By Liad Hadar, Director at Hadar Incorporated, Specialist Property Law Firm
This article first appeared in Asset Magazine’s October 2024 edition
As a lawyer and the founder of Hadar Incorporated – Property Law Specialists, I’ve always been driven by a commitment to excellence and a desire to push the boundaries of what a law firm and its team members can achieve. When the opportunity arose to attend the Executive Education course for Leadership in Law Firms at Harvard Law School, I knew this was a moment I couldn’t pass up. Little did I realize that the experience would be so transformative, not only in the way I view my role as a leader but in the way I envision the future of our firm.
For someone visiting the United States for the first time, stepping into the historic halls of Harvard was an awe-inspiring moment. The campus, brimming with tradition and intellectual energy, set the tone for what would be an intense week of learning, connecting, and reflecting.
The course brought together 48 lawyer leaders from 15 different countries—an incredible group of people, all of whom were grappling with challenges similar to mine. Despite our geographic differences, we shared common goals: how to run law firms effectively, lead high-performing teams and navigate the complexities of an ever-evolving legal industry.
Learning from the Best Minds
The academic rigor of the course was something I anticipated (and was forewarned about!), but the depth of insight from the faculty surpassed all my expectations. The course was led by Professor David B. Wilkins (https://hls.harvard.edu/faculty/david-b-wilkins/) and Professor Scott A. Westfahl (https://hls.harvard.edu/faculty/scott-a-westfahl/), two of the foremost thought leaders in the world on legal leadership and the business of law.
Their lectures and discussions were eye-opening, particularly in their focus on the intersection of law, leadership, and innovation. Having someone of their stature guide us through topics that included firm strategy, organizational culture and the future of legal services was invaluable.
The program’s design ensured that we were not simply passive learners but active participants in the discussions. We engaged with case studies and real-world scenarios that forced us to reflect on how we manage our own firms, our teams, and ourselves as leaders. Professors Wilkins and Westfahl, along with other leading Harvard professors (not only from the Harvard Law School but also from the Harvard Kennedy School, MIT, University of Miami and Georgetown), encouraged us to challenge our thinking, look at the legal profession from a global perspective and embrace the uncertainty and complexity of running a modern law firm.
One of the key takeaways for me was understanding the importance of firm culture and its direct impact on performance. At Hadar Incorporated, we’ve always prided ourselves on our collegial and collaborative environment but the discussions at Harvard illuminated how crucial it is to consciously cultivate and sustain a high-performance culture.
A law firm’s culture isn’t just about values or mission statements—it’s about the day-to-day actions, the unspoken expectations and the collective commitment to excellence that permeates every interaction.
Connecting with Global Legal Leaders
The opportunity to connect with 47 other lawyer leaders from across the globe was one of the most enriching aspects of the program. I met lawyers from Asia, Europe, Australia, North and South America and the Middle East, all of whom brought unique perspectives to the table. We discussed everything from managing talent (including Gen Z, of course) in competitive markets to the challenges of balancing innovation with tradition. Despite our different legal systems and firm structures, I was struck by how much we shared in common.
The diversity of the group also highlighted just how interconnected the legal profession has become. Whether in Johannesburg, London or New York City, law firms are grappling with similar issues: the rising expectations of clients, the need for technological innovation, and the importance of developing leadership within our ranks. By sharing our experiences, I gained new insights into how I can apply global best practices to the challenges we face in South Africa.
We discussed at length the impact of technology on the practice of law, and how artificial intelligence, data analytics, and automation are transforming client service and legal operations. These conversations prompted me to think about how we at Hadar Incorporated can continue to be at the forefront of innovation in South Africa’s legal market. As we move forward, I’m more determined than ever to ensure that our firm remains agile and responsive to both client needs and industry trends.
Bringing Lessons Home to South Africa
Returning home, I’ve been reflecting on how to bring the invaluable lessons from Harvard back to my team at Hadar Incorporated. One of the most important takeaways was the need to be an adaptable leader. The legal landscape is changing rapidly and leadership in law firms must evolve with it. This experience has helped reinforce my view that we can no longer rely on old models of leadership that are hierarchical and rigid. Instead, we need to foster environments where every team member feels empowered to contribute and take ownership of their roles.
I learned that great leaders are not just those who dictate strategy but those who can inspire their teams to push beyond the ordinary and strive for excellence. This resonated deeply with me as I’ve always believed in leading by example and empowering my team to take initiative. The course reaffirmed the idea that leadership is about much more than that. It’s about creating a vision for the future and ensuring that everyone is aligned and motivated to work towards that vision.
In the weeks since returning to South Africa, I’ve already begun implementing some of the lessons learned. We’re revisiting our firm’s strategic objectives with a renewed focus on how we can continue to provide top-tier service to our clients while maintaining a supportive and high-performing internal culture. I’m also prioritizing leadership development within the firm, ensuring that we are building a strong pipeline of future leaders who can take Hadar Incorporated to new heights.
The Value of Global Perspectives
Attending Harvard Law School’s Executive Education course has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. It was not just about gaining knowledge—it was about developing a new mindset for leadership. The global perspectives I encountered during the program have already begun to shape how I approach the challenges and opportunities facing Hadar Incorporated. We’re living in a world that is more interconnected than ever before and it’s crucial that we, as law firm leaders, embrace this reality.
I’m more committed than ever to ensuring that our firm remains a leader in the South African legal market, delivering exceptional results for our clients and fostering a culture of excellence within our team.
The experience at Harvard Law School was truly transformative, not only for me as a leader but for Hadar Incorporated as a whole. It was a journey of personal and professional growth and I am confident that the lessons I’ve brought back will continue to benefit our firm for years to come. I feel privileged to have represented South Africa at the course and aim to help anyone who wants to learn more about the course and its lessons.