July 22, 2026 [Austin, TX] – SurePoint Technologies, a leading provider of legal software and intelligence solutions to law firms, today announced the release of Elevating Law Firm Leadership, a major new research collaboration with The Tilt Institute. The study examines the rapidly expanding scope of law firm leadership and exposes the widening gap between the commitments leaders make and the support firms provide.
Based on the experiences of 155 lawyer leaders and legal professionals across Am Law 200, international, and boutique firms, the report finds that leadership in today’s law firms has evolved into a second job, one defined by broad strategic responsibility, steep time demands, and increasing organizational complexity. Yet, while the expectations placed on leaders continue to rise, the systems designed to train, measure, and recognize those leaders have not kept pace.
The findings highlight an environment where leaders are responsible for nearly every dimension of firm performance—strategy, talent, revenue, culture, clients, operations, and succession—but often without the infrastructure, clarity, or recognition that such a mandate requires. Nearly half of lawyer leaders entered their roles with no formal leadership training, and three in ten report no formal mechanism for evaluating their leadership performance. Many leaders also report spending the equivalent of a full additional workweek each month on leadership responsibilities, often without explicit acknowledgment or compensation.
“Our goal was to surface not only what leaders are being asked to do, but what they need in order to continue doing it well,” said Marcie Borgal Shunk, Founder and President, The Tilt Institute. “What emerged was striking. For many lawyer leaders, leadership is a side hustle. While firms have shifted to more sophisticated business models in other areas – finance, business development and even technology – leadership systems remain largely unchanged. This comes with a cost, both to the firms and the individuals. Taking leadership to where it needs to be to face the increasingly complex challenges of today is going to take clarity, development, accountability and support structures that simply don’t exist today.”
The report also underscores the significant perception gaps between lawyer leaders and the professionals who work alongside them. Professionals tend to assume leaders receive more structured accountability, clearer mandates, and stronger compensation recognition than those in leadership roles themselves experience. These mismatches suggest that, in many firms, leadership expectations are not uniformly understood—widening the distance between those making decisions and those supporting them.
“Law firm leaders are carrying tremendous strategic and human capital responsibilities, often out of sight and without consistent support,” said Phil Flora, VP of Sales, SurePoint Legal Insights. “This report makes clear that the commitment from leaders is strong, yet the infrastructure around leadership must evolve if firms want to sustain that commitment and strengthen their long-term competitiveness.”
Despite the structural challenges highlighted in the report, commitment to leadership remains exceptionally high: 86% of lawyer leaders say they would choose leadership again, even amid inconsistent training, uneven measurement frameworks, and the significant time demands of the role. Their continued dedication serves as both a testament to the importance of leadership in law firms today and a call to action for firms to strengthen the systems that support their leaders.
For more information, download the Elevating Law Firm Leadership report or register for the August 6th webinar, Is Your Leadership Model Built for Today’s Law Firm?.
About The Tilt Institute
The Tilt Institute exists to help law firms lead what comes next. We help firms develop modern leaders through evidence-based learning experiences, executive workshops, strategic advisory services and original research designed exclusively for the legal profession. By combining practical leadership development with forward-looking insight, we help firms navigate change, strengthen performance and build lasting capability.
About SurePoint® Technologies
SurePoint Technologies drives Firm Performance by helping mid-sized law firms operate efficiently, compete effectively, and grow with confidence. Powered by a connected legal technology ecosystem with embedded intelligence, our configurable Practice, Finance, and Growth Solutions streamline operations—from timekeeping, billing, and payments to CRM, talent insights, and business intelligence. By simplifying operations, strengthening financial performance, and supporting sustainable growth, SurePoint unifies the business and practice of law and empowers legal professionals to focus on what matters most: serving clients, leading teams, and creating lasting impact.
Contact
Jen Lapierre
Communications Consultant
media@surepoint.com
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