Litigation Practices Roar Back as Profit Generators

 Last October it was documented: Litigation practices were outperforming in demand and financially those supposed lucrative transactional ones. Bloomberg Law published: 

" ... industry reports showing litigation, not M&A or other deals work, as the most powerful source of demand growth for firms since at least 2023 ... even some firms focused on dominating the deals arena have received a message: Ignore litigation departments at your own peril."

Paul, Weiss was among the law firms adding litigation stars. That build-up totaled 22 and was only second to the numbers for global goliath Kirkland & Ellis. But it took a gut punch when iconic litigator Karen Dunn exited to form her own boutique. She took with her a number of big names from Paul, Weiss.

Now, we are getting a clearer picture of the return of litigation as a key driver of Profits Per Equity Partner. Litigation-only Quinn Emanuel generated an average of $9 million PPEQ. Only two other firms - Kirkland & Ellis and Wachtell - are in the PPEQ category.

This territory is familiar to Paul, Weiss. Until 2008 it was essentially known as a Wall Street litigation firm. Then, newly voted in chair Brad Karp expanded the brand to transactional. He sized up that move as necessary to remain a dominant presence in the New York City legal market. 

Currently, dealmaking has made quite a recovery. Paul, Weiss has been in the front lines of poaching M&A/Private Equity talent here in the US and London.

Takeaway: Businesses and individuals have to keep changing as the Law of Supply and Demand keeps changing. AI and cost-efficiency are accelerating those shifts. The timing of the course correction primarily determines success - and failure. Too many who come to me for coaching had had held on or strived to come back to a line of work that already had been gutted. Not only has time been lost. So had confidence and financial reserves. 

Success is a mental game. Failure comes from being done in by the “committee” in your head.

Together, we reprogram your thinking. Then we change your story. And, unleash success.

Intuitive Coaching. Special expertise with transitions, becoming a solopreneur and aging. Psychic/tarot readings, upon request. Complimentary consultation with Jane Genova (Text 203-468-8579, janegenova374@gmail.com). Yes, test out the chemistry. Zero risk.

Don’t give up before the miracle.


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