What does it really take to build a national middle-market law firm that grows fast, integrates cleanly, and keeps its partners committed rather than walking out the door?

Bob Hicks, chairman and managing partner of Taft Stettinius & Hollister, explains how middle market mergers have powered Taft's expansion without sacrificing culture or retention. Rather than chasing scale for its own sake, he lays out a disciplined approach built on cultural alignment, economic fit, and client compatibility. Many conversations never become deals, and Hicks sees that restraint as a competitive advantage. Independence, he argues, is often the real rival, especially for firms that wait too long and lose momentum before acting.

The discussion also looks at what happens after a merger closes. Hicks points to partner retention, post-merger growth, and radical transparency as proof that integration matters more than headlines. From open financial reporting to a predictable compensation system, trust is treated as a growth strategy, not a soft value. At the center is a talent-first philosophy that reframes success around attracting and keeping great lawyers rather than chasing clients. Looking ahead, Hicks sees continued consolidation in the middle market and growing demand for national firms that offer scale without elite-tier pricing, with little patience for firms unwilling to adapt.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Taft's Growth Story and Recent Middle Market Mergers

05:01 Building a National Middle-Market Law Firm Strategy

10:10 The Taft Merger Model: Culture, Fit, and Long-Term Success

19:59 Modernizing Law Firms Through Talent, Transparency, and Trust

29:54 Bob Hicks on Leadership, Risk, and the Future of the Legal Industry

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MergerWatch Website

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What does it take to build a high-stakes litigation firm that wins without Big Law scale while staying lean, values-driven, and firmly in control of its future?

Chris Batz and Howard Rosenberg speak with Natasha Harrison, founder and managing partner of Pallas Partners, about what it takes to rethink the traditional law firm model from the ground up. Natasha shares why she left Big Law to build a focused litigation boutique rooted in senior judgment, clarity, and results rather than size or leverage. The conversation challenges the assumption that growth and prestige come from scale, offering a sharper view of what sophisticated clients actually value today.

At the heart of the discussion is deliberate design. Natasha explains why culture must be set from day one and why discipline around growth protects both people and performance. They explore the tension between expansion and identity, raising thoughtful questions about limits, leadership, and the risks of drifting into the middle ground between boutique and Big Law. The takeaway is clear: focus is a strategic advantage.

The episode closes with a forward-looking perspective on leadership and longevity. Natasha reflects on resilience, trust, and building a firm that can thrive beyond its founder, while Chris and Howard draw out insights on technology, succession planning, and the changing definition of success in law. Change is inevitable, and those who lead with intention are best positioned for what comes next.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Rethinking the Big Law Model

02:39 Designing Culture in a Boutique Firm

09:05 Resilience and Entrepreneurial Leadership

11:50 What Sophisticated Clients Value

14:02 High-Stakes Litigation in Volatile Markets

16:55 Technology and the Future of Legal Teams

22:10 Leadership, Succession, and Longevity

Connect with Natasha Harrison:

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Natasha's Company Web Profile

Connect with Howard Rosenberg:

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Howard's Company Web Profile

Connect with Chris Batz:

Connect with Chris on LinkedIn

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Columbus Street Website

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A leader who built his career on high-stakes investigations shares how those experiences now shape the culture, standards, and direction of a top litigation firm.

Matthew L. Schwartz, Chair of Boies Schiller Flexner LLP, joins Chris Batz and Howard Rosenberg to talk about what it takes to lead a litigation-first firm without losing the sharpness that defines its work. He reflects on a decade in the Southern District of New York, where cases tied to General Motors, the U.S. Department of the Treasury, and the fallout from Bernie Madoff shaped his views on judgment, clarity, and what clients actually want from their lawyers.

Matthew explains why the firm gives young lawyers real responsibility early on and why senior lawyers thrive with the autonomy to build their practices without heavy bureaucracy. He also digs into the decisions that matter most right now: where to grow, how to align with client needs, and what pressures like AI, rising litigation costs, and outside capital mean for a disputes-only practice.

The conversation circles back to a central question for any leader in high-stakes litigation: how do you build a firm where people think boldly, act with integrity, and stay committed to excellence when the pressure is highest? Matthew makes the case that culture, mentorship, and trust still carry the most weight.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Matthew L. Schwartz's Path From Federal Prosecutor to Firm Chair

06:05 Lessons From High-Profile Cases and Complex Investigations

12:02 How Boies Schiller Flexner LLP Develops and Retains Top Legal Talent

15:01 AI, Technology, and the Future of Litigation

18:03 Private Equity and the Changing Law Firm Model

24:04 Mentorship and Developing the Next Generation of Trial Lawyers

29:45 Personal Insights and Matthew's Outlook on the Future of Law

Connect with Matthew L. Schwartz:

Connect with Matt on LinkedIn

Matt's Web Bio

Connect with Howard Rosenberg:

Connect with Howard on LinkedIn

Howard's Company Web Profile

Connect with Chris Batz:

Connect with Chris on LinkedIn

Follow Columbus Street on LinkedIn

Columbus Street Website

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm