law firm equity structures
DESCRIPTION
Through insightful case studies, facilitated discussion, andinteractive audience participation, this unique event will enabledelegates to devise a fair and rewarding equity structure that'sappropriate and successful for their firm.TRANSCRIPT
A sound equity structure is absolutely key to a firm's culture and its ability to compete, but it is incredibly difficult for a fractious firm to face up to any problems at the heart of their structure, let alone change. As law firms struggle to achieve competitive edge in very difficult times, this conference will be an opportunity to learn from a highly experienced panel of speakers from a broad range of firms on how they see these issues and are responding to the challenges.
Richard Turnor, Partner, Maurice Turnor Gardner LLP and Conference Chair
Researched by:
Devising a fair and rewarding equity structure that’s appropriate for your firm
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One-day conference1 15 October 2009, London
Managing Partner magazine presents
To claim your CPD points for this event, please quote: ANS/ARCO
Law Firm Equity Structures
Book before 14 August 2009
and save £149
Researched by:
This brochure is printed using Forest Stewardship Council Accredited paper
Why you can't afford to miss this event:Real-life » case studies from leading law firms
Opportunities to pose your own burning » questions and seek expert advice
Plenty of » interaction for optimum learning experience
Superb » networking opportunities for building useful contacts
Explore » in detail the pros and cons of different profit sharing systems
Assess » the impact of the recession on your firm’s equity structure
Highlights include:Mark Jones, Chairman for Addleshaw Goddard LLP on assessing » the impact of the recession on your firm’s equity structure; managing in a downturn and preparing for an upturn
Fox Williams LLP, DMH Stallard Solicitors LLP and Wilsons Solicitors LLP on why »different law firms have taken different approaches to profit sharing systems
Nicola Davies, Chief Executive, Mourant on » managing and measuring performance to improve effectiveness and drive your firm’s profitability and competitive advantage
5 easy ways to registertel: 020 7549 2500
fax: 020 7324 2373
e-mail: [email protected]
web: www.ark-group.com
or see back page for mailing details
Expert contributions from:
Addleshaw Goddard LLP »
Burness LLP »
Dickinson Dees LLP »
DMH Stallard Solicitors LLP »
Fox Williams LLP »
Hill Dickinson LLP »
Maurice Turnor Gardner LLP »
Mourant »
Shoosmiths »
Weightmans LLP »
Wilsons Solicitors LLP »
tel: 020 7549 2500 fax: 020 7324 2373 e-mail: [email protected] web: www.ark-group.com
WHY THIS EVENT?Devising the right equity structure for your firm, particularly in terms of how the equity is shared, has become a much debated issue.
A well devised equity structure can foster a collegiate and supportive environment and a client-oriented culture that enables the firm to attract and retain highly motivated and successful people, leading to satisfied clients and a successful firm.
A poorly devised equity structure can create a dysfunctional environment, in which energy is diverted into internal power struggles, so that the firm struggles to retain and recruit good talent leading to dissatisfied clients and a less profitable firm.
Therefore it is absolutely vital that firms get their equity structure right and review their equity structure regularly to reflect changing market conditions and firm needs.
Managing Partner's one-day Law Firm Equity Structures conference will explore how different law firms currently structure their equity, examine the pros and cons of different models, and assess the impact on a firm’s recruitment, retention, motivation, performance, and brand.
Targeted at UK law firm senior decision makers, this event will also consider how law firm equity structures are adapting in response to economic and regulatory change.
Highlights include:
Mark Jones, Chairman for Addleshaw Goddard LLP on »assessing the impact of the recession on your firm’s equity structure; managing in a downturn and preparing for an upturn
Fox Williams LLP, DMH Stallard Solicitors LLP and Wilsons »Solicitors LLP on why different law firms have taken different approaches to profit sharing systems
Nicola Davies, Chief Executive, Mourant on » managing and measuring performance to improve effectiveness and drive your firm’s profitability and competitive advantage
Through insightful case studies, facilitated discussion, and interactive audience participation, this unique event will enable delegates to devise a fair and rewarding equity structure that's appropriate and successful for their firm.
To maximise delegates’ learning at this event, Chatham House Rule will apply.
Senior partners »
Managing partners »
Partners »
Heads of practice »
CEOs »
COOs »
CFOs »
Finance directors »
HR Directors »
Partnership secretaries »
ADVISORY BOARD
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Previous delegate comments from our law firm equity structures events, led by Richard Turnor, present Chair for this event:
"Excellent thought-provoking content."
"A lot of thought-provoking topics raised. I got far more out of it than I had expected. The attendees were interesting, chatty and
open in exchanging ideas."
"Very competent facilitator with a great deal of knowledge and experience with regards to course content."
"Very relaxed, experienced, thoughtful. Style was very good. Open discussion helpful."
"Very well informed and prompted with good questions."
Implementing a new equity structure »
Profit sharing systems »
The impact of the recession »
Managing and measuring performance »
Governance »
Reputation and brand »
The Legal Services Act »
Age discrimination rules »
PAST FEEDBACK
KEY AREAS OF FOCUS INCLUDE:
This event has been validated and researched with a wide range of law firm senior decision makers. We are grateful for the ideas they have provided us with for the speakers and the programme content. In particular our special thanks go to the following for their invaluable input:
Rachel Khiara, Partner, ADDLESHAW GODDARD LLP
Michael Shaw, Managing Partner, COBBETTS LLP
Rafiq Ahmad, Finance Director, ANTHONY GOLD SOLICITORS LLP
Simon Thackray, Managing Partner, THACKRAY WILLIAMS LLPLouis Manches, Senior Partner, MANCHES LLP
tel: 020 7549 2500 fax: 020 7324 2373 e-mail: [email protected] web: www.ark-group.com
Thursday, 15 October 200909:00 Registration and refreshments
09:30 Chair’s opening remarks
Richard Turnor, Partner, Maurice Turnor Gardner LLP
09:40 Exploring law firm equity structures and comparing profit sharing systems
Examining the pros and cons of the different profit sharing »systems - lockstep, merit-based systems and hybrid systemsHow can the different profit sharing systems impact on »competitiveness and the culture and values of a firmExamining the benefits of non-equity and fixed share tiers »of partnersAddressing capital profit sharing, reserves, and loss sharing »structures in your firm’s partnership agreementConsidering the impact of age discrimination rules on »equity structure
Peter Jackson, Managing Partner, Hill Dickinson LLP
PANEL DISCUSSION
10:20 Examining why different law firms have taken different approaches to profit sharing systems
Facilitated by the chair, this session will engage audience and panel members alike in an interactive and open discussion.
Assessing the advantages and disadvantages of different profit »sharing systemsWhat’s the best way to structure your firm’s equity partnership »that is sustainable for the future?Determining the best equity model for your firm »
Tina Williams, Senior Partner, Fox Williams LLP
Simon Bellm, Partner, DMH Stallard Solicitors LLP
Jonathan Stephens, Managing Partner, Wilsons Solicitors LLP
11:20 Morning coffee break
11:50 Changing your firm’s equity structure
Identifying strengths and weaknesses of your existing structure »What are you trying to achieve? »How will it affect different partners and groups? »Avoiding damage to the firm's culture and values and securing »partner buy-inImplementing a new profit sharing system and ensuring its success »
Philip Rodney, Chairman, Burness LLP
12:30 Assessing the impact of the recession on your firm’s equity structure; managing in a downturn and preparing for an upturn
Addressing the financial challenges a recession brings »including falling turnover, rising lock up, bad debts, cash flow issues and counterparty riskHow should equity partners be rewarded in a difficult economic »climate? Sharing reduced profits and losses and coping with the insolvency riskManaging partner de-equitisation, exits and a partnership »restructure - what are the pitfalls and opportunities?Mergers or demergers and the impact on equity structure »
Positioning your firm so you are competitively and »advantageously placed when the recovery happens
Mark Jones, Chairman, Addleshaw Goddard LLP
13:10 Networking lunch break
14:10 Managing and measuring performance to improve effectiveness and drive your firm’s profitability and competitive advantage
Identifying and reviewing the criteria for evaluating performance »Measuring individual performance against each set of criteria »Evaluating your firm’s leadership in examining individual »performanceDeveloping an effective appraisal process including 360° and »self-appraisals, feedback, and provision of financial informationExamining the effectiveness of the appraisal team »Developing individual business plans and agreeing »performance targetsUsing coaching and mentoring techniques to maximise »individual potentialDealing with underperforming partners »
Nicola Davies, Chief Executive, Mourant
14:50 Reviewing governance elements of equity
The need for effective management »Identifying effective managers »The importance of transparency and accountability »The non executive role and committees »The role of the wider firm and voting systems »
