Howard Rosenberg Interviews Kristina Lawson, Managing Partner of Hanson Bridgett LLP

In this episode of The Future Is Bright podcast, Howard Rosenberg, head of Talent Intelligence + Acquisitions at Baretz+Brunelle, and his co-host Chris Batz speak with Kristina Lawson, managing partner of Hanson Bridgett LLP and former mayor of Walnut Creek, California. Kristina shares how her firm’s values-driven culture, with nearly 40% of equity partners being women, sets a benchmark for diversity and inclusion in the Am Law 200. She discusses Hanson Bridgett’s innovative agile workforce policy, its commitment to seamless leadership succession, and the importance of adapting to generational shifts and emerging challenges like AI, all while remaining connected to California’s communities and clients.

Episode Highlights:

• The Journey to Leadership at Hanson Bridgett
  Kristina shares how she transitioned from Big Law to leading Hanson Bridgett, a California-based firm with a values-driven culture. Despite her initial doubts, Christina embraced the opportunity to serve as managing partner.
• Building a Values-Based Organization
  Kristina discusses Hanson Bridgett’s deep commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, which has been a cornerstone of the firm’s culture for over 65 years. She highlights how the firm’s guiding principles—like honoring differences—drive internal collaboration and client success.
• Adapting to Generational and Cultural Shifts
  Kristina explores the challenges and opportunities of managing a multigenerational workforce. She emphasizes the importance of listening to younger lawyers’ perspectives and fostering authentic connections.
• Preparing for Industry Disruption
  From AI to private equity investments, Kristina examines the trends reshaping the legal landscape. She outlines how Hanson Bridgett is proactively exploring innovations, like responsible AI usage, while remaining nimble to navigate competition from consulting firms and the big four accounting firms.

About the Podcast:

On The Future Is Bright, Howard Rosenberg and Chris Batz engage with thought-provoking C-suite executives and leaders from corporations, professional service firms, and the global legal industry. Each episode uncovers insights on leadership, innovation, and the evolving dynamics of the modern professional landscape.

You can subscribe to The Future is Bright Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and PodBean.