As we mark a century of practicing law, we turned inward and asked our team a simple set of questions: What makes 100 years meaningful? How does that kind of longevity shape the way you work, show up for clients, and support one another?
The responses reflected on resilience, legacy, mentorship, excellence, and everyday moments that make the work worth doing.
100 Years as Legacy and Continuity
Across each response, people kept coming back to the idea that 100 years isn’t just about enduring — it’s about the kind of legacy you build when multiple generations carry the work forward. That kind of continuity is tied to memory, change, and the responsibility to keep evolving.
“The achievement is phenomenal for any firm, but especially a professional one like a law practice. I’ve seen two of my former firms disappear, but ours has always been able to continue through caring about its people, lawyers and staff alike.”
“It shows Best & Flanagan has an active legacy of doing something right. The firm has clearly been adaptable and perceptive to ever‑evolving needs of clients, business practices, law itself, and broader societal changes while cultivating firm identity.”
“A century matters because it’s long enough to hold memory, change, and legacy all at once. One hundred years roughly spans a human lifetime. It captures multiple generations — grandparents, parents, children, and beyond — so it naturally symbolizes continuity and legacy. It’s long enough to see ideas, values, and cultures evolve and be passed on.”
“When I think of ‘100’ as a number, it makes me think of Wilt Chamberlain and his still unbroken record of scoring 100 points in an NBA game. It represents a level of achievement that’s difficult, bordering on impossible. So when I hear that Best & Flanagan has been around for 100 years, it makes me feel like I’m part of an elite group that’s done something very few have ever done — stick around for a century. I guess that makes us the Wilt of law firms.”
Why We’re Still Here After 100 Years
When speaking to our longevity, our team pointed to resilience, adaptability, and a deep focus on both clients and colleagues. Our legacy is tied to deliberate choices about culture, mentorship, and trust.
“The firm is well maintained by good people with a strong work ethic.”
“The firm has resilience, adaptability, and sustained relevance.”
“Because as we strive for excellence, we also deeply care about our people.”
“We are both steady and adaptable.”
“After 100 years, Best & Flanagan is still here because of mentorship. Conversations across the firm with senior attorneys have shown me that every successful attorney succeeds because of their mentors. Best & Flanagan is a place where mentorship is in abundance, and that doesn’t seem to be a recent development — it’s part of the firm’s legacy. That willingness to teach and the patience required to do so catapults associates to have experience and expertise beyond their years and ensures that the next generation of attorneys will continue the cycle of being mentors to future attorneys.”
Culture and the Way We Work Together
There are many stereotypes about law‑firm life. But at Best & Flanagan, we pride ourselves on a culture that blends professionalism with warmth, humor, and genuine support. We’re a place where colleagues care about each other’s work and lives.
“Something about working at Best & Flanagan that might surprise people from the outside is just how much fun we have in the office.”
“I enjoy how genuinely collaborative and supportive the environment is — far from the stereotype of a competitive law firm, people here are quick to help each other and celebrate shared success.”
“I love the balance of professionalism, warmth, follow‑through, and a real value on excellence.”
“We don’t have a lot of rules and formalities. We have a good time. We enjoy working with each other.”
“The lawyers and staff have always enjoyed working together, evidenced by more social functions than others would believe possible.”
One Word to Describe Best & Flanagan
When we asked people to choose just one word to describe Best & Flanagan, the answers painted a concise picture of the firm’s character — from how we treat clients to how we show up for each other.
“Balanced.”“Caring.”“Supportive.”
“Humble.”“Committed.”
Looking Ahead: The Next 100 Years
Even as people reflected on the past, their comments were remarkably forward‑facing. Longevity was framed not as a finish line, but as a foundation for what comes next — more innovation, more mentorship, more opportunities to grow with clients and each other.
“100 years is proof that the firm has continuously adapted to meet our clients’ needs.”
“Our people know how to maintain the highest standards of practice while still balancing it with other facets of their lives.”
As Best & Flanagan moves into its second century, those two ideas — continuous adaptation and human‑centered practice — will shape how we define success. Not just in terms of years, but in terms of the impact we have on the clients, colleagues, and communities we’re lucky enough to serve.
Best & Flanagan is celebrating 100 years of serving clients, businesses, and communities with a people-first approach to law. Learn more at bestlaw.com/100-years.