Achieving Success as Head of Department

From operational manager to strategic leader

The promotion to Head of Department (HoD) is often a reward for exceptional fee-earning. However, leading a department requires a fundamentally different skill set. To maintain a competitive edge, your HoDs must learn to "lift their heads from their desks" and transition from working in the business to working on the business.

Armstrong Watson delivers an intensive, two-day interactive workshop designed specifically for law firm Heads of Department. Strictly limited to a maximum of 15 delegates, this workshop forces participants out of their comfort zones, driving out complacency and instilling the ambition required to lead and innovate.

Led by industry authorities

The workshop is facilitated by two of the legal sector’s most respected advisors:

Andy Poole

Armstrong Watson’s Legal Sector Partner, who has exclusively advised lawyers since 2004 and co-authored the Law Society’s financial stability toolkit.

Peter Scott

A solicitor, consultant, and the former Managing Partner of Eversheds' London and European offices. Peter acts as a 'discreet mentor' to many CEOs and is also a co-author of the Law Society toolkit.

Key contact

Andy Poole

Corporate Finance Partner

Contact Andy

1. The Role of a HoD

Assessing priorities across operational, financial, reputational, and strategic duties.

2. Working ON the Business

Mastering effective delegation, managing client versus non-client pressures, and strict prioritisation.

3. Developing People

Building profitable, flexible teams, managing performance, and tackling succession planning.

4. Financial Strength

Improving department profitability through rigorous time recording, cash generation, and strategic pricing.

5. Strategic Development

Documenting a strategy, ensuring synergy with the wider firm, and driving action.

6. Operations

Implementing lean process management, utilising technology, and structuring effective governance.

7. Business Development

Systemising BD, cross-selling across departments, and unlocking value from existing clients.

8. Action Plans

Setting agreed actions, timescales, costs, and monitoring frameworks to guarantee ROI.

Bespoke delivery and pricing

Our workshops are bespoke, designed and agreed upon to meet the specific needs of your firm. We understand that every practice has a unique culture and different strategic goals; therefore, we tailor the curriculum to ensure it resonates with your leadership team.

Prices are available on a per-delegate basis, tailored to your firm's specific circumstances and the level of customisation required.

REQUEST A TAILORED QUOTE

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