AAML Firm Leadership - Culture Survey

This confidential survey which should take no more than 5 minutes is intended for managing partners, firm chairs, practice leaders, and solo firm principals. It captures leadership perspectives on firm culture, expectations, communication, technology, client service, and flexibility. Responses will be analyzed only in aggregate and may be used for research and publication. No individual or firm will be identified.

1.Consent: I consent to participate in this survey under the terms described above.

Yes

No

Section A. Leadership Context

4.Approximate percentage of your time devoted to leadership or management responsibilities

Less than 10%

10–25%

26–50%

More than 50%

Section B. Culture and Expectation Clarity (1 = Strongly disagree, 5 = Strongly agree)

5.Our firm has clearly articulated performance expectations for lawyers at different career stages.

6.Lawyers at my firm understand what is required for advancement or long-term success.

7.Written policies accurately reflect how expectations are applied in practice.

8.When expectations are unclear, lawyers feel comfortable seeking clarification.

9.Unwritten norms play a significant role in how work is evaluated at our firm.

Section C. Communication, Feedback, and Psychological Safety (1 = Strongly disagree, 5 = Strongly agree)

10.Our firm provides feedback frequently enough to support professional development.

11.Lawyers feel comfortable raising concerns or disagreement with firm leadership.

12.Fear of reputational or career consequences inhibits open communication at our firm.

Section D. Technology and Client Service (1 = Strongly disagree, 5 = Strongly agree)

13.Our firm has clearly communicated expectations regarding the appropriate use of AI tools.

14.Leadership has considered how AI adoption may affect training, evaluation, or advancement.

15.Our firm actively supports setting reasonable boundaries with clients.

Section E. Flexibility

Section F. Technology, Communication and Marketing

17.Technology adoption within the firm: How would you describe the adoption of new technologies in your firm (for example: electronic files, secure document sharing, practice management tools)?

18.Technology differences among attorneys: To what extent do differences in comfort with technology among attorneys affect firm operations or client service?

19.Client communication methods: Please indicate what percentage of client communication occurs through each of the following methods 1) Telephone 2) email 3) text messaging and 4) Secure client portal or file sharing platform? (Please use open-text box to respond. Responses should total approximately 100%.)

20.Firm policies regarding texting with clients: Does your firm have a policy regarding texting with clients?

Yes – texting is permitted and commonly used

Yes – texting is permitted but limited

Yes – texting is discouraged

No formal policy

Texting is generally prohibited

21.Sources of new client matters: Approximately what percentage of new client matters originate from the following sources: 1) Professional referrals (attorneys or other professionals) 2) Existing client referrals 3) In-person networking or events 4) Online presence (website, search, legal directories)? (Please use open-text box to respond. Percentages should total approximately 100%.)

22.Additional comments regarding technology: Please share any observations about how technology affects your firm’s culture, attorney collaboration, client service, or client development.