Leadership within law firms often carries with it misconceptions and stereotypes. Eleanor M. Lackman recently shattered these myths, becoming one of the leading figures at Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp. She views leadership not as a source of personal gain or power, but as an opportunity for team growth and advancement. Her ultimate goal is to get the best out of the overall team, which differs greatly from the conventional expectation of personal ambition driving leadership.
“If you want to be a practice group leader because you think it will help you, or it means everything will go your way, or that it’s some kind of trophy title, you really should let someone else do it”, Lackman was heard saying. This statement underscores her commitment toward team progress rather than the individual successes often associated with law firm leadership roles.
Leadership defined by team-centric values, such as the type embodied by Lackman, suggests a healthy shift in the right direction for law firms globally. Such a leadership model can cultivate a supportive and cooperative work environment, which can potentially contribute to the firm’s success in the long run.
For Lackman, leadership is more about stewardship than wielding power. Her focus is on steering the aspirations of many into harmonious achievement, setting a significant example for today’s legal professionals.
An interesting reflection of her approach to leadership can be found at the Law.com article detailing her journey to the position of Practice Group Chair.