PerformLaw’s story began in the early 2000s when Brian Kennel launched a solo management consulting practice focused exclusively on helping law firms operate more effectively. With nearly 20 years of hands-on legal operations experience—as a law firm controller, legal administrator, and founder of a prior legal services company—Brian brought practical, results-oriented guidance to every client engagement.
For more than a decade, PerformLaw grew steadily through client referrals, built on strong relationships and a reputation for getting things done. This foundation of personal service and practical insight remains central to who we are today.
In 2016, PerformLaw entered a new chapter of intentional growth. This marked the introduction of a marketing automation system and the addition of Brian Kennel Jr. to the team full-time. During this period, the firm rebranded from its original focus to "PerformLaw," signaling a broader commitment to enhancing all aspects of law firm business performance. Marketing Director Kathryn Sintz joined forces with us, and we began building the PerformLaw brand together. Between 2018 and 2019, the team continued to grow. Jan Sander and Sean Kennel joined, expanding consulting capacity and bringing new perspectives. Analyst Sherry Malinawan also came aboard, becoming a valuable contributor with her flexibility and insight. These additions laid the groundwork for national expansion.
Significant external events shaped this period of growth. Experiences like Hurricane Katrina and the global pandemic only strengthened our resolve. They pushed us to innovate and expand our reach, culminating in adopting a Blue Ocean strategic planning model. By 2019, we scaled from serving a handful of firms to supporting over 40 law firms across the country, without sacrificing our hands-on approach. To meet increasing client demand and further broaden our service offerings in 2022, Samarie Gasper and Hope Brusstar joined the team, while Galy Vega became essential to keeping operations and scheduling running smoothly.
Today, PerformLaw supports small and mid-sized law firms nationwide. We've grown, adapted, and evolved—but our commitment remains the same: helping law firms work smarter, grow stronger, and perform better.
Objective Truth & Straight Talk: We provide unvarnished, data-driven insights and candid advice, even when challenging. Our goal is to empower you with a clear understanding of your firm's realities so you can make the best possible business decisions. We eschew "consultant speak" in favor of direct, actionable recommendations.
Practicality over Posturing: Our solutions are designed for the real world of law firm management. We focus on implementing workable systems, establishing understandable processes, and achieving measurable improvements—grounded business guidance, not just fleeting motivational hype. We value substance and demonstrable results.
Partnership with "Good Operators": We thrive on working with firm leaders who are genuinely committed to improvement and appreciate the value of disciplined business management. We see ourselves as an extension of your team, augmenting your strengths and providing the expertise needed to execute effectively.
Long-Term Value Creation: We aim to build enduring relationships and foster lasting client stability and profitability. Whether we’re involved in a specific project or providing ongoing "Virtual C-Suite" support, we focus on solutions that stand the test of time and contribute to your firm's long-term health.
Execution & Accountability: We understand that a plan is only as good as its implementation. To ensure that strategic initiatives translate into concrete outcomes, we emphasize creating clear roadmaps, defining responsibilities, and establishing mechanisms for accountability.
Unyielding Client Focus: While we bring an objective, outsider's perspective, our ultimate loyalty is to our clients' success. We are dedicated to helping you build a stronger, more resilient, and more profitable law firm.
PerformLaw provides the C-suite level business expertise small and mid-sized law firms need, without the full-time overhead. Since 2003, we've served as a dedicated strategic partner, acting as a virtual extension of your leadership team. We deliver practical, objective guidance and hands-on implementation support across finance, strategy, operations, and talent management, focusing on building durable systems and driving measurable results for lasting firm stability and success.
935 Gravier Street, Suite 2130
C/O Whiteside and Simms, CPA
New Orleans, LA 70113
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