
David
Wood
Senior Advisor
David Wood is a trusted advisor to law firms and practice groups navigating growth, succession planning, and client retention. With 38 years of experience as a practicing attorney—most recently as a senior partner at Barnes & Thornburg LLP—David brings deep, firsthand insight into the business and operational challenges facing today’s law firm leaders.
At Barnes & Thornburg, David built and led a $6 million insurance recovery practice representing Fortune 100 and 500 clients in complex, high-stakes litigation. As he approached retirement, he successfully transitioned his entire client portfolio to successor partners—guiding both clients and colleagues through a structured, relationship-based handoff. His experience has made him a leading voice in effective partner succession and client service continuity.
Earlier in his career, David founded his own law firm and later served as a senior partner at a midsize boutique, giving him a well-rounded perspective on firm leadership, client development, and culture. Today, as a faculty member with PipelinePlus, he advises law firms of all sizes on business development and strategic succession planning, using his knowledge and experience to help senior lawyers and enterprise leaders build their practices and transition them to the next generation.
David’s insights have been featured in The American Lawyer, Bloomberg Law Insights, Business of Law Digest, Legal Management, and Legal Business World, and he has spoken at events for ALM, the Association of Legal Administrators, and PipelinePlus's Managing Partner Roundtables. He also serves as faculty for Lawline CLE and is a frequent guest on legal industry podcasts.

Get to Know David
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Get to the heart of what keeps your client or prospect up at night—and let that drive your focus. When you align your efforts with their deepest concerns, you build trust and become indispensable. It’s not just about solving problems; it’s about showing you’re invested in their success.
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Early on, I thought BD was about selling my services to everyone I met. Now, I know it’s about building genuine connections first. My coaching helps professionals lead with their authentic selves, keeping their pipeline active and outreach consistent. When you relate personally, pitching becomes natural, and the results follow.
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I coach attorneys, practice group leaders, and firm executives who want to grow their practices or navigate transitions like succession. Whether you’re building a book of business or planning for retirement, I help you map out strategies that strengthen client relationships and align with your firm’s goals, drawing on my decades in law to keep it practical.
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Success is when you’re not just growing revenue but building a practice that feels sustainable and true to you. I’ve seen lawyers transform their approach by focusing on consistent, relationship-driven outreach—landing major clients or smoothly transitioning books of business to the next generation. It’s about measurable progress that lasts.
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I love helping lawyers see their potential and turn it into action. Having built and transitioned a $6 million practice, I know the challenges and rewards of BD and succession. Coaching lets me share those lessons, guiding professionals to grow with confidence while avoiding the pitfalls I’ve navigated. Seeing their progress is what keeps me going.
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Succession is about relationships, not just handing off files. My own experience transitioning a multimillion-dollar practice taught me the importance of structured, client-focused handoffs. I work with senior lawyers to create clear plans—engaging clients, mentoring successors, and ensuring continuity—so the firm and its relationships thrive long after the transition.
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My years in high-stakes litigation taught me resilience and the value of listening deeply, which I bring to every coaching session. Outside work, I’m a lifelong learner, often diving into legal industry trends or mentoring young attorneys through pro bono work. That drive to connect and contribute keeps my coaching grounded and purposeful.

What Clients Say
Coaching That Drives Measurable Growth
David partners with professionals at every level to clarify goals, prioritize relationships, and maintain strong momentum.
Let us know what you’d like to explore, and we’ll connect you with the next step.