Coudert, RIP

We note with great sadness the passing of a 150+ year old firm, a pioneer on the international scene in ways many are still trying to emulate. (Also here.)

The firm's demise strikes me as exceedingly unnecessary—given the long perspective—but essentially inevitable, on the short perspective.  And sometimes the short run gets you, as vicious (and virtuous, but that's for another day) cycles are real.  Rumors begin to swirl, people are distracted, revenue and profits decline, partners decamp, clients follow or at least worry, more partners decamp, recruiting becomes impossible, poaching of entire practice groups and offices accelerates:  I needn't say more.

But unnecessary in the long run?  I firmly believe so.  An idiosyncratic compensation structure which drove partners to hoard their work and their clients, keeping all close to their vests, rewarding them disproportionately for hours actually billed by them personally, and devaluing teamwork and collaboration:  These too will get you in the end.  Possibly five, maybe ten, and surely twenty years ago it could have been changed and Coudert today would be a thriving member of the truly international elite. 

 Update: "The breakup of the firm will now commence."