Author(s):  John Coates, Ashish Nanda, Monet Brewerton
Product Number:  HLS 12-11
Publication Date:  April 2, 2012
Length:  9 Pgs
Cost per Copy:  $10.00

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Abstract
The Slater & Gordon cases outline the transformation of the Australian firm from a conventionally structured partnership through changes in management, strategy and capital structure to the world’s first publicly held law firm. The (A) case outlines different options open to the firm and the ramifications of each option. The (B) case describes the choice made by firm leadership, the firm’s capital structure transition into public listing, and the resulting structural and managerial changes.

Learning Objective
The case allows participants to reflect on how law firms’ choice of capital structure interacts with their service market strategy, growth strategy, reward system, and culture. It leads to discussions on the pros and cons of a public ownership versus partnership structure for PSFs. It also encourages participants to speculate how the world of legal services might change if outside ownership is allowed.

Subjects Covered
Professional Services
Change Management
Leadership
Strategy Formulation

Setting
Geographic: Australia
Industry: Law Firm
Event Year Begin: 1935

See also:
Slater & Gordon (A)