Change is the only constant in life, said the philosopher Heraclitus in the sixth century BCE, and that couldn't be more true in 21st century law departments. But are there guidelines for helping departments navigate the upheaval wrought by restructuring, mergers, spinoffs, budget cuts, management shake-ups, technological innovations and the like? 

In a recent informal survey of participants at the midyear ACCXChange meeting in Minneapolis, 76% of respondents reported that their law departments either "reluctantly endure" change or "absolutely abhor" it at 7%. Only 2%—a single respondent—claimed that their department enthusiastically embraced change. Yet 79% of respondents reported that their law departments implemented "significant change" either "sometimes" or "often."

Kevin Clem, chief commercial officer at HBR Consulting, a Chicago-based company that advises corporations, law firms and law departments, has some answers. Clem provided five tips on how departments can help drive necessary organizational changes and keep operations on track. Here are some of his pointers, summarized for length and clarity: