Conscious were one of many exhibitors at the annual LawNet Conference at Chesford Grange in Kenilworth. Free giveaways, (mainly sweets and chocolates) seemed to greet us at nearly every stand! Apart from ours; but then we’d filled the gap with our brand new orange pens, and the orange dogs, naturally. It was a later start than usual at the Conference, with “registration” giving an invaluable chance for networking before the conference began. In fact, networking adopted a large role throughout the day, with delegates given plenty of time to wander round the exhibitors, which we were pretty glad about, given there were rather a few of us!
After Richard's opening, it was on with the speakers. Dr. Patrick Dixon was first up and kicked off by encouraging firms to take hold of the future. If they were to recreate their firm now on paper, what would it look like? Would it look like it is now? He stressed the importance of emotion; namely how emotion drives all major decisions, be it in politics or finance. Also, it helps to form the fundamental connection and basis for trust between you and your clients.
He expressed that there was a real threat from the Asian markets, who are currently churning out more Law graduates than the UK. Indian legal graduates for example demand less money for their services and have options available for fixed fees. Employee passion and engagement formed the last part of his presentation; he hinted that employees now want more emphasis on the life part of their life-work balance. Through connecting with people and sharing their passions, they will follow you to the ends of the earth!
Next up was a time for breaks, chocolate and networking! Which for us involved talking to delegates about websites, mobile sites and trying to dissuade interested parties (you know who you are!) from stealing the orange dogs.
Next to present was Patricia Wheatley Burt, the title of which was ‘Happen-ship or Leadership’. She explained that successful firms need visionary and decisive leaders, flexibility and the ‘right people’. She talked the audience through a series of challenges; the expectations of key roles, building a legacy and different career paths. Law firms differ in their structure as well as other different ways. Patricia outlined the optimum structures for success; global and international, small, niche and boutique and traditional partnership. She also encouraged firms to retain talent, make the most of technological resources and create fulfilling career paths for employees.
Mark Hovell, Managing Partner of Manchester based firm George Davies was next up. Talking of his own experiences, (he's introduced a lot of change during his time), he explained how he'd implemented a monthly performance review regarding business plans and budgets for all fee earners, so everyone was provided with a monthly 'appraisal'. Also, he actioned a monthly intranet blog which updated all staff on news and put together an annual AGM for staff with clear updates on results and the vision, mission and strategy on the firm.
Last on was Philip Hesketh talking 'facts, feelings and after effects'. He encouraged firms to question what the most important things to them are. He covered the different 'circles of relationships', including ritual, cliche, events judgements and ideas, whilst trying to get firms to start paying compliments to staff, to make the most of employees by encouraging them to express their opinions. His speech was incredibly charismatic and engaging!
Dinner and a long night followed, but as ever, what happens on tour, stays on tour! However, there was great news on the Orange Dog front. A plan was hatched just over a year ago for the Orange Dog to go ‘off on tour’ around the country, visiting different LawNet firms to raise money for charity. With each firm putting £10 into the “charity pot”, and both LawNet and Conscious matching this amount, there was a potential of £30 to be raised for each visit. During dinner we announced that we’d raised £500 and we were giving this to the Make A Wish Foundation. In fact, the guys at Make A Wish found the “Orange Dog Charity Challenge” so creative, that they’re planning to feature him on their Facebook page! Smiles all round!