Ignite 2026

Every managing partner in 2026 is leading through transition — AI reshaping the economics of legal work and complex partnership dynamics. David Sarnoff, ICF Certified Executive Coach, founder of Sarnoff Group, and co-author of Beyond the Courtroom (PLI Press, 2026), brings over two decades of executive coaching and search experience to the Managing Partner Lab. Drawing on his work coaching managing partners, GCs, and senior partners through the most consequential transitions of their careers, David walks through the coaching frameworks that actually move leaders forward: coaching yourself and your peers through the AI-era identity shift every senior lawyer is quietly wrestling with, succession planning that doesn't blow up partnership dynamics, and having the hard conversations with underperforming partners. Practical, candid, and built for the room — leave with a coaching toolkit you can use the moment you're back at the firm, and a sharper view of how to lead yourself and your partners through whatever 2026 brings next.

This is a follow up session to David Sarnoff's session: Coaching Through Transitions: Leading Managing Partners, Lateral Moves & the AI-Era Firm 

​​Join Gwen Griggs and Phil Flora for Part 2 David Sarnoff's session: Coaching Through Transitions: Leading Managing Partners, Lateral Moves & the AI-Era Firm. Gwen and Phil will guide attendees through a workship on David's presentation.

AI is evolving quickly, and for mid-sized law firms, staying ahead means more than simply adopting the latest tools. In this expert panel, professionals with hands-on experience navigating AI and legal technology will share their perspectives on where AI is creating meaningful opportunities, what firms should consider as they navigate adoption, and how to approach the decisions that come with new technology. Additionally, panelists will discuss what they are seeing in the market, including opportunities to learn from and work with the companies building these tools.
 
Attendees will leave with practical perspectives to help them think more strategically about AI and what it could mean for their firms. 
 
Come back for the Workshop on AI and Financial Performance at 3:15 to discuss and build on what you learned in an interactive workshop.

This candid discussion explores what it takes for mid-sized firms to build sustainable, enjoyable, and profitable practices at a moment when AI is fundamentally changing the business of law. Nancy and Whitney will examine how firms can preserve profitability while strengthening client trust and sustaining relationships, including the shift from hourly billing toward pricing based on the value of the deliverable. Attendees will leave with practical insights for navigating these changes and building a more resilient, value-focused practice.

Join Gwen Griggs and Phil Flora for Part 2 of the two previous leadership track sessions: Panel: AI, framed for firms our size, and Pricing and Financial Performance.

During this session, Gwen and Phil will walk attendees through guided discussion questions in a hands-on workshop. Attendees will get to share their thoughts and share best practices.