The next generation of leaders

By Olivia Clarke

Visit our profiles of the next generation of leaders

In every law firm there are those lawyers who stand out among the pack because they get actively involved in the fabric of the firm.

They volunteer for committees, task forces, and firm-wide initiatives. They agree to mentor young lawyers, act as firm spokespeople, and recruit at job fairs.

They go above and beyond practicing law because they care about what their firm looks like today and will look like in the future. It is these same people who will most likely gain more responsibility in their firms as the years go on.

Chicago Lawyer cast a net out to law firms, lawyers, and bar associations, asking them who they considered to be part of the next generation of law firm leaders. Many lawyers were suggested and we selected six of them as representatives of the coming generation of leadership. The magazine asked them to weigh in about the law firm of the future, and what type of leader will be needed.

These six lawyers come from larger firms, and almost all of them have worked at the same firm their entire careers. They’ve built not only a strong practice, but also a strong resume of leadership positions. When asked why they get involved, most described a loyalty they have to their firms.

“Who wouldn’t want to help shape their firm’s future?” said Lance A. Zinman, a Katten Muchin Rosenman partner who has worked there for 11 years. “This is where you spend a lot of your time. It is a no-brainer. It is very rewarding to help your firm in whatever way you can to help it reach its goals. … I get a lot of pleasure in being involved, quite frankly, and being part of a team. I’m part of a team with my clients. It’s just as rewarding to be part of a team with my own firm.”

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