The head of a law firm does not have a single, universal title, which is a key difference from the standardized corporate or technology sectors. The title often depends on the firm’s size, structure, and tradition. This variability in naming reflects the partnership model that most law firms operate under, where ownership and management are shared among lawyers. Understanding the most common designation provides a clear starting point for comprehending the true nature of this executive function.
The Managing Partner
The most frequently encountered title for the operational leader of a law firm is the Managing Partner (MP). This individual is entrusted with the daily business operations and the overall strategic direction of the firm. The Managing Partner is typically an equity partner, meaning they hold an ownership stake in the firm and share in its profits and financial risks. This dual role, as both a business executive and a part-owner, distinguishes the position from a traditional corporate Chief Executive Officer.
The Managing Partner functions as the firm’s top executive, responsible for coordinating the partners and ensuring the firm meets its financial and strategic objectives. The prevalence of this title across the industry makes it the most direct answer to what the head of a law firm is called.
Core Responsibilities of the Law Firm Head
Regardless of the specific title, the job of a law firm leader is centered on the business of law practice. A significant portion of the role involves financial management, including budgeting, capital planning, and structuring partner compensation. The leader must ensure the firm remains profitable by overseeing performance analysis and resource allocation.
Strategic planning is a central function, requiring the head to set the firm’s long-term vision, manage growth initiatives, and evaluate potential mergers or acquisitions. They are also deeply involved in talent management, making decisions about hiring, retention, and the promotion of attorneys to the partnership ranks. The firm’s head often reduces or steps away from their full-time legal practice to focus on the firm’s administration and leadership.
Variations in Leadership Titles and Structures
The title used for the firm’s head often changes based on the organization’s scale and formality. Very large firms frequently adopt more corporate-sounding titles like Chief Executive Officer (CEO) or Chairman. These firms may also separate the management function from administrative duties, employing a non-lawyer Executive Director or Chief Operating Officer (COO) to handle day-to-day internal logistics.
In larger, more complex structures, the ultimate authority often rests not with a single individual but with an Executive Committee or Management Committee. The person holding the title of Managing Partner or Chairman typically leads this committee, which collectively steers the firm’s direction and policy. Conversely, smaller or boutique firms may use less formal titles like “Senior Partner” or “Founding Partner” if the management responsibilities are less segregated from the practice of law.
How Law Firm Leaders Are Chosen
The selection process for a law firm leader reflects the partnership structure and is usually a democratic process. The most common method involves an election where the firm’s equity partners vote for the individual they believe is best suited to lead. In some cases, the selection may be an appointment made by the firm’s existing Executive or Management Committee.
The tenure for this leadership role is often fixed, typically lasting for a term of three to five years, after which the individual may be re-elected or a new leader is chosen. This rotation is designed to ensure accountability to the partnership and prevent the concentration of power. In smaller firms, the original attorney may simply retain the leadership position without a formal election process.
The Difference Between Leadership and Naming Partners
A frequent source of confusion is the distinction between the current leader and the names listed on the firm’s door, such as in “Jones, Smith & Baker.” The Naming Partners are those whose surnames form the firm’s brand and are usually the historical founders or individuals who made significant, long-term contributions to its success. These partners are often retired, or even deceased, but their names are retained for branding and legacy purposes.
The Managing Partner is the person currently responsible for the firm’s operations and administration. The Managing Partner rarely holds the firm’s namesake title unless they are also one of the original founders. The person managing the firm today is the operational head, while the names on the wall represent the firm’s history and reputation.