal network to learn what you can do.
“As a practice group leader, I found Sharon’s perspective invaluable in helping lawyers gain the practical knowledge and insight to continue to develop their professional and personal skill-sets. She is able to quickly gain trust with the folks she is coaching and has a unique approach that allows her to connect with so many personality types. Through the use of assessment tools, goal setting, and specific action steps, she helps attorneys hold themselves accountable for their growth and achieve their professional aspirations.”
- David S. Sanders, Vice-Chair, Business Law Department/ Co-ChairTrade Secret/Noncompete Specialty Practice, Foley & Lardner LLP
“Sharon has been a long-time mentor for developing and growing my practice. Sharon has the rare ability to take both a macro and micro approach to coaching by focusing on big career goals as well as giving tips to be used daily in your practice. Sharon is a relentlessly positive force with passion to help others reach their highest potential in legal practice.”
- Jeremy Elman, Counsel at White & Case LLP
Dr. Abrahams, thank you again for an outstanding presentation (From Problem Partner to Productive Partner) to our chapter today. You shared valuable, relevant information with action items we can each implement at our firms.
Gretchen L. Luessenheide, Executive Director, Barna Guzy & Steffen, Education Chair ALAMN
previous Presentations
