The Power of Time Together: Reflections from the WPG Client Relationship Symposium

At Wicker Park Group, we often say that there’s no substitute for spending meaningful time with our clients and peers. That sentiment came to life in remarkable ways last week as we gathered in Chicago for our annual Client Relationship Symposium. For a few days, we were reminded just how essential it is to step away from our day-to-day demands and engage in collaborative dialogue with those who share our passion for client service, innovation and leadership in the legal industry.

The following are few takeaways from our thought leaders:

• Ask for More: We opened with dynamic insights from Alex Carter, whose negotiation techniques reframe how to think about leadership and influence. Through the lens of diagnostic questions, she offered a powerful reminder: curiosity isn’t just a soft skill—it’s a strategic tool. Among other tips, she emphasized the importance of defining your needs, leading with open questions and finding the “lighthouses” in your team.
• Group Best Practices: From launching successful client feedback programs to aligning cross-functional teams around business development goals, participants shared what’s working and what still needs work. These conversations not only validated some recurring industry challenges but also uncovered new tactics and tools that we’ll be sharing more of in the months ahead.
• What High-Growth Firms Are Doing Differently: Patrick Fuller of ALM unpacked some of the common characteristics of high-growth firms with supporting data. The session underscored that firms investing in long-term strategy—particularly in talent, culture and client feedback—see the greatest returns. Those firms are horizon scanning, they are moving at the pace of their clients’ businesses and they are offering not just what clients need but what clients want.
• Navigating the Future with AI: Justin Antonipillai of Stewardshipped.ai guided a session on how firms must start integrating AI into firm processes and strategy in order to avoid being left behind. He noted that firms have some key advantages on adopting AI (including an education infrastructure and a culture of mentorship), and he suggested that one key first step is getting people at the firm (and particularly leadership) using AI daily in a safe manner. While there is tension between innovation and risk, particularly in a profession built on precedent and process, he encouraged attendees to go back to their firms and start thinking through monetization: How will firms with hourly billing shift when technology shortens the time required to complete tasks?

Beyond the structured sessions, perhaps the most impactful moments happened between the lines: hallway conversations, shared meals and informal catchups. The common theme across every session and conversation is that investing time in each other to listen, share and collaborate is one of the most valuable things we can do.

As we return to our respective roles, we carry with us not only new strategies and perspectives but also renewed energy and purpose. Thank you to everyone who joined us—we’re already looking forward to next year.