Paul Stothard, Former Chief Executive, Shoosmiths
15:30 Afternoon coffee break
16:00 The impact of the Legal Services Act on law firm equity structures
How will external investment impact on a firm’s equity structure »and what are investors looking for in a firm’s equity?The impact of the LSA on equity profit sharing »How will investments be structured? »How will external investment impact on a firm’s culture and »management approach?Examining the valuation and accounting issues »
Robin Bloom, Senior Partner, Dickinson Dees LLP
16:40 Understanding how your equity structure is perceived
How important is law firm reputation and brand? »Understanding how your firm’s equity structure and culture »influences your firm’s reputation and brand How important is a firm’s perceived profitability? »Should PEP influence equity structure? »
Patrick Gaul, Managing Partner, Weightmans LLP
17:20 Chair’s closing remarks
17:30 Close of conference
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PLEASE PHOTOCOPY THIS FORM TO REGISTER FURTHER DELEGATES
WAYS TO REGISTER1. Fax: +44 (0)20 7324 2373
2. Tel: +44 (0)20 7549 2500
3. E-mail: [email protected]
4. Online: www.ark-group.com
5. Post to: Marketing Department, The Ark Group, Paulton House, 8 Shepherdess Walk, London, N1 7LB, UK
TO SAVE MONEY ON THIS CONFERENCE1. Book before 14 August 2009 to claim
your 20% early bird discount*
2. Book in groups, please call for a group discount
3. Take out a subscription to Managing Partner magazine and receive a 10% discount
Contact the Marketing Department on: Tel: +44 (0)20 7549 2500E-mail: [email protected]
To claim your CPD hours for the conference,please quote ANS/ARCO
CAN’T MAKE THE EVENT?Event media is available containing speakers’ slides and biographies in various formats. Choose from:
Hard copy documentation (black & white) - £210+VAT/E241+VAT
CD-ROM (single-user license) - £240+VAT/E276+VAT
CD-ROM (site license) - £710+VAT/E817+VAT
Contact the Marketing Department on: Tel: +44 (0)20 7549 2500E-mail: [email protected]
VENUE & ACCOMMODATIONPlease let us know if you require assistance with finding accomodation. For more information please contact Anton Ersare on:Tel: +44 (0)20 7549 8694E-mail: [email protected]
EXHIBITION & SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIESAre you interested in sponsoring or exhibiting at this event?For more information please contact Dipa Patel on:Tel: +44 (0)20 7549 2554E-mail: [email protected]
TRAINING COURSESArk Group can provide bespoke training courses on any of our events.For more information please contact Olivia Palmer on:Tel: +44 (0)20 7566 5792E-mail: [email protected]
DELEGATE DETAILS
One-day conference: £745 + VAT / E857 + VAT
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One-day conference 15 October 2009, London
Booking ref: 1297-09c
BOOKING CONDITIONS1. Bookings can be submitted at any stage prior to the event, subject to availability. A limited allocation is being held and booking early is therefore recom-mended. In the event of the booking not being accepted by Ark Group the total amount will be refunded.2. Payment must be received in full prior to the course.3. All speakers are correct at the time of printing, but are subject to variation without notice.4. If the delegate cancels after the booking has been accepted, the delegate will be liable to the following cancellation charges: Cancellations notified over 45 days prior to the event will not incur a cancellation fee In the event of a cancellation being between 45 and 30 days prior to the event, a 20% cancellation fee will be charged For cancellations received less than 30 days prior to the event, the full delegate rate must be paid and no refunds will be available5. All bookings submitted by e-mail, fax, post, or over the telephone are subject to these booking conditions.6. All cancellations must be received in writing.7. Ark Group will not be held liable for circumstances beyond their control which lead to the cancellation or variation of the programme.8. All bookings, whether UK or overseas will be charged UK VAT.9. The prices quoted in Euros are the correct conversion rate at the time of print.10. *This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other Ark Group promotion or offer.11. Ark Group reserves the right to reject any booking at any time prior to the event, without explanation.
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PLEASE NOTEArk Group cannot be responsible for assisting potential delegates in obtaining visas to the country in which this event is being held. Delegates are responsible for their own travel, and visa requirements.
Law Firm Equity Structures
20% discount when booked before 14 August 2009
15% discount when booked before 2 September 2009
10% discount when booked before 30 September 2009