My Approach to Leading a Multi-Generational Team in Family Law

Over the past 25+ years of managing teams across Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico, and now Kansas, I’ve learned that no two people—and no two generations—are alike. Today, it’s common to have four generations working side by side: Baby Boomers, Gen Xers, Millennials, and Gen Zers. It’s a dynamic that can present challenges, but it’s also a huge opportunity for us in family law.

Each generation brings its own strengths. Baby Boomers often bring decades of courtroom experience, which is critical when representing clients in high-stakes divorce and custody battles. At the same time, Millennials and Gen Zers often lead the charge in adopting the latest legal tech, which allows us to offer more efficient case management and seamless communication with our clients. When you’re leading a team that spans such different life experiences, it’s essential to embrace those differences. A one-size-fits-all leadership style just doesn’t work.

Here’s how I’ve learned to maximize the strengths of our diverse team:

Communication Styles Matter

Family law cases are often emotionally charged, and how we communicate, both internally and with clients, is crucial. Different generations prefer different ways of communicating. I’ve learned to adapt my approach—whether that’s scheduling in-person meetings for those who value face-time or using quick messaging apps for those who prefer efficiency.

Experience vs. Innovation

I’ve seen firsthand how Baby Boomers’ extensive courtroom experience can offer perspective in mediation cases, while Millennials and Gen Zers excel in areas like leveraging social media to track down hidden assets in divorce cases. Recently, one of our attorneys went viral on TikTok with over 240k views in 24 hours for a video featuring a stitched clip from Young Thug’s trial. With the help of our content team at Cardinal Concepts, this video showcased the power of compelling, timely content in action. This type of innovative thinking—combined with our more seasoned attorneys’ deep legal expertise—illustrates how we can blend time-tested strategies with modern approaches to ensure the best possible outcomes for our clients.

Training the Next Generation

Family law is constantly evolving, with more focus on collaborative divorce and mediation. I make it a point to ensure that our younger attorneys, who are eager to push boundaries, are learning from senior attorneys. For instance, our Baby Boomer attorneys have a wealth of knowledge about the nuances of local family court systems, while younger team members are adept at navigating remote hearings—something that’s increasingly common post-pandemic. This knowledge-sharing is invaluable for long-term success.

As we continue our growth, I look forward to bringing the same generational diversity that has powered our success. Managing a team of different generations isn’t just about adapting—it’s about thriving by leveraging every individual’s unique strengths to serve our clients in the most effective way possible.

If you’re interested in how Cardinal Concepts can help your firm achieve the same results, I encourage you to schedule a 30-minute 1-on-1 session with me directly. Whether you need help with marketing, tech adoption, or managing a multi-generational workforce, we’re here to provide tailored strategies that will drive success for your firm.