The Business of Law: Lessons from the AAJ BOSS Summit

By Mee Mee Wong, MBA

As part of a firm that values professional development and invests in its leadership team, I had the privilege of attending the AAJ BOSS Summit in Denver—an exceptional conference focused on the business operations and profitability of plaintiff-side law firms.

The Summit brought together managing partners, COOs, and firm administrators from across the country to share best practices on building efficient, data-driven, and thriving firms. We all walked away inspired—but also humbled—by the wealth of ideas and strategies to implement. Below are key takeaways from this year’s program.

Financial Reporting: Let the Numbers Guide You

• Data drives decisions. Accurate data collection is critical for making sound investments in growth, resources, and cash flow management.
• Quarterly case projections. Estimate timelines and expected net profit per case to evaluate firm health and performance.
• Internal controls. Implement dual authorization for large disbursements and wire transfers, with tiered approval thresholds.
• Client verification. Always confirm wire instructions both verbally and in writing to prevent fraud.
• Delegate the business side. If you are a solo practitioner, hire a business manager. Leave the business of law to an administrator so you can focus on practicing law and serving clients effectively.

Culture and Profitability: The Human Side of Business

• Incentivize collaboration. Create “pods” or cost centers with shared financial goals and transparent overhead allocations.
• Build firm value through structure. The value of a law firm increases when it operates efficiently and predictably. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are key to reducing chaos.
• Culture is your greatest asset. Retention depends on leadership, empathy, and shared purpose. Staff who feel connected to the firm’s mission become its best ambassadors. When budget permits, schedule retreats to enhance team cohesion and reinforce organizational culture.
• Invest in wellness. A healthy workplace supports both mental and physical well-being—an essential part of sustainable success. Host weekly Zoom gatherings for remote and hybrid team members to stay connected, share updates, and maintain a sense of community and well-being.
• Enhance communication. Consider using tools like the DISC assessment to improve collaboration and understanding among team members.

Technology: Building a Smarter Tech Stack

• Test before you invest. Pilot AI tools before firm-wide rollout, and ensure compliance with SOC 2 Type 2, HIPAA, and integration standards.
• Drive adoption. Assign internal “champions” to demonstrate the value of new technology and encourage buy-in.
• Clarify functions. Remember that case management systems store information, while AI platforms analyze it—helping firms strategize and improve outcomes.
• AI enhances, not replaces. Artificial intelligence supports lawyers by organizing data and generating insights—not by replacing expertise or judgment.

Leadership and Strategic Planning: Lessons from EOS

• Define clear roles. In the EOS model, the Visionary sets direction, while the Integrator executes across operations, marketing, and finance. Respecting these boundaries ensures accountability and efficiency.
• Assess alignment. Use the People Analyzer tool to evaluate whether each team member embodies the firm’s core values. The People Analyzer also helps leadership make informed decisions about employee retention or termination, ensuring alignment with the firm’s mission and culture.
• Plan with purpose.
  • Set a bold, long-term goal (your “Big Hairy Audacious Goal”).
  • Identify your ideal clients and tailor your marketing strategy accordingly.
  • Develop 10-year, 3-year, and 1-year targets, and break them into 90-day “sprints.”
  • Keep the entire leadership team aligned around one clear vision.

“Systemize the predictable so you can humanize the exceptional.” — Isadore Sharp, Founder of the Four Seasons

Networking and Collaboration: Learning from Peers

Perhaps the most valuable aspect of the Summit was connecting with peers from across the country—firms of all sizes and practice areas united by a shared goal: to deliver the highest quality legal services with greater efficiency and care. Through candid discussions about technology adoption, firm growth, and operational challenges, we learned that while every firm’s journey is unique, our pursuit of excellence is collective.

Final Thoughts

The AAJ BOSS Summit reaffirmed that the business of law is as vital as the practice of law. By embracing data, structure, culture, and innovation, firms can create sustainable growth while staying true to their mission of serving clients at the highest level.