For generations, the partnership model has defined how law firms operate, grow, and govern themselves. As private equity reshapes industries from healthcare to consulting, a new question is emerging: could outside capital play a role in the future of law firms? While U.S. regulations have largely kept investors at the door, interest in the legal sector is growing and new models are beginning to test the boundaries. This panel will explore what private equity could mean for law firms, their clients, and the future structure of the profession. 

• The landscape: how private equity currently intersects with legal services and where the regulatory limits stand
• The opportunity: what outside capital could unlock for law firms, clients, and innovation in the sector
• The risks: potential tensions around governance, incentives, and professional responsibilities
• Lessons from other markets: what global experiments with alternative ownership models reveal
• Where we go next: how law firm ownership, leadership, and growth strategies might evolve in the years ahead