Pile On of Grow-or-Go Pressure for Global Legal Sector: In 2021 Paul Weiss Chair Brad Karp Predicted All This

China-based Yingke just launched an office in London and plans 100 more international locations beyond China by 2026. 

Baker McKenzie is coughing up not only market-level compensation to star laterals but it also is folding in guaratees. Those will be in cash and/or shares. The immediate focus is to bulk up in New York and North America. 

Meanwhile, Burns & Levinson, which couldn't find a merger partner, is shutting down operations.

This is all about the financial, business-development, branding and cultural necessity to Grow-or-Go. 

Way back in October 2021 chair of Paul Weiss and thought leader about the business of law firms - Brad Karp - projected this would happen. That was during a broad ranging interview with Bloomberg Law. Without adequate expansion, Karp hammered, law firms could go under. That expansion requires a big war chest.

Currently we are bearing witness to law firms of all sizes:

Creating high-profile offices in new locations

Engaging in mergers and acquisitions or searching for suitable partners

Poaching of star talent

Developing/beefing up organically profitable lines of business.

No slouch in this phenomenon Paul Weiss is building its presence in London. That involved two raids of talent from Kirkland & Ellis. 

It also has its eye on the Houston energy market and how to enter it from a position of strength.

Its unique Gen AI podcast reinforces its branding in technology. 

The expansion is also in the direction of increasing its influence in national and state politics. That's through both fundraising and supplying talent such as partner Karen Dunn, Kamala Harris' debate coach.

The Grow-or-Go reality reaches beyond the legal sector. 

In positioning and packaging my intuitive coaching/tarot reading practices in the southwest, where I recently relocated, I am also being squeezed by constituencies to provide more and more. 

If I don't roll that out in the form of additional in-person time and workshops they will go elsewhere. 

Like Karp said, that costs money. I have to invest in everything from renting more space to a range of options in branded professional attire to promotional material informing what's next in services and special events. 

Grow-or-Go could be the new survival mode for most business, even small business.  As the old saying makes very clear: You are either all-in or you're out.

Life is hard. Business is even more difficult these days. Get answers – and relief. Jane Genova is a results-driven intuitive coach, tarot reader and content-creator related to careers. Complimentary consultation (please text/phone 203-468-8579 or email janegenova374@gmail.com)


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