MANAGING PARTNERS TO WATCH
JAMES R. FORREST
NORTH CAROLINA MANAGING PARTNER MICHAEL BEST RALEIGH, N.C. In addition to his role as North Carolina managing partner at Michael Best, James Forrest practices corporate law and represents faith-based organizations, helping them in all areas of governance, management and regulatory matters. In 2011, Forrest founded Forrest Firm, and over a decade, he grew the firm to seven offices with more than 50 team members and thousands of clients. In 2022, the Forrest Firm combined with Michael Best. Outside his law practice, Forrest dedicates his time to community leadership and support in many organizations, including First Tee of the Triangle, the Duke DREAM Campaign, the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce, Kidznotes, the Durham Symphony Orchestra, Durham CrimeStoppers, Leadership Triangle, Leadership Durham, Mission Triangle, Corporate Chaplains of America, Duke Hospital, the Association for Corporate Growth, N.C. Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts and the Raleigh Rescue Mission. Over the years, he has received many honors and recognitions, including membership in the North Carolina Pro Bono Honor Society for the last three years.
CHRISTOPHER C. LAM
CHARLOTTE MANAGING PARTNER BRADLEY ARANT BOULT CUMMINGS CHARLOTTE, N.C. For Chris Lam, serving as a managing partner is about boosting his colleagues and keeping the lines of communication open. He’s known as the firm’s top cheerleader. After joining Bradley Arant Boult Cummings in 2016, Lam quickly established himself as a leader. He built a successful practice and demonstrated his commitment to the legal profession as well as civic and philanthropic organizations. He was named managing partner of the Charlotte office in 2018. His approach to his role is paying off. Lam has been instrumental in the success of the Charlotte office, helping oversee a 33% increase in headcount. He championed Bradley’s participation in the Mecklenburg County Bar’s Charlotte Legal Diversity Clerkship program and recently served a term as president of the Mecklenburg County Bar. A leader in legal advocacy and access to justice initiatives, Lam served as co-chair of the North Carolina Bar Foundation’s Administration of Justice Committee. In 2019, Gov. Roy Cooper appointed him to a three-year term on the N.C. Humanities Council Board of Trustees.
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BYRON B. KIRKLAND MANAGING PARTNER SMITH ANDERSON RALEIGH, N.C.
If a law firm’s success was measured only by its wealth, Byron Kirkland’s tenure as Smith Anderson’s managing partner would be a triumph. Just three years in, he has led the firm to a 35% revenue growth. However, Kirkland has shown that success is measured in many ways, including work-life balance for employees. Success also is reflected in the firm’s five-year strategic plan that strengthens client service, boosts team cohesiveness, builds efficiencies and provides first-class professional development opportunities for attorneys. Under Kirkland’s leadership, Smith Anderson has evolved into a diversity, equity and inclusion leader in North Carolina’s legal community, boosted by the rigorous 18-month Mansfield Certification program, designed to help boost inclusivity, access and diversity in leadership at law firms and legal departments. Kirkland also is known for his ability to build meaningful relationships with others, particularly younger professionals, mentoring junior lawyers for nearly 30 years. Many have become partners at the firm, cementing Kirkland’s legacy for decades to come.
PAUL C. LAWRENCE
MANAGING PARTNER HEDRICK GARDNER KINCHELOE & GAROFALO CHARLOTTE, N.C. Paul Lawrence earned significant respect from his partners and Hedrick Gardner Kincheloe and Garofalo when he was elected as managing partner, not because of his management expertise, but for being willing to learn. He read books on leadership, attended seminars and presentations on law firm management, and sought help from a leadership coach. He also sought advice from members of the firm’s administrative team who had leadership experience. In 2020, during the COVID-19 shutdowns, his diligence and hard work paid off when he led Hedrick Gardner’s shift to a remote work environment in less than three days. Lawrence also has overseen the merger with a small firm that added new practice areas and client service capabilities. He also led an initiative to revise billing practices and overhaul rates, resulting in boosting net annual income by six figures. Along with his responsibility as managing partner, Lawrence continues to try cases and has completed two employment law trials this year.
NOVEMBER 2023
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N O R T H C A R O L I N A L A W Y E R S W E E K LY