Hugh A Simons

January 25, 2021 | The American Lawyer

Profits per equity partner grew despite economic upheaval, and it wasn't all about reduced overhead. A closer look at why reveals important lessons.

By Hugh A. Simons and Joe Blackwood

8 minute read

July 27, 2020 | The American Lawyer

"It's clear that today's associates would see stealth layoffs as management failing to take responsibility, being dishonest and lacking compassion. They'd exact a heavy toll on relationships with partners and leaders, and thus on motivation and ultimately firm productivity and vitality," Hugh A. Simons writes.

By Hugh A. Simons

7 minute read

June 14, 2020 | The American Lawyer

How the Q2 economic dip may be followed by a structural shift in demand away from traditional firms—and how partners should prepare for it.

By Hugh A. Simons and Joe Blackwood

8 minute read

June 01, 2020 | The American Lawyer

Hugh A. Simons explores whether the legal industry will experience layoffs in the months ahead, using data to predict which attorney segments may be impacted and at what rates. Simons also explores how firms should handle cuts differently than they did in the Great Recession.

By Hugh A. Simons

11 minute read

May 15, 2020 | The American Lawyer

Hugh A. Simons examines where firms might go now that many have taken shorter-term measures to cut compensation. Will layoffs or firm closures follow? What groups are at risk?

By Hugh A. Simons

4 minute read

April 27, 2020 | The American Lawyer

As we approach the end of April, firms are running out of time to materially reduce 2020 costs, Hugh A. Simons writes. Salary cuts have appeal not just because compensation comprises about two-thirds of total cost, but also because they deliver immediate savings.

By Hugh A. Simons

6 minute read

April 21, 2020 | The American Lawyer

Profitability growth has varied markedly by compensation system over the past decade, while partner satisfaction has been consistent across all systems. The choice of compensation system is thus best thought of as a critical strategy decision.

By Hugh A. Simons

7 minute read

April 16, 2020 | The American Lawyer

Hugh A. Simons argues that the incoming first-year associate class for the fall of 2020 should be deferred. He offers historical perspectives from the Great Recession and guidance on when and how to implement these decisions.

By Hugh A. Simons

10 minute read

April 06, 2020 | The American Lawyer

Since writing that summer programs should be canceled, Hugh Simons has heard of alternative suggestions such as shortened programs or advance pay. He offers his take on those options.

By Hugh A. Simons

3 minute read

April 02, 2020 | The American Lawyer

There is little point to having a summer program this year, Hugh Simons argues. He offers a path for firms to cancel their programs, some guesses as to who may be first to do it and what firms should offer summer associates in return.

By Hugh A. Simons

6 minute read