Thoughtful Thursday: Navigating Change with Intention

This week, while talking with a client, he shared a line that has stayed with me. In response to my comment about how “things will change,” he recalled his father’s favorite saying whenever something bad happened:

“Something is going to happen next—you can always be sure of that.”

What a simple but powerful reminder. Change is inevitable. It comes whether we’re ready or not, whether we asked for it or not. And it isn’t always bad. Sometimes, even when change is thrust upon us, it opens doors we never expected.

Personally, I’ve always liked change. I see it as a challenge—to push through, adapt, and exceed expectations. But I know not everyone shares that perspective. Many attorneys and staff in law firms don’t welcome change easily. In fact, resistance is often the first reaction.

That’s why how change is delivered and implemented makes all the difference. A new system, policy, or structure can either be seen as a burden or as an opportunity—depending on how it’s communicated, rolled out, and supported.

Here are a few law firm–related examples:

         •       Technology updates. Announcing “We’re switching case management systems next month” without explanation often sparks panic. Instead, share the why (“this will streamline client intake and billing”), involve key users early, and provide thorough training.

         •       Policy changes. Updating timekeeping procedures may be necessary for compliance or efficiency, but dropping a new rule in an email without context feels abrupt. A brief meeting explaining the reasoning—and addressing concerns creates buy-in.

         •       Leadership transitions. When a managing partner steps down and another takes over, the transition can feel unsettling. Communicating a vision, assuring staff of continuity, and highlighting the positives of new leadership helps smooth the path.

The truth is, no law firm, or business, can stay static. The clients we serve, the tools we use, and the legal landscape itself are constantly shifting. Resistance is natural, but successful leaders recognize that the key isn’t avoiding change—it’s guiding their teams through it with clarity, communication, and empathy.

So maybe that simple line is the best mindset to hold on to when facing uncertainty: “Something is going to happen next.”

What we do with it is up to us.