3 min read April 2024 — In an interview with Invest:, Ariel Cudkowicz, co-office managing partner at Seyfarth Shaw LLP in Boston, talked about how the law firm incorporates Lean Six Sigma methodologies and generative AI into its practice, empowering businesses to navigate evolving statutory, regulatory and decisional laws effectively, and the strategies implemented to be recession-proof over the years.
What have been some major highlights for the firm over the past 12 months?
Seyfarth Shaw had a bustling and successful year. While 2023 posed significant economic challenges for many, I am pleased to report that our firm navigated these headwinds admirably, achieving robust financial results. This success underscores our strategic approach to growth, which is worth highlighting.
Despite the downturn in certain sectors, such as real estate and traditional corporate transactions, we remained steadfast in our commitment to expansion. Our focus on strategic and profitable avenues led to the addition of more than 30 new equity partners, and we welcomed accomplished lawyers across various specialties, further enhancing our ability to meet the evolving needs of our clients. This strategic move aimed to mirror the resilience of our labor and employment and litigation practices, which thrive even in challenging economic climates.
A pivotal moment in our growth strategy was the of our real estate group across several geographic areas and the addition of a restructuring and insolvency practice. This new addition, centered around the real estate sector, enabled us to provide comprehensive support to companies facing economic challenges or distress. The expansion of this practice not only bolstered our capabilities but also facilitated the opening of our 18th office –– in Dallas – marking a significant milestone in our firm’s journey.
Beyond our growth initiatives, we made significant strides in fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within our firm. The appointment of a new Chief of Diversity and Inclusion reflects our commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace culture where all individuals feel valued and supported. Additionally, we created the role of a firm Sustainability Partner, aligning ourselves with our clients’ increasing focus on environmental, social, and governance issues.
What are some of the main challenges and opportunities in this region with regard to labor?
One of the most pressing issues is what we term “cultural flashpoints.” These are the moments where societal tensions, whether cultural, political, or geopolitical, come to a head in the workplace. As we witness these tensions unfold on television and within our client organizations, it’s clear that these issues demand thoughtful consideration and proactive management.
In response to the increasing frequency and complexity of these challenges, we took decisive action over the past year. Seyfarth Shaw established a dedicated cross-departmental team of experts from our labor and employment, litigation, and employee benefits departments. This team was tasked with assisting our clients with addressing inclusivity and belonging in the face of cultural flashpoints.
Our aim was twofold: to equip businesses with the tools and insights needed to navigate these sensitive issues while fostering an environment where diverse perspectives are respected and valued. While navigating these waters has not been without its challenges, it has been incredibly rewarding to witness the positive impact our efforts have had on organizations throughout the state.
In addition to our internal initiatives, we have leveraged our relationships with community organizations and industry associations to facilitate effective communication and participation on behalf of our clients in the public feedback and comment periods associated with statutory and regulatory development. By fostering open channels of dialogue and collaboration with key stakeholders, we have been able to advocate for policies that promote inclusivity and that support our clients’ efforts to create welcoming, equitable and sustaining workplaces.
As a lawyer, how do you navigate evolving regulations, particularly regarding data protection laws to ensure compliance and offer advice to your clients?
There are several initiatives Seyfarth Shaw is actively involved in. Through collaboration with community organizations and industry associations, we engage with governmental bodies such as the Attorney General’s Office to offer insights on draft regulations and guidance at local and national levels. Our aim is to contribute constructive feedback that supports the development of welcoming, equitable, and sustainable work environments, reflecting the interests of the broader business community.
Seyfarth Shaw collaborates closely with industry associations, such as the Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM), to educate the business community about upcoming legislative and regulatory developments. Through various programs, events, and webinars, we aim to empower businesses with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the regulatory landscape effectively. By fostering dialogue and providing insights, we enable stakeholders to actively engage in shaping policies that impact their operations. These sessions also offer opportunities for Q&A, fostering engagement and collaboration within the business community.
Ultimately, our goal is twofold: to support business growth and innovation, and to empower our clients with the knowledge and resources they need to thrive in an ever-changing regulatory environment. By staying actively engaged in regulatory processes, educating stakeholders, and facilitating dialogue, we contribute to a more informed and responsive business community.
How are you adjusting your strategies to better support your clients amid ongoing economic challenges?
Over the years, we have embraced innovation as a means to deliver value effectively and efficiently. This commitment to innovation is exemplified by our incorporation of Lean Six Sigma methodologies into our service delivery model, a practice Seyfarth Shaw has honed over the past 15 to 20 years. Building upon this foundation, we have recently incorporated generative AI, exploring its potential to revolutionize how we deliver legal services to unlock new possibilities for enhancing efficiency and reducing costs, particularly in the context of litigation.
In the current economic climate, where litigation activity is on the rise, the ability to streamline processes and contain costs is invaluable. Generative AI enables us to automate tasks that would traditionally require significant time and resources from attorneys. This technology can have a transformative impact on our clients’ bottom line. For example, we are exploring how generative AI can be used to rapidly generate documents or analyze large volumes of data with remarkable speed and accuracy. Importantly, generative AI does not replace human expertise; rather, it complements it, allowing attorneys to focus on higher-value strategic work while leveraging AI for repetitive or data-intensive tasks.
Being able to offer our clients the same, if not better, quality of service at a substantially lower cost is immensely empowering, particularly in an environment where every dollar counts. It enables our clients to address their legal challenges with confidence, knowing that they’re receiving exceptional value without compromising on quality.
What is your outlook for the next two to three years and your top priorities within this time frame?
Despite the prevailing economic challenges, we maintain a bullish outlook, driven by a clear strategic vision for the next several years. Our resilience stems from a key aspect of our practice: our labor and employment department, which has proven to be in many ways recession-proof over the years. Regardless of economic fluctuations, there is always demand for labor and employment services, providing a steady stream of work for our team.
Building on this foundation, we are expanding our focus to encompass other areas of our practice that exhibit similar countercyclical characteristics. A significant part of this strategy involves prioritizing growth in transactional work, with an emphasis on thriving in prosperous times and navigating restructuring during economic downturns. This approach ensures that we can continue to serve our clients’ needs effectively, regardless of market conditions.
Central to our growth strategy is Seyfarth’s commitment to delivering high-quality, productive work, which can be seen by the addition of more than 70 lateral partners and counsel to our firm since the start of 2023. These individuals bring with them exceptional expertise and dynamic practices, enhancing our capabilities and reinforcing our position as a leading destination for top legal talent.
By focusing on high-value, impactful work and attracting top-tier professionals, Seyfarth is signaling our evolution as a law firm. In an environment where businesses may be scaling back, our commitment to growth and excellence serves as a powerful differentiator. It underscores our resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to providing exceptional service to our clients.
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