Dallas Firms — Why Mid-Size Is the Most Dangerous Size

The Messy Middle

For Dallas law firms, small can be nimble and large can be structured. But the mid-size range — usually 20 to 50 people — is where things get messy.

At this stage, informal processes that worked when the firm was small start breaking down. But the firm isn’t big enough yet to afford big-firm infrastructure or multiple layers of leadership.

The result? Chaos.

Why Mid-Size Is Dangerous

1. Systems Crack Under Pressure.
Your intake, billing, or HR processes were designed for a small team. Scale exposes the weaknesses.

2. Culture Gets Stretched.
With more people, communication breaks down. Some staff feel disconnected, and turnover creeps in.

3. Leadership Bottlenecks.
Partners can no longer oversee everything, but middle management isn’t strong enough to carry the load yet.

4. Profitability Flattens.
Overhead rises faster than efficiency, and without strong systems, margins thin out.

Example: A Dallas Firm Stuck in the Middle

I worked with a Dallas firm that grew 100% in under two years. On the surface, growth was exciting. But behind the scenes:

• Partners were drowning in approvals and oversight.

• Associates were frustrated by inconsistent processes.

• Culture was cracking under pressure.

By installing clear systems, defining leadership roles, and aligning everyone to firmwide KPIs, the firm stabilized. Within a year, they were growing again — this time sustainably.

How to Survive the Messy Middle

• Build Systems Early. Don’t wait until chaos hits to formalize SOPs, billing cadences, or reporting.

• Strengthen Leadership. Identify and develop middle managers before you desperately need them.

• Protect Culture. As headcount rises, invest in communication and clarity so people still feel connected.

• Watch Margins Closely. Growth without profitability is a trap.

The COO’s Role for Mid-Size Firms

A fractional COO helps mid-size firms by:

• Auditing systems and patching cracks before they break.

• Clarifying roles so partners stop being the bottleneck.

• Translating vision into clear, trackable execution.

• Protecting both culture and profitability during growth.

The Bottom Line

For Dallas firms, the mid-size stage is both exciting and dangerous. With the right structure, it’s a launchpad. Without it, it’s a stall point.

At ING Collaborations, I help Dallas law firms navigate the messy middle — installing systems, building leadership, and protecting culture so growth doesn’t stall.