Baretz+Brunelle | Podcast Interview With Guest Bob Hicks

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 welcome Bob Hicks, chairman and managing partner of Taft Stettinius & Hollister, a rapidly growing Am Law 100 firm focused on middle-market clients across the United States. Bob shares insights drawn from his transformative leadership at Taft, where he has overseen 550% revenue growth and multiple strategic law firm mergers, reshaping the firm’s footprint and market identity.

In a candid and wide-ranging conversation, Bob discusses Taft’s bold growth strategy, his vision for creating the nation’s leading middle-market law firm, and the cultural principles underpinning every merger and lateral hire. He opens up about Taft’s open compensation model, the firm’s insurgent mindset, and how modernizing law firm operations is essential to long-term relevance. On topics from succession planning to private equity to AI, Bob offers leadership insights and strategic vision.

Episode Highlights

• Building the Super Firm for the Middle Market
  Bob outlines Taft’s national expansion strategy and why the firm is laser-focused on becoming the leading law firm for sophisticated middle-market work. He shares how pricing, talent, and strategic acquisitions position Taft as a compelling alternative to the Am Law 25 for Fortune 500 companies.

• A Transparent, Fair, and Modern Law Firm Model
  Learn how Taft broke with tradition by adopting an open compensation system, flattening its partner structure, and prioritizing transparency. Bob explains how these changes help attract top legal talent and increase retention by fostering trust and fairness.
  
  
• Culture Over Everything in Law Firm Mergers
  With nine successful law firm mergers, Bob shares why cultural alignment is non-negotiable. Listeners will learn about “the Taft way” and how the firm maintains high post-merger retention and growth by focusing on fit, trust, and long-term value.
  
  
• A Maverick’s Approach to Legal Leadership
  From a background in accounting and Wall Street to leading a billion-dollar law firm, Bob shares how thinking like a businessperson, not just a lawyer, helps him lead. He discusses why calculated risk-taking and talent-centric leadership drive Taft.
  
  
• What’s Next: AI, Private Equity, and the Future of Law
  Bob dives into the opportunities and limits of private equity and MSOs in the legal industry, why AI is a tool to embrace—not fear—and how law firms can avoid being left behind. 

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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.