Frank Sheppard, managing partner of RumbergerKirk, sat down with Invest: to discuss integrating artificial intelligence into the law firm, the importance of company culture in talent retention, and anticipated trends, including future tort litigation. “Tort reform was a big issue in the past year and continues to be a subject we are following,” he said.
What highlights and achievements did RumbergerKirk experience in the past year?
The past year has been quite busy for RumbergerKirk. We have had several successful jury trials that resulted in defense verdicts. It is always risky to take a case to a jury, especially in today’s environment, but clients trust us and believe in their case. Our firm has also had interesting new work related to commercial litigation. Diversification in the types of work a firm handles is especially beneficial for our younger attorneys to learn new areas of practice. Additionally, we are in the midst of a major remodel of our office space in three offices, including Orlando where we have been for 45 years. It is a very large construction project that is taking a long time, but it will be worth it. The process is taking about nine months but will provide us with not only a more modern space but also updated technology throughout. We think this is important in providing efficiencies and a pleasant workplace.
How does company culture impact talent retention?
Firm culture is extremely important to talent retention, perhaps nearly as important as money. Our culture revolves around mentorship, inclusion, training, teamwork, and relationships. Building strong relationships is an important part of our firm culture, with mentors and supervisors vertically and among peers. We promote collaborative activities in both professional and social settings, fostering a sense of cohesion that motivates individuals to remain part of our community. It’s what keeps people here for so many years. We have several employees, both staff and attorneys, who have been with us for 10, 20, and even 30 years.
What trends in the legal industry are you keeping an eye on?
For now, generative AI is at the top of everyone’s list. Everyone in every industry is talking about it. We formed an AI committee to lead the adoption of advanced technologies, drive strategic efforts, and streamline processes to keep us ahead in innovation and efficiency. Our Executive Committee is currently tweaking and adopting our own AI policy, which grew from the committee’s efforts. AI is clearly here to stay, and it is a growing trend that we need to learn how to use effectively and safely. Through our policy, we will require training and place some guardrails on what people can and cannot do with AI. Within those parameters, this process will benefit the firm and our clients.
Recruiting continues to be important, as well as talent retention and management. Watching what business areas are growing is always important. Commercial litigation will likely continue to do well and grow. Tort reform was a big issue in the past year and continues to be a topic we are following, as there are some proposed amendments that could have an adverse effect on the new tort reform. We have seen a short-term uptick in case filings, but we will see how long it lasts as it continues to work its way through the court system and how the different courts interpret the retroactivity of the new tort law.
How is RumbergerKirk taking steps toward sustainability and corporate social responsibility?
By investing in the construction underway at our buildings, three of our five offices are now LEED certified. We are taking measures internally in our business operations and through the use of technology to reduce our carbon footprint wherever we can. RumbergerKirk has been an environmentally-considerate and sensitive organization throughout its history.
What is your outlook for RumbergerKirk over the next one to two years?
The outlook is very positive. We are a very busy law firm with an established client base. RumbergerKirk has clients that have been with the firm for our entire history of 45 years, and we are also continuously bringing in new clients. We have a great group of talented lawyers and staff working in a diverse practice. Our future is bright, and we are ensuring that future by developing the next generation of leaders. We recently appointed two new administrative partners for our offices. We are also very excited about the number of women leaders in our firm, including three of our five administrative partners and two of our four Executive Committee members. While we boast a 45-year legacy as a reputable law firm, we are also forward-thinking in our approach. RumbergerKirk is investing in technology, facilities, and people, and we have a very positive outlook for the future.
