Fitch Even was featured in the Law360’s Pulse article, “How These Small Firms Have Withstood the Test of Time,” which explores how long-standing small firms across the country have remained independent and thriving for decades, even centuries, despite market consolidation and shifting economic conditions.
The article highlights common strategies among these firms, including a focus on retention, succession planning, adaptability, and maintaining a strong, cohesive culture. Leaders from several firms share how these principles have sustained success across generations.
Fitch Even’s Managing Partner, Mark Hetzler, was quoted sharing insights into Fitch Even’s approach to growth and culture:
“A lot of our peer firms get swallowed up by large firms and then, just like any venture capital type acquisition, they get parted, the good parts get absorbed, and the parts that don’t make the financial thresholds get discarded. Could we grow? Sure, but we think that growth could destroy the culture. And so we’re very careful.”
He also emphasized Fitch Even’s commitment to succession planning and mentorship:
“Young lawyers get to work directly with senior lawyers. There aren’t layers in between. Even when I was a young associate, I was working with Fitch and Flannery a lot, and having that direct connection and communication really… brought you along fast.”
The article also highlights Fitch Even’s origins in 1859, our resilience following the Great Chicago Fire, our early work on landmark patents, and the leadership philosophy that continues to guide the firm today.
The full article is available on the Law360 website (subscription required).