Start by Planning Backwards

Want to Lead Better? Start by Planning Backwards

If you run a law firm, chances are you’re putting out fires every day.

Deadlines. Client demands. Team questions. Administrative overload. You’re in motion from the moment you walk in. And while you’re getting things done, deep down it still feels like you’re always one step behind.

That’s exhausting.

The good news? There’s a simple shift that can help you lead with more clarity and a lot less stress.

It’s called planning backwards.

Most people plan forward. They start at the beginning—asking, “What’s the first step?” But that’s where things get murky. You end up stuck in the weeds, reacting to tasks instead of moving toward a clear result.

Planning backwards flips that. Instead of starting with the first step, you start at the finish line.

Ask yourself, “What does success look like?” Then figure out what needs to happen right before that. And before that. And before that.

Suddenly, you’ve got a map.

Take trial prep, for example. If your final brief is the destination, planning backwards might look like this:

• Final brief filed
• Pre-trial motions submitted
• Evidence reviewed
• Witness prep done
• Discovery finalized

Now everyone on your team knows what’s coming, and when. No surprises. No frantic last-minute hustle. Just a clear, step-by-step plan.

That makes delegation easier, too. When the timeline is clear, your instructions are clear. And when your team knows what’s expected, they step up.

This isn’t about becoming a project manager. It’s about thinking like a leader.

We’ve worked with hundreds of law firms at Accelerate Now. The ones that grow well aren’t the ones working longer hours. They’re the ones who stop winging it—and start building systems.

Planning backwards is one of those systems.

It won’t take more of your time. It’ll give you some back.

So, if your firm feels like it’s running on fumes, try this: pick one project this week, start at the end, and work backwards.

You’ll be amazed how quickly things fall into place.

And when you’re ready to take things further—to grow your firm, streamline your processes, and bring in more of the right clients—we’re here to help.

At Accelerate Now, we help law firms build growth systems that work. Let’s build yours.