For many firms, this moment mirrors the end-of-season reckoning seen in professional sports. When teams fail to meet expectations, ownership doesn’t hesitate to make changes, often replacing managers and coaching staff to reset the course. Firms should view the approaching Manager Crash in a similar light — a chance to evaluate leadership effectiveness and make adjustments to secure long-term success.
DRAWING PARALLELS WITH PROFESSIONAL SPORTS
Professional sports teams thrive in high-pressure environments by prioritizing adaptability, accountability and performance metrics. Similarly, legal firms must assess whether their leadership has what it takes to drive growth and cohesion under intense scrutiny.
In sports, a struggling coach may be replaced not because of incompetence, but because the team’s culture or strategy has evolved beyond their capabilities. Legal firms must adopt the same mentality. Questions to consider include:
- Are current managers inspiring and retaining top talent?
- Do leaders possess the vision to embrace technological innovation and artificial intelligence (AI) tools?
- Are client expectations being met — or exceeded — under existing leadership?
When answers to these questions reveal gaps, firms should respond with the same decisiveness as a sports franchise replacing some personnel.
PROACTIVE STEPS
Rather than waiting for the crash to hit, forward-thinking firms can take proactive measures to minimize disruption and ensure resilience.
- Conduct Leadership Audits. Much like teams conduct performance reviews, firms should regularly evaluate managers’ leadership styles, adaptability and performance. Incorporating 360-degree feedback from peers, subordinates and clients can uncover strengths and weaknesses.
- Invest in Leadership Development. Sports franchises often send players and coaches to specialized training camps to improve skills. The same should be done for attorneys and managers, offering teaching/mentoring opportunities in areas such as emotional intelligence, change management, leadership and digital transformation.
- Promote Collaboration and Transparency. Winning sports teams foster open communication and trust. Legal firms can mirror this approach by promoting collaborative work environments and ensuring leaders model transparency.
- Build Succession Pipelines. Just as sports teams develop farm systems to prepare future talent, law firms should identify and mentor emerging leaders. This strategy ensures continuity during inevitable transitions.
- Leverage Technology for Efficiency. Technology is transforming legal operations, much like data analytics has revolutionized sports. Managers must be equipped to harness AI and automation tools to streamline processes, improve decision-making and enhance client service.
EMBRACING CHANGE AS AN OPPORTUNITY
While the manager crash may seem daunting, it also presents an unprecedented opportunity for reinvention. Firms that embrace change can emerge stronger, more agile and better positioned to attract top talent and clients.
While the manager crash may seem daunting, it also presents an unprecedented opportunity for reinvention. Firms that embrace change can emerge stronger, more agile and better positioned to attract top talent and clients.
Consider the examples of professional sports dynasties that dominated their leagues after managerial changes. The New England Patriots thrived under Bill Belichick’s leadership after years of mediocrity. The Golden State Warriors transformed into an NBA powerhouse by rebuilding their coaching staff and team culture.
Similarly, legal firms that act decisively during this period of transition can reshape their cultures and strategies for sustained success. Key moves might include appointing managers who prioritize teamwork, responsibility, taking initiative, implementing robust mentorship programs, and aligning leadership incentives with firm-wide performance.
THE FINAL WHISTLE
The looming manager crash in 2025 is not just a challenge but a wake-up call for the legal profession. Much like sports teams at the end of an underperforming season, firms have an opportunity to reevaluate, restructure and emerge stronger.
By taking proactive steps — auditing leadership, investing in development, promoting collaboration and embracing technology — firms can avoid reactive decision-making and instead lead with purpose. In doing so, they will not only survive the Manager Crash but also position themselves as champions in the competitive legal landscape.
As any sports fan knows, championships aren’t won by clinging to outdated strategies. The same holds true for legal firms. Now is the time to take stock, make bold moves and prepare for a winning season ahead.
