To stay competitive, you really want to know your market. To determine how well you know the legal area and practice within which you are a successful member, take your market challenge.

In today's environment, all lawyers need law firm sponsors, not mentors. You might think that these two terms are interchangeable or synonymous. The terms are very different; different meanings and very different expectations. That said, mentorship and sponsorship programs do not negate each other: mentorships provide platforms from which to launch sponsorships.

To succeed as a leader, you need to give and take: give foundational support when you delegate to others and, when you act on critical feedback, take next steps to be perceived the way you want to be seen.

Your team is integral to your firm’s success and you want to consistently use them effectively to service your clients. To be successful, you want to act like the manager of a baseball club. Compare your lawyers to baseball players and think of your client matters as specific ball games.

How should you wrap your arms around being innovative? Focus on your innovativeness as a direct relationship to your productivity and efficiencies, talent development, and career progression. The net result will be that you and your firm are trusted and respected, and your client service executed successfully.