In this episode, Ruby Powers sits down with Christine J. Alden — immigration attorney, shareholder at Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney, and past president of the American Immigration Lawyers Association South Florida chapter — for a conversation most law firm owners never get to hear: what actually happens when you merge your boutique practice into a big firm.
Christine has run the full gamut — solo practice, boutique firm, fifty percent business owner, and now shareholder at a national firm. Eight years in, she hasn't looked back. But she's also refreshingly honest about the trade-offs, the diligence process, the questions you should be asking, and what nobody tells you before you sign.
What we explore:
✅ The Real Pros: From 24/7 IT support and document services to a deep bench of partners across practice areas — the resources Christine didn't even know existed until she got there.
✅ The Real Cons: More layers, more approval processes, less lone-wolf decision-making — and why that's actually a relief for some and a dealbreaker for others.
✅ The Decision Framework: Will your clients follow you? Will you be comfortable there? What the due diligence process really looks like — and why you should never feel rushed.
✅ The Billing Conversation: From flat fee to hourly — why joining a big firm changed how Christine saw her own rates, and what the billable hour debate looks like right now.
✅ Leadership as Strategy: Why Christine has led bar associations and business councils — not just for the referrals, but for the growth she never expected.
If you've ever wondered what it would look like to merge, sell, or go big law — this episode is the honest conversation you need first.
📌 Connect with Christine J. Alden: LinkedIn: search Christine J. Alden Firm: Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney
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Hosted by Ruby Powers, your guide into the heart of law practice management. Each week, learn insights from leading legal minds, trailblazing attorneys, and expert guests who provide you with actionable advice, out-of-the-box solutions, and a fresh perspective on running your firm more effectively and efficiently. Prepare to open your mind, be inspired, and power up your practice to the next level.
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