Catalyst Legal Division – Management Philosophy, Techniques, Client Service, Business Development

CATALYST WAY MANAGEMENT PHILOSOPHY

CONSULTANTS TELL LAWYERS WHAT TO DO!

CATALYST TEACHES LAWYERS HOW TO DO IT!

Our goal in management is to teach and train law firm partners and owners how to create effective management techniques that will bring their firm in line with their personal and professional goals. In addition, once we have the leadership of the firm aligned with good business principles we start teaching all firm members (lawyers and Non-lawyers) a new way of working in a law firm that delivers good client service, quality work product, and has a positive work culture. We build a loyal and dedicated team, which in turn supports a good business environment.

ASK YOURSELF WHICH WAY
YOU WANT YOUR FIRM TO BE

THE CATALYST WAY

THE OLD WAY

Delivery of client service and quality services is the number one priority	Focused internally not externally
Decentralized infrastructure with teams that regulate their own performance in line with the strategic plan of the practice.	Centralized and bureaucratic rules with no input from others
Planning and coordination done by work teams following processes and procedures developed by the practice owner	Planning and coordination done by management. No defined process.
Jobs are broadly defined and employees possess multiple skills.	Specialization and narrowly defined jobs. Employees are put into a box and not allowed to soar
There may be many ways to achieve same level of performance. People are encouraged to go the distance and more.	Standardization of performance. There is one single best way to do a job. Not willing to change.
Minimal rules. Values defined by practice owner and others buy into the values. Common sense dictates behavior.	Uniform and strictly enforced policies. Do things by the book. Out of date and out of focus.
Boundaries determined by task inter-relationship (product or process focused).	No boundaries or boundaries determined by what worked in the past.
Training focuses on total employee development (e.g. business understanding, teamwork, etc.) in line with the practice's business plan	No training or training focuses on technical skills.
Rewards based on contributions to effectiveness of team.	Rewards based on individual performance.
Employees are viewed as valuable stakeholders	Employee viewed as a resource or tool for management or owners

If you stay the way you are,

you will always be the way you are.