How Law Firm Leaders Must Act on Data, Not Just Talk About It

You can’t manage what you’re not measuring.

In this episode, Robert Sartin, chairman of Frost Brown Todd, shares how his background in economics, finance, and distressed M&A led him to champion a data-forward strategy long before it became industry standard. He talks about why law firms can’t afford to delay their data journeys, what it takes to turn firm-wide strategy into execution, and how he built alignment around change in a partnership environment.

Robert also discusses the unexpected power of gamification in building a data culture, and how AI will reshape pricing, talent management, and long-term firm viability.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Intro

(01:09) From banking and M&A to law firm leadership

(04:33) Why Frost Brown Todd leaned into data

(07:47) Building a value proposition with data

(10:20) Why strategy without data won’t work

(13:12) AI’s impact on pricing and firm structure

(16:21) Building buy-in inside a law firm

(20:29) What Robert would do differently

(23:15) Leading cultural change with early wins

(25:56) Gamifying historical data entry

(28:06) Using data to integrate and grow teams

(33:20) The future of Frost Brown Todd

(34:44) Advice for law firm leaders just starting

Connect with our guest:

• Robert Sartin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-sartin-a7278713/
• Learn more about Frost Brown Todd: https://frostbrowntodd.com/

Connect with Tom:

• Tom Baldwin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tombaldwin/ 
• Learn more about Entegrata: https://www.entegrata.com