Chris McKenna, Office Managing Partner, Foley & Lardner LLP

In an interview with Invest:, Chris McKenna, managing partner at Foley & Lardner LLP, shared why the firm prioritizes and integrates DEI within the organization, the high demand in areas like intellectual property, business law, and litigation, and how artificial intelligence, cyber-privacy, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles are  shaping the landscape.

What have been some major highlights for the firm over the past 12 months?

We are thrilled to have fully capitalized on a tremendous year, showcasing the power of our balanced platform and diversified practices, alongside our strategic plan and the invaluable contribution of having the right people at the right time. 

We saw significant growth, with revenue up by over 8% and profits per equity partner soaring by over 11%, driven by robust demand across our four  key sectors: innovation technology, healthcare and life sciences, energy, and manufacturing. We have also moved up one spot to No. 45 on the AM Law 100 rankings, the annual report assessing the financial strength of the nation’s largest law firms. This marks our second consecutive year climbing the rankings, underscoring our sustained momentum and success.

How is your firm responding to emerging trends impacting clients in the Greater Boston region?

I would like to highlight three emerging trends that are shaping our landscape: artificial intelligence, cyber security and privacy, and the rise of ESG (environmental, social, governance) principles. AI is revolutionizing business practices, outpacing regulatory and legal frameworks, though these are rapidly evolving to keep pace. Managing AI requires establishing robust policies, which is a challenge many are grappling with. The emergence of AI-focused companies is indicative of the pressing needs our clients face in this area.

Cybersecurity and data governance have long been critical concerns, with geopolitical tensions further exacerbating risks such as data breaches. Clients are increasingly seeking assurance in these areas.

Similarly, ESG is the hot button for the new government regime and the new governor of Massachusetts. Clients now expect robust ESG programs throughout their supply chains and we have a dedicated practice group to help companies establish such programs. 

Our firm is well-prepared to meet the demand from these emerging trends as our firm boasts dedicated specialized teams proficient in AI, cyber, and ESG matters, ensuring comprehensive support for our clients in these dynamic fields.

In which specific industries are you observing the highest demand for your services?

Our firm provides a broad and diverse range of services across business law, intellectual property, and litigation. With this balanced platform across these areas, we consistently have seen continued and growing demand for our services overall. While there was a downturn in M&A activity last year, our well-balanced platform, particularly in IP and litigation, performed admirably. As the economy holds steady and shows signs of improvement, we have seen an uptick in M&A and business transaction activity that should lead the way in the firm’s growth this year while intellectual property and litigation remain steady. We continue to see increased demand from our sector approach, particularly in specialty areas of focus such as AI and cyber and privacy.

Among these trends, AI stands out as the hottest topic, driving demand across all our practice groups. Locally, in the Boston market, our fund formation group has experienced significant demand, prompting us to establish a dedicated practice group and attract lateral hires to meet this growing need. This area continues to be a lucrative focus for us, with demand showing no signs of slowing down.

How are you leveraging Boston’s status as a tech hub to integrate technology into your services, aiming for greater efficiencies and improved client satisfaction?

We practice what we preach. Just as we advise our clients on leveraging artificial intelligence and other tools for efficiency, we are constantly exploring new tools ourselves. Internally, we have numerous initiatives dedicated to evaluating and implementing cutting-edge solutions into our workflows. Whether it’s automation, adopting best practices, or investing in training, our focus remains on driving efficiency. This commitment to improvement is a continuous process, ensuring that we strive to enhance our capabilities every day.

Having consistently achieved the top score on the Corporate Equality Index, what specific steps are you implementing to advance DEI within your organization?

DEI is baked into everything we do in our firm, from top to bottom. It’s not merely lip service, it’s a strategic priority that informs everything we do. Across our national platform and local offices alike, DEI principles are integrated into every aspect of our operations. We have dedicated professionals and departments focused on enhancing our understanding of the DEI landscape and developing best practices to achieve our program goals.

Thanks to this holistic approach, DEI is becoming second nature for us. It’s seamlessly woven into our daily practices, enabling us to consistently achieve the results we expect from our program.

What role does your firm play in the Boston community, and how do you select initiatives to support?

Giving back to the community is deeply ingrained in our culture and profession. We believe in paying it forward, and we are actively involved in various initiatives to make a positive impact. One of our flagship programs is our partnership with the Boys and Girls Club, both nationally and locally. We are dedicated to supporting their programs, not only with resources but also with our time and expertise, to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people who may face unique challenges.

As someone who personally benefited from mentorship, I understand the importance of providing guidance to those who may not have the same opportunities. That’s why we sponsor internships during the summer, providing valuable experiences and networking opportunities, especially for those interested in pursuing a legal career.

Additionally, our commitment to DEI extends to our partnerships with law schools. We collaborate with local institutions to support DEI initiatives, benefiting both their communities and ours. Furthermore, we are actively engaged in entrepreneurial initiatives, collaborating with incubators and accelerators to foster innovation and growth in our local ecosystem here in Boston. Our dedication to giving back extends beyond our profession, enriching both our community and those we serve.

What is your outlook for the next two to three years and your top priorities within this time frame?

One of our top priorities is executing on our sector strategy, which is integral to our role as trusted business advisers. This strategy enables us to transcend the traditional legal advisory role, allowing us to deeply understand and address our clients’ challenges from their perspective. By becoming an extension of their team and immersing ourselves in their industry, we drive demand for our services across our sectors of innovative technology, healthcare and life sciences, manufacturing, and energy.

We are committed to fostering interdisciplinary collaboration within our teams, ensuring that we bring diverse perspectives to sector-specific initiatives. Execution is key to our strategy, driving growth and enabling us to attract top talent, whether through summer associate programs or lateral hires. However, our focus is not solely on growth; it’s also about finding individuals who align with our culture and values, ensuring they become strong advocates for our firm’s future.

Culture development is paramount to us. We prioritize creating a supportive and enriching environment where our people can thrive and lead by example, inspiring others to follow in their footsteps. Our goal is to make our firm not only a great place to work but also a place where individuals can develop professionally and personally.