Debbie Foster

In this episode, Ted sits down with Debbie Foster, CEO at Affinity Consulting, to discuss the evolving landscape of law firm management. From the challenges posed by the Big Four and alternative legal service providers to the need for a technology-first approach, Debbie shares her expertise in legal operations and strategic leadership. With law firms facing increasing pressure to modernize, this conversation highlights the importance of rethinking profitability, empowering professional management, and embracing innovation to stay competitive.

In this episode, Debbie shares insights on how to:

  • Rethink traditional law firm business models to stay competitive
  • View technology as an investment rather than an expense
  • Address cultural challenges that hinder innovation in law firms
  • Empower non-lawyer executives to drive meaningful change
  • Shift law firms toward a business-first mindset

Key takeaways:

  • The Big Four and alternative legal service providers are reshaping the legal market
  • Law firms must prioritize strategic technology adoption to remain competitive
  • Profit per partner is often a misleading metric that doesn’t reflect true profitability
  • Leadership and accountability are critical for fostering innovation and change
  • Firms must embrace a cultural shift to modernize their business structures

About the guest, Debbie Foster

Debbie Foster is the CEO of Affinity Consulting and a recognized thought leader in legal innovation, specializing in the intersection of people, strategy, and technology. With over 25 years of experience, she helps law firms transform challenges into opportunities, building agile and future-proof operations. An active leader in the legal industry, Debbie has contributed to organizations like the ALA, ILTA, and the ABA’s Law Practice Division, and has twice chaired the ABA TECHSHOW, shaping conversations on the future of law and technology.

“Lawyers struggle accepting feedback, direction, and process enforcement from someone who isn’t a lawyer.”

Connect with Debbie:

Subscribe

Stay up on the latest innovations in legal technology and knowledge management.