A guide to planning your law firm retreat
Law firm retreats aren’t just an excuse to get out of the office. They’re a chance to build stronger teams, have real conversations, increase trust and learn together. In a world where we’re all glued to screens, getting everyone together in person brings huge value to your firm.
If you’re organizing a retreat, you probably have a few questions. While every firm’s needs and budget are different, here the most comment questions I get and some thoughts based on decades of experience attending and speaking at law firm retreats:
Partners only or all lawyers? All lawyers should be there. Unless it’s a closed-door strategy session for partners, include everyone. If needed, you can always schedule a separate breakout session for partners.
Should management staff be included? At minimum, invite your COO or Administrator. This individual plays a crucial leadership role, and strong working relationships between management and lawyers are essential. Including other key managers, such as those in marketing or accounting, can also help raise their profile within the firm. Increasing their visibility and engagement allows them to better support lawyers and contribute more effectively to the firm’s success.
Should plus-ones be invited? Sorry, but probably not. Unless you’re a small firm with a family-like culture, having plus-ones can be distracting. The goal is to focus on and build internal relationships. Unless you’re BigLaw and have someone to plan the partner/spouse program, I would pass.
Do we need an off-site location? If the budget allows, yes get out of town, but staying local is better than skipping it. A new setting helps people relax and think differently, but what really matters is making time to connect.
Do we need a business session, or can we just focus on activities and dinners? Always include at least one business session. Retreats are a great time to bond, but they should also move the firm forward. Without a focused session, it’s just a firm-sponsored getaway.
Should we bring in a guest speaker? A great speaker can elevate your retreat and make a big difference. The right expert can bring fresh insights and shows that the firm is serious about its goals. Set a budget, find someone who gets your firm’s culture, and ensure they understand your specific needs.
And what makes a retreat memorable and positive for everyone? Here’s what I have seen work well:
Plan ahead - Set clear expectations. Let attendees know the retreat’s purpose in advance, making sure sessions have a defined agenda and outcomes.
Make it relevant – Be courageous and focus on real issues your firm is facing. The more relevant the discussion, the more engaged people will be.
Keep it interactive- No one wants to sit through a presentation that lacks a spark. Keep things discussion-based, engaging, and interactive.
End with action steps - A great retreat isn’t just about listening or talking. It’s about following through on actions after the retreat. Make sure conversations lead to clear next steps and follow-ups.
Of course there will be exceptions to some of the points above. You know your firm best and will make the right decision. And even when you allocate just 20% of your retreat time to a business session, you should see results in the long run.
If you’d like to debate, discuss or ask different questions, let’s chat.