Page 81 - FDCC Pandemic Book

This crisis necessitated a shift in focus and a reorganization of priorities. Of critical importance was servicing our clients, which our lawyers continued to do without missing a beat.
Leadership Transition During
A Pandemic
JODY E. BRIANDI
Hurwitz & Fine, P.C. Buffalo, NY
A s 2020 began, I was preparing to take over as managing partner of the firm where I had practiced law since 1997. This transition would mark only the third change of leadership in the firm’s 43-year history. It was an important time for the firm and for me personally—and what we thought would be the focus of planning for the first half of 2020. I was thrilled to take on the position and had a vision of how the transition would go and what my first few months would look like. However, as 2020 progressed, and the pandemic started taking hold and ultimately taking over, it was
quickly apparent that everything we had planned for would need to pivot.
Much planning and preparation had occurred up to this point and we were ready— at least we thought we were—for the passing of the torch. The transfer of our firm’s leadership was set to take place this past May 1.
A successful change at the top of any organization requires a well-crafted plan, timeline, and rollout, and at Hurwitz & Fine, it was no different. We had a plan (spoiler
76