The Glue That Holds It All Together – Thriving as a Small Firm Practice Leader
Tracks
Small Firm Stream
| Thursday, September 10, 2026 |
| 10:35 AM - 11:20 AM |
| Darrwal A & B |
Overview
A practical, story-driven session exploring the small firm practice manager as the person who holds everything together. It covers two pillars: building team culture through psychological safety, feedback and talent development; and using financial disciplines as a people engagement tool.
Drawn from real experience starting in the role at 23, through cross-industry leadership, to advising firms today, the session is honest, actionable and grounded in small firm realities.
Key takeaways: apply the dance floor and balcony framework to shift between operational detail and firmwide perspective; implement psychological safety practices that encourage staff to speak up; structure principal-to-junior feedback to break the cycle of complaint without development; and use file reviews as a cultural and quality tool, not just compliance.
Speaker
Mrs Erin Steward
Director
Lawganised
The Glue That Holds It Together: Thriving as a Small Firm Practice Manager
Biography
Erin Steward is a Director of Lawganised, a management consultancy that exclusively services the legal profession across Australia and New Zealand. In her role, Erin advises law firms on operational performance, people development, and financial management. Erin’s career spans more than 20 years across the legal, hospitality, and retail sectors. She held her first practice management role in a law firm at the age of 23 and went on to senior leadership positions in retail and hospitality industries, before returning to the legal industry as GM of a boutique law firm on the Gold Coast before joining Lawganised. Erin’s approach combines sharp financial and analytical expertise with a genuine passion for mentoring developing leaders and building high performing teams.
