Ask the authorities.

• Author: Hirsch, Stewart

In order to have diverse points of view for this month's question, we have reached both within and outside LMA and the legal profession.

THE QUESTION

I think my firm's marketing committee chair may leave the company. I have much time invested in building a relationship with her, and this potential change is affecting my own feelings of loyalty. What do you suggest to help me feel loyal to my firm under the circumstances? What works for you when change in leadership seems just around the corner?

RESPONSES:

Edward M. Schechter

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Leadership changes at a law firm are often accompanied by changes in senior staff positions (especially marketing). While that means jobs are at risk, and it makes loyalty difficult to maintain, it is not impossible to do so.

If you haven't done it yet, start now to build relationships wider and deeper than with current firm leadership. That will help you feel loyal to your firm rather than just to a few individuals.

This is the same advice we marketers give our lawyers to reduce the risk of losing their clients when inevitable change happens with their clients. We tell them to meet additional client leaders from various subsidiaries, geographies and divisions because it makes a lawyer more valuable making it difficult to sever ties.

This strategy--building more and deeper internal relationships --has a secondary benefit. In addition to helping you feel more loyal to the firm, it will may also help to keep your position intact.

Ed Schechter is managing director of Schechter Growth Architects, a strategic business development advisory. As Duane Morris CMO, he and the firm were ranked No. 1 among AmLaw firms. Schechter has 25 years of professional services experience.

Mark E. Gaydos

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Change! Just when you get in the groove and invest time in a project or develop close relationships, change happens.

If you sense a leadership change coming, there are a few important actions to take:

* Talk to a leader with whom you have a relationship and ask for his/her point of view.

* Think about the different scenarios and how they might affect your job performance, your "enjoyment quotient" and future career opportunities.

* Spend extra time networking and developing your internal relationships (take an inventory of the good, the bad and the ugly) and strengthen you external network.

After assessing the situation, create a plan of action for yourself and discuss it with someone you trust...