From Partners to Team Players — Fixing the Silo Problem in Law Firms
The Silo Problem
Too many law firms operate as collections of solo shops under one roof. Partners hoard clients, resist collaboration, and operate independently.
Silos kill culture, profit, and client experience.
Why Silos Hurt Firms
Duplicated Work. Partners reinvent processes instead of sharing.
Weakened Profitability. Resources aren’t pooled for efficiency.
Poor Client Experience. Clients get inconsistent service.
Culture Erosion. Collaboration fades, and resentment grows.
The Firm That Broke Silos
I worked with a mid-size firm where each partner ran their own mini-practice. We installed firmwide KPIs, shared intake systems, and accountability rhythms. We also input a new compensation structure that rewarded collaboration and teamwork, instead of just individual performance. This is important because it aligns compensation with the behaviors you seek to encourage. Within a year after implementing these strategies, cross-selling rose and culture strengthened.
The COO’s Role
A fractional COO helps firms:
Break silos with shared goals.
Install firmwide systems.
Create accountability across practices.
The Bottom Line
Law firms don’t win as collections of individuals. They win as teams.
At ING Collaborations, I help firms break silos and build collaborative cultures that scale.