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