When it was first announced several months ago, I noted Reed-Smith's creation of an ambitious initiative into executive education called "Reed Smith University," created in partnership with the Wharton School of Business.  At the time, I asked rhetorically whether it might be the start of a trend, calling that "devoutly to be wished."  While signs of such a trend remain firmly invisible, I thought it timely to revisit "RSU" since it is such a shockingly obvious and powerful venture; that more firms are not emulating it is too dispiriting to discuss.

First up is simply an updated and enhanced description of what RSU is all about, here.  Going behind the curtains a little further is Denise Howell, an esteemed member of the "Savvy Blawgers" panel here at Adam Smith, Esq., and perhaps not coincidentally herself counsel at Reed-Smith.   In this interview, Mike Buckley, "dean" of the technology school at RSU, notes

"Lawyers and the firms they manage are usually traditional, rather conservative, slow to change and resistant to technology. RS is breaking that mold and has already made great strides in reshaping its management and culture to be able to take advantage of 21st century business methods."

Read that second sentence again; I warned you that it was both shockingly obvious, and powerful.  Developments like this are inspiring enough to more than compensate for the litany of managerial malpractice that we occasionally delve into hereabouts.   Attention must be paid.