Abstract

McDermott Will & Emery co-chairmen Peter Sacripanti and Jeff Stone launched a strategy initiative for the firm in September 2009. As part of the initiative, they asked the firm’s 17 practice group (PG) heads to develop plans for their businesses. In the case, Sacripanti and Stone explain their rationale for focusing on PG business planning. The case also presents the perspectives of some of the PG heads towards the business planning exercise. It ends with the issues facing firm leadership as it implemented the business planning process.

Learning Objectives

The case highlights the benefits of business planning in large, complex professional service firms. It also points to the challenge of establishing a business planning process in an organization.

Subjects Covered

Business Strategy, Professional Services, Change Management, Business Planning

Setting

Geographic: United States

Industry: Law Firm

Event Year Begin: 2009