Grant Palmer, Chair & Managing Partner, Blank Rome
Key points
- “If we want to continue to be a leader in our industry, we need to find ways to create value and solve problems for our clients,” Palmer said.
- We are investing in AI and are focused on adopting AI-driven tools in everything we do, from document review, to research, to contract analysis, and anything that can improve efficiency and the delivery of our services.
- We believe we are part of the fabric of this community and spend a lot of time trying to give back to the communities where we live and work.
Regulatory and legal changes impact businesses and industries. As such, business leaders look to strong legal partners to help them make sense of changes and to stay compliant with any regulatory or legal updates. In an interview with Invest:, Blank Rome Chair and Managing Partner Grant Palmer highlighted the importance of staying on the forefront of client needs. “If we want to continue to be a leader in our industry, we need to find ways to create value and solve problems for our clients,” Palmer said.
What key changes have had the most impact for your operations in the past year?
At the top of the list would have to be the emergence of artificial intelligence. The legal industry is experiencing rapid technological change with AI. It is impacting everything we are doing, from workflows to case management to client communication. We are investing in AI and are focused on adopting AI-driven tools in everything we do, from document review, to research, to contract analysis, and anything that can improve efficiency and the delivery of our services. This emergence has been coming for a number of years. It has required significant technological investments and requires us to engage in a variety of trainings for our people. This strategic focus ensures we deliver greater value to our clients and remain at the forefront of the industry by continuously enhancing our services and internal processes.
How would you describe the state of the legal sector in the region?
The legal industry is experiencing significant growth and evolving client needs, driven by a rapidly changing regulatory and political environment. To meet these demands, our firm prioritizes staying informed and agile and has assembled top legal talent to ensure our clients receive the best guidance in critical areas. Central to our strategy is proactive client service, maintaining strong relationships, engaging in meaningful conversations, and anticipating client needs. Last year, we launched a new client feedback program to further strengthen these connections and ensure we consistently deliver value and stay ahead of emerging challenges.
What are some risks and opportunities fostered in the midst of market uncertainty?
We have significant opportunities to advise our clients on the evolving regulatory landscape, particularly as numerous changes continue to emerge. Executive orders are being issued on a regular basis, and privacy regulations at both the federal and state levels are undergoing frequent updates, just to name a few. The rapid pace of change and ongoing uncertainty create opportunities to partner with our clients to deliver tailored legal services that align with their sophisticated needs.
What differentiates the firm among its peers?
We are one of a handful of AmLaw 100 law firms that was founded in Philadelphia and has grown organically and not combined through a merger or acquisition. Our firm was founded in 1946 and has grown from two lawyers in Philadelphia to 800 lawyers across 15 offices across the United States and one in China. We are proud of our Philadelphia roots and are committed to serving our local community. Our partners are very connected to the Philadelphia business community and to state and local government. We have deep engagement with the Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and many of the cultural and service organizations in the region. This comes with being a Philadelphia-founded firm. We believe we are part of the fabric of this community and spend a lot of time trying to give back to the communities where we live and work.
What is the firm’s involvement in pro bono work?
Pro bono work is a core value at Blank Rome. We believe it is our responsibility to support those less fortunate and make a positive impact in our communities. Pro bono participation is mandatory for all attorneys, and last year, 96% of our lawyers contributed, averaging 50 hours each. Our firm’s efforts are nationwide, with significant local involvement in asylum cases, particularly supporting Afghan nationals fleeing the Taliban, for whom we secured more than 30 asylum grants in the past year. We also recently helped secure the release of two wrongfully incarcerated men. These efforts are deeply rewarding and exemplify our commitment to justice and service. Beyond traditional pro bono, our colleagues also participate in a variety of meaningful community service and volunteer programs, fostering a culture of compassion and collaboration throughout the firm.
What are the top priorities for the firm in the near term?
Looking ahead, our priorities continue to be focused on providing the highest levels of service to our clients, colleagues, and communities. We are investing in attracting leading legal talent and building top-tier practices that are committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for our clients’ most complex business and legal challenges. Additionally, our dedication to remaining at the forefront of technology and artificial intelligence is driven by our desire to deliver the highest-quality legal services in the most cost-effective manner, always keeping our clients’ needs at the center of everything we do. Giving back to our communities remains a core value of our firm. Through meaningful pro bono work and ongoing community service, we strive to support those in need, and make a lasting, positive impact where we live and work.
