Today we’re talking about something that goes beyond software — it’s about leadership. Specifically: What kind of leader do you want to be when your team is in crisis?
It’s a question that doesn’t come up often in day-to-day practice, but when life happens — and it will — your answer will make all the difference for your team, your clients, and your business.
The Power of Systems and Documentation
One of the biggest benefits of building strong systems and processes in your firm is the ability to share information easily.
When your team consistently documents their work — where they left off, what’s next, what matters they’re handling — it means that anyone else can step in if needed.
As a leader, this gives you an incredible gift:
✅ The ability to support your team when they need to step away
✅ The ability to keep your business running smoothly
✅ The peace of mind that comes from knowing the work won’t fall through the cracks
Two Types of Leaders in a Crisis
When a team member is in crisis, you can either:
Pull information from them to keep the business afloat — which distracts them from dealing with their personal situation and creates extra stress.
Step up as a leader who says, “We’ve got this.” Because your systems are solid, you and your team can keep things moving without bothering the person in crisis.
Which kind of leader do you want to be? For me, it’s clear: I want to give my team the time and space they need without worrying about the business.
Real-Life Lessons
You may think, “Sure, that’s nice in theory, but how often does that really happen?”
Trust me — more often than you’d think. Here are a few examples from my own experience:
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Early in my career, a supervising attorney didn’t show up to work one day. We assumed he was in court on a case that hadn’t been diaried — but no, he’d had an accident the night before and was hospitalized. We had to send someone to the hospital to get critical client updates while he was heavily medicated. It was chaotic and avoidable.
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A colleague’s office mate, a solo attorney, suddenly suffered a brain aneurysm. In the days and weeks that followed, we scrambled to piece together client matters from scattered notes and files — all because nothing was systematized.
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Most profoundly, when a colleague’s spouse suddenly passed away, we were able to say, “Don’t worry — we’ve got this. Focus on what you need to handle.” That’s the kind of culture and leadership we should all aim for.
Build a Business That Supports Your People
It’s not just about helping clients in crisis — it’s about helping our own people when life throws curveballs.
Here’s what happens when you get this right:
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Your team feels supported and valued.
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You maintain business continuity without scrambling.
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When they return, your team members don’t face a mountain of stress or feel pressured to rush back too soon.
Take Action: Prepare for the Inevitable
I challenge you to sit down and make a list of the situations you’ve experienced or seen where a colleague was suddenly unavailable. Think about:
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What went wrong?
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What could have made it easier?
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What systems could you put in place today to prepare for tomorrow?
Because here’s the truth: crises will come. We don’t know when or how, but we can be ready.
Let’s Build That Culture Together
If you’re not sure how to start building that resilient, supportive system in your firm, reach out to us at Streamlined.legal. We’d love to help you create a culture where you can confidently say to a team member in crisis: “We’ve got this. You take care of yourself.”
And if you already have this in place — congratulations! Keep nurturing that culture. Your team, your clients, and your future self will thank you.
Looking for more ways to streamline your law firm? Check out Streamlined Legal Plus, or talk to us about how Clio can transform your practice. AND Use promo code CCC-STREAMLINED to sign up for Clio and get 3 months of streamlined.legal Plus FREE! (That’s a $1,500 value!)
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