A PARTNERSHIP LEADERSHIP DIAGNOSTIC
A confidential, reflective self-assessment built from the ground up for the realities of partnership and the shift from fee earner to leader.
01What it is
This is not a generic leadership diagnostic adapted for lawyers. It is a leadership diagnostic designed from the ground up for the realities of partnership, the commercial pressures, the client relationships, regulatory weight and the shift from fee earner to leader.
A confidential, reflective self-assessment tool for partners in law firms and those on the partnership track. In around 20 minutes it builds a clear picture of where you are now across seven leadership domains, aligned to areas of expertise required within a typical partner competency framework.
On completion, you receive a personalised, branded results report, tailored to your responses, your career level and your scores and this is combined with practical development actions, a 30, 60 and 90 day action plan and selected reading.
—The Framework
How clearly you understand yourself as a leader, how deliberately you lead, and how consistently your behaviour reflects your values under pressure. It looks at whether you are actively developing as a leader and making the shift from fee earner to leader.
How effectively you invest in those around you, how well you understand what drives them, and how you delegate. How honestly you give feedback, and how directly you address underperformance and conduct issues. How you create a culture for success.
How well you understand and can interpret firm financials, what drives profitability, how actively you manage the financial performance of your work, and how confidently you engage in commercial conversations, including the uncomfortable ones.
How deliberately you develop your client, referrer and professional networks, how well you position yourself as a trusted advisor, and how actively you build your external profile, including the role you play in building Business Development capability in others.
How you lead on building a positive risk and compliance culture, how proactively you handle difficult situations, how promptly you act on issues, and how consistently you model integrity especially when it is commercially inconvenient.
How actively you contribute to the strategic direction of your firm, how prepared you are for the impact of AI on legal practice, and how consciously you consider your wider responsibilities; environmental and social impact, governance, liability and client trust.
How deliberately you create space for diverse perspectives, championing equality and inclusion, and how actively you adapt to individuals' needs as a leader whilst investing in the next generation.
02Who it's for
The Legal Leadership Diagnostic has been specifically designed for lawyers and law firms seeking to develop leadership capability, accelerate progression to partnership, and strengthen firm-wide performance. Every participant receives insights relevant to their level of responsibility, influence and leadership experience.
03How it's different
The Partnership Leadership Diagnostic does more than measure leadership capability. It provides a structured framework for ongoing professional development throughout the partnership journey.
Grounded in recognised partner competency frameworks and informed by the principles of continuing competence, the diagnostic helps lawyers identify both their strengths and their most important development priorities. Every recommendation is aligned to career stage and is relevant, achievable and proportionate.
The resulting report can be used to support professional development reviews, career planning conversations and leadership development discussions within the firm. Most importantly, the diagnostic is designed to move beyond insight alone, through practical recommendations and structured action planning.
04For individual lawyers
A clear understanding of your current leadership strengths, development priorities and readiness for the next stage of your career. Whether you are preparing for partnership or seeking to enhance your impact as an established partner, the assessment creates a personalised roadmap to support your progression.
05For law firms
Commission the diagnostic across associates, legal directors and partners to support leadership development, succession planning, partner progression and CPD. Each participant receives their confidential report; firms may also receive an anonymised organisational report highlighting collective strengths and recurring development needs.
06Investment
Purchase online, or get in touch directly for a firm package or invoice.
Individual Lawyer
Best for individual lawyers seeking to accelerate their development and prepare for the next stage of their career.
Optional one-to-one leadership debrief: £295 + VAT per participant
For additional extras email michelle@michellehoward.co.uk
Law Firm Package
Firms wishing to develop leadership capability across associates, legal directors and partners.
Additional participants: £95 + VAT per person
Optional one-to-one leadership debrief: £295 + VAT per participant
Additional collated firm report: £450 + VAT
For additional extras email michelle@michellehoward.co.uk
Get in touch: michelle@michellehoward.co.uk
07How it works
Purchase online, or contact directly for a firm package or to book directly
Receive your personal access link within 48 hours
Complete the diagnostic in approximately 20–25 minutes
If you have selected an optional one-to-one debrief or firm report, arrangements will be made within 48 hours following purchase
Twenty minutes of honest reflection. Ninety days of structured development. One clearer path through partnership.
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