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One-day conference
15 October 2009, London
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14 August 2009
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Managing Partner magazine presents

Law Firm Equity Structures

Devising a fair and rewarding equity structure that’s appropriate for your firm

" 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

Why you can't afford to miss this event: Expert contributions from:
» Real-life case studies from leading law firms » Addleshaw Goddard LLP
» Opportunities to pose your own burning questions and seek expert advice
» Burness LLP
» Plenty of interaction for optimum learning experience
» Dickinson Dees LLP
» Superb networking opportunities for building useful contacts
» DMH Stallard Solicitors LLP
» Explore in detail the pros and cons of different profit sharing systems
» Fox Williams LLP
» Assess the impact of the recession on your firm’s equity structure
» Hill Dickinson LLP
Highlights include:
» Maurice Turnor Gardner LLP
» Mark Jones, Chairman for Addleshaw Goddard LLP on assessing the impact
of the recession on your firm’s equity structure; managing in a downturn » Mourant
and preparing for an upturn
» Fox Williams LLP, DMH Stallard Solicitors LLP and Wilsons Solicitors LLP on why » Shoosmiths
different law firms have taken different approaches to profit sharing systems
» Weightmans LLP
» Nicola Davies, Chief Executive, Mourant on managing and measuring
performance to improve effectiveness and drive your firm’s profitability and » Wilsons Solicitors LLP
competitive advantage

Researched by:
5 easy ways to register
tel: 020 7549 2500 e-mail: events@ark-group.com
fax: 020 7324 2373 web: www.ark-group.com
or see back page for mailing details
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.
KEY AREAS OF FOCUS INCLUDE:
A well devised equity structure can foster a collegiate and » Implementing a new equity structure
supportive environment and a client-oriented culture that enables
the firm to attract and retain highly motivated and successful » Profit sharing systems
people, leading to satisfied clients and a successful firm.
» The impact of the recession

A poorly devised equity structure can create a dysfunctional » Managing and measuring performance
environment, in which energy is diverted into internal power
struggles, so that the firm struggles to retain and recruit good » Governance
talent leading to dissatisfied clients and a less profitable firm. » Reputation and brand

Therefore it is absolutely vital that firms get their equity structure » The Legal Services Act
right and review their equity structure regularly to reflect » Age discrimination rules
changing market conditions and firm needs.

Managing Partner's one-day Law Firm Equity Structures PAST FEEDBACK

conference will explore how different law firms currently structure Previous delegate comments from our law firm equity structures
their equity, examine the pros and cons of different models, and events, led by Richard Turnor, present Chair for this event:
assess the impact on a firm’s recruitment, retention, motivation,
performance, and brand.
"Excellent thought-provoking content."

Targeted at UK law firm senior decision makers, this event will "A lot of thought-provoking topics raised. I got far more out of it
also consider how law firm equity structures are adapting in than I had expected. The attendees were interesting, chatty and
response to economic and regulatory change. open in exchanging ideas."
"Very competent facilitator with a great deal of knowledge and
Highlights include: experience with regards to course content."
"Very relaxed, experienced, thoughtful. Style was very good.
» Mark Jones, Chairman for Addleshaw Goddard LLP on Open discussion helpful."
assessing the impact of the recession on your firm’s equity "Very well informed and prompted with good questions."
structure; managing in a downturn and preparing for an upturn
» Fox Williams LLP, DMH Stallard Solicitors LLP and Wilsons ADVISORY BOARD
Solicitors LLP on why different law firms have taken
different approaches to profit sharing systems This event has been validated and researched with a wide
range of law firm senior decision makers. We are grateful for
» Nicola Davies, Chief Executive, Mourant on managing and
the ideas they have provided us with for the speakers and the
measuring performance to improve effectiveness and drive
programme content. In particular our special thanks go to the
your firm’s profitability and competitive advantage following for their invaluable input:

Through insightful case studies, facilitated discussion, and Rachel Khiara, Partner, ADDLESHAW GODDARD LLP
interactive audience participation, this unique event will enable
Michael Shaw, Managing Partner, COBBETTS LLP
delegates to devise a fair and rewarding equity structure that's
appropriate and successful for their firm. Rafiq Ahmad, Finance Director, ANTHONY GOLD
SOLICITORS LLP
Simon Thackray, Managing Partner, THACKRAY WILLIAMS LLP
To maximise delegates’ learning at this event, Chatham House
Louis Manches, Senior Partner, MANCHES LLP
Rule will apply.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND? » Partners » CFOs

