In the competitive landscape of Big Law, Cleary Gottlieb has demonstrated a notable strategy that has propelled them higher in the rankings, particularly illustrated in their recent rise in the 2024 Am Law A-List ranking. Michael Gerstenzang, managing partner at Cleary, has identified the key to this success: simplifying the firm’s goals in both the market for talent and the market for clients.
In his comments to American Lawyer, Gerstenzang illustrated how focusing on essential elements has enabled the firm to cut through the noise and maintain a competitive edge. “We’re competing everyday in two markets: we’re competing in the market for talent, and we’re competing in the market for clients,” he remarked.
This approach has also had a positive impact on the firm’s internal environment. Cleary recently saw an increase in its associate satisfaction score, a critical factor in their climb into the Am Law A-List Top 10. This reflects a broader industry trend where firms are increasingly prioritizing the well-being and satisfaction of their associates in addition to traditional metrics of success.
Further insights and commentary about Cleary Gottlieb’s strategy and its outcomes can be accessed through Above the Law. The firm’s ability to simplify and reduce complex strategies into actionable items stands as a testament to the efficacy of focusing on fundamental aspects of business while fostering a supportive work environment.