Surviving the Merger Surviving the Merger Behind the MergerBehind the Merger

Joy HeathJoy Heath

Sidley Austin Brown & Wood, LLPSidley Austin Brown & Wood, LLP

August 26, 2004August 26, 2004

Vital StatisticsVital Statistics

Firm ProfilesFirm Profiles• Sidley & AustinSidley & Austin• Brown & WoodBrown & Wood

Technology (In)CompatabilityTechnology (In)Compatability TimelineTimeline

The Logic Behind ItThe Logic Behind It

Client Service IssuesClient Service Issues Conflicts IssuesConflicts Issues Cultural IssuesCultural Issues

The IT OrganizationsThe IT Organizations

Core StructureCore Structure• Sidley & AustinSidley & Austin• Brown & WoodBrown & Wood

Reporting ComparisonReporting Comparison Outsourcing PhilosophyOutsourcing Philosophy

What was in the CardsWhat was in the Cards

A Clear LeaderA Clear Leader Merging of TechnologyMerging of Technology Convergence of Outsourcing Convergence of Outsourcing

StrategiesStrategies Reorganization of ReportingReorganization of Reporting

Crystal Ball in the WashCrystal Ball in the Wash

Differing Review and Compensation Differing Review and Compensation PracticesPractices

““Clear Leader” Model not Consistent Clear Leader” Model not Consistent Throughout Merged OrganizationThroughout Merged Organization

Inconsistent Relationship Model with Inconsistent Relationship Model with Other Administrative AreasOther Administrative Areas

Cultural Similarities did not Extend to Cultural Similarities did not Extend to ITIT

Not “Sidley” PeopleNot “Sidley” People

The Greatest Challenge – 9/11The Greatest Challenge – 9/11

Technology ConvergenceTechnology Convergence Staffing ReorganizationStaffing Reorganization Psychological FalloutPsychological Fallout

Lessons LearnedLessons Learned

Prepare to Feel StupidPrepare to Feel Stupid Understanding the Team Culture is Understanding the Team Culture is

KeyKey Effect of Changes in Relative Status Effect of Changes in Relative Status

Cannot be UnderestimatedCannot be Underestimated You Never Have as Much Time as you You Never Have as Much Time as you

ThinkThink ““Little Things” Really MatterLittle Things” Really Matter

Lessons Learned (cont’d.)Lessons Learned (cont’d.)

Prepare to be Torn between the Prepare to be Torn between the Important and the ImperativeImportant and the Imperative

Recognize and “Get With” the Recognize and “Get With” the ProgramProgram

Avoid Saying “That’s Not How we did Avoid Saying “That’s Not How we did it at ……”it at ……”

Stars StayStars Stay You Don’t Have to Wing ItYou Don’t Have to Wing It Don’t Be Afraid of Seeking HelpDon’t Be Afraid of Seeking Help