» Heads of practice » Finance directors
» Senior partners » CEOs » HR Directors
» Managing partners » COOs » Partnership secretaries

tel: 020 7549 2500 fax: 020 7324 2373 e-mail: e

 AGENDA
Thursday, 15 October 2009
09:00 Registration and refreshments » Positioning your firm so you are competitively and
advantageously placed when the recovery happens
09:30 Chair’s opening remarks Mark Jones, Chairman, Addleshaw Goddard LLP

Richard Turnor, Partner, Maurice Turnor Gardner LLP

13:10 Networking lunch break

09:40 Exploring law firm equity structures and comparing profit

sharing systems 14:10 Managing and measuring performance to improve effectiveness
» Examining the pros and cons of the different profit sharing and drive your firm’s profitability and competitive advantage
systems - lockstep, merit-based systems and hybrid systems » Identifying and reviewing the criteria for evaluating performance
» How can the different profit sharing systems impact on » Measuring individual performance against each set of criteria
competitiveness and the culture and values of a firm » Evaluating your firm’s leadership in examining individual
» Examining the benefits of non-equity and fixed share tiers performance
of partners » Developing an effective appraisal process including 360° and
» Addressing capital profit sharing, reserves, and loss sharing self-appraisals, feedback, and provision of financial information
structures in your firm’s partnership agreement » Examining the effectiveness of the appraisal team
» Considering the impact of age discrimination rules on » Developing individual business plans and agreeing
equity structure performance targets
Peter Jackson, Managing Partner, Hill Dickinson LLP » Using coaching and mentoring techniques to maximise
individual potential
PANEL DISCUSSION » Dealing with underperforming partners
Nicola Davies, Chief Executive, Mourant
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 14:50 Reviewing governance elements of equity
panel members alike in an interactive and open discussion. » The need for effective management
» Assessing the advantages and disadvantages of different profit » Identifying effective managers
sharing systems » The importance of transparency and accountability
» What’s the best way to structure your firm’s equity partnership » The non executive role and committees
that is sustainable for the future? » The role of the wider firm and voting systems
» Determining the best equity model for your firm Paul Stothard, Former Chief Executive, Shoosmiths
Tina Williams, Senior Partner, Fox Williams LLP
Simon Bellm, Partner, DMH Stallard Solicitors LLP 15:30 Afternoon coffee break
Jonathan Stephens, Managing Partner, Wilsons
Solicitors LLP
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
11:20 Morning coffee break and what are investors looking for in a firm’s equity?
» The impact of the LSA on equity profit sharing
11:50 Changing your firm’s equity structure » How will investments be structured?
» Identifying strengths and weaknesses of your existing structure » How will external investment impact on a firm’s culture and
» What are you trying to achieve? management approach?
» How will it affect different partners and groups? » Examining the valuation and accounting issues
» Avoiding damage to the firm's culture and values and securing Robin Bloom, Senior Partner, Dickinson Dees LLP
partner buy-in
» Implementing a new profit sharing system and ensuring its success 16:40 Understanding how your equity structure is perceived
Philip Rodney, Chairman, Burness LLP » How important is law firm reputation and brand?
» Understanding how your firm’s equity structure and culture
12:30 Assessing the impact of the recession on your firm’s equity influences your firm’s reputation and brand
structure; managing in a downturn and preparing for an upturn » How important is a firm’s perceived profitability?
» Addressing the financial challenges a recession brings » Should PEP influence equity structure?
including falling turnover, rising lock up, bad debts, cash flow Patrick Gaul, Managing Partner, Weightmans LLP
issues and counterparty risk
» How should equity partners be rewarded in a difficult economic 17:20 Chair’s closing remarks
climate? Sharing reduced profits and losses and coping with
the insolvency risk
» Managing partner de-equitisation, exits and a partnership 17:30 Close of conference
restructure - what are the pitfalls and opportunities?
» Mergers or demergers and the impact on equity structure

events@ark-group.com web: www.ark-group.com

 WAYS TO REGISTER
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15 October 2009, London 2. Tel: +44 (0)20 7549 2500
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