Should We Merge? Part 1: The 3 Biggest Mistakes with Daniel Struna | Ep. 168

In this episode of Great Practice, Great Life, Steve Riley is joined by Atticus Practice Advisor Daniel Struna for a candid conversation about one of the most consequential decisions a law firm owner can make: whether to merge law practices. Drawing on years of experience advising law firm owners, along with Steve's own history with failed mergers, they identify exactly where law firm consolidations go wrong. The problem is rarely legal talent or goodwill. Too often, lawyers merge based on mutual respect or personal chemistry without pressure-testing whether their visions and financial realities actually align. Steve and Daniel walk through the fault lines that undermine mergers early. They explore what happens when partners skip hard conversations about the future of the firm and personal life goals, and why avoiding early financial clarity around compensation structure, origination, and profit splits can lead to frustration later. They also draw a clear distinction between a true merger and what many firms mistakenly create instead: roommates sharing space while everything else remains separate. This episode is the first in a two-part series designed to help lawyers slow down and think like owners. Whether you are actively considering a merger or simply curious about future growth options, this conversation will help you ask better questions and spot warning signs earlier. Next week, tune in for Part 2, where Steve and Daniel sit down with the partners of a successful family law merger to unpack what worked, what they aligned on early, and the practical decisions that helped them build the new firm together. In this episode, you will hear: Why most law firm mergers fail due to business misalignment, not legal skillThe difference between a true merger and simply sharing office spaceThe danger of merging based on personal rapport instead of strategic fitAligning long-term practice vision with personal life goals before mergingCritical money conversations that must happen early, including compensation and investmentCommon red flags that signal a merger should not move forwardHow the merger evaluation process can strengthen your firm even if you don't merge Subscribe & Review Never miss an episode. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube. ⭐Like what you hear? A quick review helps more people find the show.⭐ If there's a topic you would like us to cover on an upcoming episode, please email us at [e-mail]. Supporting Resources: Daniel Struna, Practice Advisor & AttorneyWorkbook: Should We Merge?Workshop: The Path to a Great Practice & Great LifeLimited-time offer! My Great Life Focus: Get a one-year supply (4 quarterly focusers) for $99.90 (50% off). Valid through January 31, 2026. https://mygreatlifefocus.com Should We Merge? Part 2: A Merger Case Study with Sasso, Guerrero & Henderlite Curious about growing your own law firm or getting support on how to do a succesful law firm merger? Contact Atticus to see whether our law firm coaching can help you strengthen attorney success, refine your law firm business strategy, and build a practice that actually supports your life. This podcast for lawyers is part of our broader legal podcast library, offering practical insights on how to grow a law firm through stronger law firm leadership, law firm pricing and management, smarter marketing, intentional hiring, efficient operations, healthy law firm culture, and sustainable profitability, all while addressing law firm burnout and the realities of modern practice. You can also sign up for our newsletter to get practical insights on how to grow a law firm: from law firm leadership and management to marketing, hiring, operations, culture, and profitability, so you can build a Great Practice and a Great Life.