Our research
Between 2020 and 2023, we conducted a major research project on character, culture, and leadership in UK business, with a key focus on the legal sector, as well as finance and technology. We observed that, in recent years, the commercially-focused operating context for UK solicitors and law firms has put pressure on the social responsibility inherent in the practice of law as well as on lawyers themselves.
We surveyed 464 lawyers and legal professionals in eight UK law firms to identify the central features of good leadership in law. They identified 134 features of good leadership, related to three essential dimensions: professional competence, character, and interpersonal skills. Character was particularly prominent, representing 44% of the features of good leadership. However, important leadership virtues such as humility, kindness, patience, and curiosity were towards the bottom of the list.
We also conducted 34 in-depth interviews, which revealed the need for a greater emphasis on purpose in the sector and the leadership required to shift from a primary focus on profit per partner to a broader conception of high performance. Four virtues were emphasised as particularly important for lawyers to develop: resilience, courage, empathy, and humility.
To learn more about the research and its implications for the legal sector, download the full report below.