Oliva Gibbs, a national law firm specializing in serving companies active in the oil, gas, and mineral sectors, recognized the need to grow and align their team with the organization’s goals. This effort was recently featured on Scaleups.com. To achieve this, they adopted the Scaling Up platform, a methodology known for its impact on culture and team alignment. The partners, Zachary Oliva and Bradley Gibbs, understood the importance of engaging everyone in the organization because every individual’s contribution mattered.
In 2021, Oliva Gibbs connected with Scaling Up Certified Coach Rob Lynch, who suggested they speak with other clients using the platform to better understand its potential. After hearing positive feedback from other firms, Oliva Gibbs fully committed to Scaling Up, realizing that the outcomes would be proportional to their dedication.
Leading with their core values and emphasizing communication, Oliva Gibbs found it relatively easy to implement the necessary changes. With a solid foundation and a strong oil and gas industry reputation, the firm expanded its team to include attorneys and business support professionals across offices in Louisiana, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Texas. The firm’s attorneys are licensed in multiple oil-producing states, doubling its revenue over the past two years.
Oliva Gibbs started by focusing on the People aspect of Scaling Up, recognizing that attracting and retaining great individuals was crucial. They used the platform to ensure they had the right team members in suitable roles, implementing processes for evaluating performance and increasing retention. Building a diverse team of energy attorneys with specialized certifications became a priority.
Culture-building became a foundation for growth at Oliva Gibbs. The firm measures performance throughout the year and aligns its decision-making process with core values and purpose. Collaboration is deeply ingrained in their culture, and they seek individuals who aspire to achieve great things and excel in their respective roles.
Setting a strategy involved defining a Big Hairy Audacious Goal (BHAG) of becoming one of the top energy firms in the country. Oliva Gibbs also launched OG University, aligned with their core value of passion for learning, to ensure every team member reaches or exceeds their professional goals. The firm established a clear career path for new attorneys, making becoming a senior attorney or partner transparent and well-defined.
Working on the business rather than solely in it was a significant adjustment for law firm partners. Lynch advised Oliva Gibbs to spend 80% of their time working in the business and 20% on it, providing them with the necessary time for strategic thinking and planning.
With the implementation of Scaling Up, Oliva Gibbs found it easier than ever to build their team. The firm attracts individuals passionate about learning and delivering exceptional client experiences. The platform’s tools have improved their team’s communication and collaboration, and they are enthusiastic about the firm’s future.
Oliva Gibbs recognized the significance of adopting the Scaling Up platform to grow their firm and align their team with organizational goals. The firm has witnessed substantial growth and enhanced collaboration by focusing on people, prioritizing culture, setting a clear strategy, and dedicating time to working on the business. The tools provided by Scaling Up have played a pivotal role in Oliva Gibbs’ success, allowing them to thrive in the competitive legal landscape and anticipate a promising future.
