Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith, a prominent Los Angeles-founded law firm, is undergoing substantial internal changes under new leadership to address ongoing challenges, including revenue control and staffing adjustments. The firm is actively responding to the recent departure of over 100 lawyers that has affected its operations and reputation.
Chief Operating Officer Richard Davis, who joined the firm in August from McGuireWoods, is spearheading efforts to enhance the firm’s financial operations, specifically focusing on speeding up revenue collection and upgrading budgetary processes. The firm has implemented new systems and brought in consultants to fill key technology roles following the departure of co-founder Bob Lewis’ son, Tommy Lewis, as chief technology and information officer. For further insight into the firm’s leadership restructuring, see Bloomberg Law’s detailed report.
The leadership overhaul is part of a series of strategic modifications, including dissolving the executive committee, expanding the management committee, and appointing Greg Katz, a New York-based partner, as the new managing partner. These changes followed a significant exit of lawyers, notably from the employment department, that led to public and legal disputes. The exodus was marked by dissatisfaction with firm’s invoicing practices and management structure, leading to controversial outcomes such as the lawsuit involving former partner Julie O’Dell, who claimed the firm mishandled client funds and services. For more information about these disputes, read Bloomberg Law’s coverage of the legal spinoff.
Additionally, the firm has addressed vendor relationships established by former leadership, resulting in lawsuits and settlements. Notably, a $9 million lawsuit with real estate broker Jonathan Larsen was settled out of court over contract disagreements. The overhaul not only aims to streamline internal operations but also to rectify financial and managerial inefficiencies that have been highlighted through recent disputes.
The management and financial restructuring at Lewis Brisbois is ongoing, as the firm attempts to stabilize and focus on optimizing long-term investments and operations. For a broader understanding of the legal dynamics within the firm following these incidents, visit additional details on the firm’s transitions.