When I stepped away from leading our law firm marketing agency due to a sudden cancer diagnosis, we had no choice but to put our leadership systems to the test. I had received a devastating diagnosis—an aggressive, rare cancer with a very poor prognosis. Within days, I was in the fight of my life. We had to act fast. I got very sick, very quickly, and our world turned upside down.
At the time, I thought I might still be able to work a little through chemotherapy—maybe keep up with some emails or weigh in on major decisions. But the treatment was so intense and the situation so dire, I literally could not work at all. I was hospitalized six times, each time was an emergency to save my life. And so I had to do the unthinkable: I handed over the reins to my oldest son, James, our Chief Growth Officer, and trusted that the team and the company would somehow carry on without me.
They didn’t just carry on.
They thrived.
The Power of Preparation—and the Truth About Marketing
Before my diagnosis, we had spent nearly a year focused inward—refining our internal systems, documenting processes, building SOPs, and strengthening our training protocols. At the time, we thought we were preparing for growth. We didn’t realize we were also building business resilience.
What I’ve always believed about marketing is equally true about business: you are only as strong as your systems and your culture. That belief was put to the ultimate test this past year—and it held.
James stepped in with strength, humility, and fierce dedication. The team rallied. No one asked, “Is this my job?” They asked, “What needs to be done?”
I encourage you to meet the team.
There was no drama. No ego. Just professionals taking care of clients, of each other, and of the business we built to support law firm owners like you.
And it worked.
IMS didn’t miss a beat. Our clients continued to receive top-tier service. The business remained healthy. We even grew. Read about some of our clients’ success stories.
Succession Planning in a Family-Owned Business
This wasn’t just a test of leadership—it was a live-fire exercise in succession planning. Our family business went from founder-led to team-led, and what held it together wasn’t personality—it was preparation.
We had built an environment where roles were clear, standard operating procedures were documented, and leadership could transition because the foundation was solid.
James wasn’t just thrown into the fire—he was ready for it, because we’d done the work to ensure our family business could survive without me.
Why I’m Sharing This Now
This is my first blog post since my diagnosis. I didn’t want to return to writing about law firm marketing without first acknowledging what’s happened—and what it revealed.
I am, gratefully, cancer-free today. My medical team calls it a complete pathological response. There’s still a long road ahead in recovery, and we remain vigilant. But I’m here. I’m healing. And I’m easing back into the work I love, alongside a son and a team I trust completely.
More than anything, I want you to know this: Integrity Marketing Solutions is stronger than ever—not just because of our services, but because of how we’re built. Because of the values we live by. Because of the team culture, the systems, and the leadership that carried us through crisis.
What You Can Expect Moving Forward
Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing more about what we’ve learned—about law firm leadership, growth, succession, and what it really takes to build a business that can weather any storm. I’ll also be diving back into what I love most: helping law firms like yours grow with confidence, clarity, and purpose.
Tune in to our podcast for the updates at The Marketing Lawcast.
If you’ve been with us through this past year, thank you. If you’re just finding us now, welcome. We’ve been through the fire, and we’re still standing—stronger, wiser, and more committed than ever to your success.
Let’s keep growing. Together.
With deep gratitude,
Jennifer
