Hinshaw Leaders Discuss Firm Leadership Changes and Strategic Direction With The American Lawyer

Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP Chairman Kevin Joseph Burke and Managing Partner Robert T. Shannon spoke with The American Lawyer about several new leadership appointments announced by Mr. Burke and about the firm's focus and direction. The article, "In Bid to Become a 'Category Killer,' Hinshaw Makes Changes," appeared in the May 18, 2016 issue of The Am Law Daily.

The leadership changes included the naming of Mr. Shannon as Hinshaw's new Managing Partner, as well as four new management committee members, five new practice group leaders, and seven new office leaders. As noted in the article "[Mr. Burke] said that the moves came from a desire to empower younger and more diverse attorneys at Hinshaw, and to embark on a branding initiative to be known as a 'category killer' representing insurance companies, lawyers, law firms and consumer businesses." He explained, "We want to go to those places where we're strong, and we want to be in the top three and kill the category[.] And that's a change in thinking."

Addressing the process of executing change within a large law firm, Mr. Burke said, "If I know other firms are having a hard time changing, we are going to change, and we're going to have a competitive advantage."

Mr. Burke also stated his preference for developing effective solutions by means of dialogue among leaders in the firm. He noted," the world [today] is about collaboration."

In discussing his responsibilities as managing partner, Mr. Shannon said that he will be overseeing the move of Hinshaw's Chicago headquarters office to a to-be-constructed, modern space — designed by noted architect John Ronan and developed by the John Buck Company — at 151 N. Franklin St. Mr. Shannon explained that "It's investing in our future."

To read the full article, "In Bid to Become a 'Category Killer,' Hinshaw Makes Changes," visit the American Lawyer website. Please note that a subscription may be required.