Mark Santiago

Mark Santiago

April 26, 2024 | Law.com

Why Are Lawyers Still Working Remotely?

It's time for attorneys to return to the office on a five day a week schedule. You do not become a great lawyer on Zoom any more than watching "Perry Mason" reruns will make you one.

By J. Mark Santiago

4 minute read

March 08, 2024 | Law.com

AI, the Billable Hour and Improving Client Service

The ultimate guardian of the quality of client service is the partners' own judgement but properly utilizing AI can set expectations that will benefit the clients and the firm and end forever the "End of the Billable Hour" stories.

By J. Mark Santiago

7 minute read

February 09, 2024 | Law.com

White Box vs. Black Box Compensation Systems

Having a compensation system that clearly outlines partner expectations, provides the partners with the ability to validate the results by communicating the results back to them does more to build collegiality than an opaque system that, by its design, promotes distrust and ill will among partners.

By J. Mark Santiago

5 minute read

October 27, 2023 | Law.com

Lack of a Succession Plan Can Lead to the Death of a Law Firm

Firms with aging managing partners should develop a succession plan for transferring clients and management responsibilities (over a five-to-ten-year transition period) to the firm's younger attorneys.

By J. Mark Santiago

5 minute read

September 29, 2023 | Law.com

Old Dog, New Tricks: Time to Retire Associate Lockstep Compensation

This article maps out a system that would enable law firm management to implement a meaningful pay-for-performance system that drives positive associate performance and enhances the firm's culture.

By J. Mark Santiago

6 minute read

March 10, 2023 | Law.com

Law Firm Profitability and Learning from the Past

Future partners will be identified, developed, and elected from the associate ranks, so they truly represent the future of the firm. Reducing the number of associates from which to choose future partners is a risky undertaking.

By J. Mark Santiago

6 minute read

February 24, 2023 | Law.com

Improving Firm Profitability Through Contracts

The best and most effective way to drive firm profitability is through influencing partner behavior. The best way to incent the partners is by linking their compensation clearly and directly to the achievement of the firm's business strategy.

By J. Mark Santiago

7 minute read

June 10, 2022 | Law.com

After Another Big Year, Law Firms Should Plan for Recession

Planning for the downturn in a clear, methodical way by investing the existing good fortune that most firms enjoy into strengthening your technical infrastructure, trimming expenses, and rethinking how administrative services are delivered to the attorneys.

By J. Mark Santiago

6 minute read

November 15, 2021 | Law.com

Lessons from 2021 That Will Help Prepare for 2022

Many firms are projecting that 2021 will be an improvement over 2020's average revenue growth and PPEP growth, which in January was not the common wisdom. But we have also learned some things in 2021 that should not be forgotten or overlooked in the rush to year-end.

By J. Mark Santiago

7 minute read

April 02, 2021 | Law.com

Is Your Firm Prepared for the Silver Tsunami?

A Silver Tsunami of aging partners is threatening the legal profession. There's a way to higher ground.

By J. Mark Santiago

7 minute read