What is top of mind for law firm managing partners in 2025?

What is top of mind for law firm managing partners in 2025?In this episode of Clarity, Jen Dezso, Director of Client Relations at theThomson Reuters Institute, joins Bill Josten to discuss insights gathered fromextensive interviews with law firm managing partners. While familiar concernssuch as growth, talent, technology, and market uncertainty remain prominent,the conversation reveals a notable shift in tone. Rather than operating from aposition of cautious optimism, many leaders are approaching 2025 with a greatersense of caution as they navigate economic uncertainty, evolving clientexpectations, and increasing competitive pressure. A key challenge isdetermining how firms can meaningfully differentiate themselves and capturemarket share in an increasingly mature and fragmented legal market.

A central theme of the discussion is strategy and focus.Drawing on research from managing partner interviews, Dezso explains that firmsare becoming more deliberate about defining what makes them distinctive andwhere they can compete most effectively. The episode introduces the concept ofan “Apex Strategy,” a framework that encourages firms to identify a primarystrategic focus—such as geography, expertise, client type, or industrysector—and align investment and growth decisions around that priority. The goalis to move beyond trying to be everything to everyone and instead build deepermarket recognition, stronger client relationships, and more sustainableprofitability through focused differentiation.

3 reasons to listen

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1. Understand the biggest priorities and concernsshaping law firm leadership in 2025, including growth, talent, profitability,market uncertainty, and competitive positioning.

2. Learn why differentiation has become a criticalstrategic challenge, and how firms are rethinking their approach to winningmarket share and strengthening client relationships.

3. Explore the “Apex Strategy” framework, whichoffers practical insight into how firms can focus investments anddecision-making around their strongest competitive advantages.

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Learn what’s top of mind for today’s law firm leaders, and why strategy matters more than ever.