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Local Attorney Turns Focus to Assisting Peers

Attorney Kerry Lavelle started his own practice over 25 years ago and in that time, he managed its growth to include a current roster of 26 attorneys. Along the way he learned through trial and error the critical business aspects of running a growing firm. His experience led him to write a book on managing a law practice that has been published by the American Bar Association and is used as a text book in law schools. He has also been invited to be on committees or speak on the topic for the Northwest Suburban, Illinois and American Bar Associations. After relinquishing the title of Managing Partner to Ted McGinn at the start of 2017, Lavelle is now focused on sharing his knowledge of best business practices in the law industry through the recently launched Lavelle Consulting.

By law, only attorneys can own law firms so for better or worse, they are left to run the business side of things in a law office. In many cases, that becomes problematic. While the success of certain firms is greatly due to the legal skills of the attorneys in it, what those skilled lawyers often find is that they are not strong business men or women. Many times, decision makers in firms are content to maintain the status quo and limit growth.

Lavelle said that while larger firms may have some unique issues, even firms with just a few attorneys can get side-tracked. "Things like billing procedures and networking are just as critical for a 3-attorney firm as for one with 50 attorneys. There is a fine line between chaos and success."

The flat-fee and hourly fee based Lavelle Consulting assists other Illinois law firms in areas such as firm growth, mergers and acquisitions, economic efficiencies, cash flow management, transitions for retiring partners, and managing work flow during periods of growth. "There are so many challenges that law firm partners face on a daily basis that can really derail a very successful firm," Lavelle said. "Good attorneys want to practice law but business issues can interfere. The role of our new consulting group is to bring in a set of outside eyes and ears and help our fellow attorneys address the business issues that may be hindering their growth or profitability."

Lavelle and several of his partners at Lavelle Law will rely on best practices developed over the last 25 years to conduct an in-depth study of a law firm to identify gaps, redundancy, inefficiencies, work flow issues, and the lack of systems and process that can impact success. The firm will also consult on mergers and acquisitions as well as conducting partner retreats and training sessions.

"We can spend half a day on some coaching or dig more deeply to do a full analysis on a firm's operation," Lavelle said. "I've been a part of the greatest profession in the world for almost three decades and I'm looking forward to helping many of my peers better establish themselves for long term success."

For more information, visit www.lavelle-consulting.com or call 847-705-7555.

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