1. Law Firm Growth:
Overview of Firm Financials A complete and accurate analysis of key trends in law firm financial issues, led by a leading law firm banker, with emphasis on the financial issues associated with law firm growth through lateral partner acquisition, practice group acquisition and law firm mergers.

2. Growth Through Lateral Partner Acquisition: Overview of Lateral Partner Movement in 2007
In 2006, movement of lateral partners was down from prior years. Join us for an overview of lateral partner movement during 2007. Learn which firms have been hungry for lateral partners in the past year and what it takes to lure - and retain - laterals today.

3. Lateral Hire Dos and Don'ts: Why Firms Focus on Lateral Growth
To be competitive, today's firm management have different priorities when it comes to long term growth potential. While some firms focus their efforts on finding the right opportunity to merge firms, others are 100% focused on acquiring lateral talent. Our panel of firms that have aggressively hired laterals will offer some insights into reasons to grow laterally, how to use lateral hires to gain more geographic diversity, how to cherry pick the right lateral candidates and screen them for compatibility. They'll analyze warning signs, delve into how to ensure new lateral hires actually deliver what has been promised, evaluate the need for diversity in lateral hiring and offer advice on how to make sure your own lateral hiring practices are aligned with your firm's strategic plan. You will leave armed with essentials that

4. The More the Merrier: Considerations for Firm Expansion Through Practice Group Acquisition
Rather than seek out merger prospects from other firms with synergies, firms have successfully lured entire practice groups. By bringing on a cohesive group of attorneys who work well together along with its client base, a firm can make a big impact in the legal market. Whether your firm is looking to extend its reach into a new geographic market, strengthen a weak practice area or acquire a new area of expertise, you will benefit from the frank discussions by those in the trenches. Expect a hearty discussion of what to look for (and what to avoid) when evaluating practice group acquisition.

5. The State of the Merger: Did It Work?
With a panel comprised of firms in the Midwest and Southeast markets that have merged recently, we will examine what worked and what didn't. By looking at firms that merged in 2007 as well as in years prior, you will hear an in depth analysis of what made for a successful merger, what caused growing pains, and where things are going.

6. Merger Dos and Don'ts: Tips from Law Firm Leaders
The most successful law firm mergers have been strategically imperative but not tactically necessary. Firms that merged to avoid getting weaker have not achieved the same success as those that merged to become stronger. To be successful, firms must forge a new common culture and evaluate the professional staffing needs of the merged firm. It is all too easy to let past loyalties get in the way of good judgment. This esteemed panel of law firm leaders will walk through an analysis of what to do and not to do pre- and post-merger, and will offer some insights into integration, suggestions for establishing firm success criteria, and ideas for enhancing leadership opportunities in the new firm.

7. Who, What, Where, When: The Essentials for Merging Firms
Growth is essential to the long term success of any law firm, but mergers are never a sure fire guarantee of success. For every deal that happens, there are ten times as many that do not. This panel will offer insights into the players outside the law firm involved in a successful integration. Considerations about merging technology, insurance and payroll systems along with risk management, office space, conflicts and human resources, to name a few are all essential to merger success. Look to our distinguished panel of experts to analyze the considerations - and decisions - to be made before and after a merger to ensure merger success.