The Agile Attorney Podcast 074. Using Kanban to Manage Capacity
Jun 17, 2025
The podcast delves into the conflicts brewing in law firms when younger attorneys adopt Agile and Kanban methods while older partners resist. This generational clash often leads to team overload and burnout. The discussion highlights the need for a unified approach to capacity management, especially in succession planning. Listeners learn how to implement personal Kanban systems to juggle competing demands effectively. The difference between basic Kanban tools and those that enhance sustainable legal practice is also explored.
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Succession Conflict Over Agile Adoption
- A law firm faces tension when an older attorney resists Agile methods that the younger partner has adopted.
- The older attorney's resistance leads to overload on the associate, resulting in their resignation.
Me-Centric vs Team-Oriented Scaling
- Older attorneys often run practices with a "me-centric" scaling where the team supports them personally.
- This mindset clashes with team-oriented Agile approaches that distribute work smoother across the firm.
Paralegal Burnout from Email Overload
- A paralegal overwhelmed with requests from multiple attorneys ended up on a performance improvement plan.
- The paralegal struggled with an unmanageable email culture that pushes work without feedback loops on capacity.