What does it take to grow a 1,200-lawyer firm through chaos, competition, and industry change without losing the culture and discipline that made it strong in the first place?

Hosts Chris Batz and Howard Rosenberg sit down with Chase Simmons, Chair and CEO of Polsinelli, for a thoughtful conversation about leadership under pressure. As the leader of one of the largest full-service U.S.-focused law firms, Chase brings a clear point of view on growth, judgment, and the kind of institutional clarity that gets tested when the market shifts.

The conversation gets to the heart of how firms grow without losing themselves. Chase shares why Polsinelli has stayed intentionally U.S. focused, how leadership teams decide where to invest and where to hold back, and what hard moments can reveal about a firm's values. What helps a firm stay disciplined when the market keeps shifting? What becomes possible when leaders know who they are and refuse to chase every opportunity?

Chris and Howard also ask Chase about private equity, AI, succession, and the broader disruption reshaping big law. What emerges is a thoughtful discussion about stewardship, ambition, and the choices that give a firm staying power. It is a grounded look at leadership from someone who has helped scale a major firm while staying protective of the culture behind it.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Polsinelli's Growth Strategy and Leadership Vision

03:08 Building a Law Firm Culture That Holds Up Under Pressure

11:56 The Future of Big Law and Industry Disruption

14:59 AI and the Changing Practice of Law

17:54 Private Equity and the Future of Law Firm Ownership

21:04 Leadership Lessons for Law Firm Leaders

Connect with Chase Simmons:

Chase Simmon's Law Firm Web bio

Connect with Chase on LinkedIn

Connect with Howard Rosenberg:

Connect with Howard on LinkedIn

Howard's Company Web Profile

Connect with Chris Batz:

Connect with Chris on LinkedIn

Follow Columbus Street on LinkedIn

Columbus Street Website

MergerWatch Website

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