EP #60: Future-Proofing Your Law Firm: An Honest Conversation about Strategy and Growth with Chris Batz
Description
Many firms say they have a Law Firm Strategy, but few actually do. In this episode, Chris Batz breaks down what true strategy looks like inside corporate law firms and why clarity must come before growth. He introduces his framework for effective law firm strategy, the "three P's": positioning, perception, and competition. He explains how each reveals the gap between where a firm stands today and where it aims to be. From understanding client perception to benchmarking against competitors, he outlines how to replace internal optimism with market reality and strategic focus.
Chris also tackles the forces reshaping the legal marketplace—AI, private equity, and shifting client expectations—and how they demand a more agile, evidence-based approach to law firm strategy. Rather than chasing growth for its own sake, Chris argues that firms must make disciplined trade-offs, align behavior with purpose, and revisit their strategy regularly to stay relevant.
This episode challenges leaders to ask: when was the last time your law firm strategy reflected the market you're actually competing in?
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 What Law Firm Strategy Really Means
01:00 The Three P's: Positioning, Perception, and Competition
03:00 How to Define Your Market Position
06:20 Why Client Perception Shapes Reality
11:10 Building Credibility and Market Visibility
14:00 Adapting Strategy to Client Needs and Market Change
17:30 Common Pitfalls and the Strategy Gap
20:50 Growth Decisions: Lateral Hires vs. Mergers
23:25 On Law Firm Strategy
Connect with Chris Batz:
Connect with Chris on LinkedIn
Follow Columbus Street on LinkedIn
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm
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