Preparing for the Unexpected: Insights from Honored Alumni Neil (’90) and Denise Lindberg (’88)

Written by Jane Salgado

Amid homecoming and sesquicentennial events at BYU, Neil (‘90) and Denise (‘88) Lindberg addressed students and faculty on October 16 as honored alumni lecturers. Their address, “Preparing for the Unexpected,” highlighted their unconventional paths to law school and how they balanced demanding legal careers with family and faith.

Denise Lindberg advised attendees that “While it is useful to plan, and to prepare for the life that we hope to have, we can’t be so locked into our plan that we miss the off-plan opportunities that God sends our way. Plan, but be prepared to pivot.”

The Lindbergs received their bachelor’s and postgraduate degrees, started a family and began their respective careers before ever considering the possibility of attending law school. However, after an unexpected conversation with BYU Law Professor Jean Jacobs at a church event, Denise applied and was accepted with a full tuition scholarship to BYU. Two years later, Neil left his career as a city planner to also take the leap of pursuing a law degree.

Balancing law school, work, and family life wasn’t easy, but the Lindbergs moved forward with faith and confidence in their choices. “We had received spiritual confirmation that the path we’d chosen was acceptable to the Lord,” Denise said.

As they continued on to legal careers involving land use policy, corporate practice, and judicial appointments, the Lindbergs continued to encounter unexpected opportunities for growth. As he concluded his message, Neil Lindberg urged students to prepare themselves for these occasions. “Just know that heaven has a divine design for each of us, and for each of you – he did for me – and unexpected opportunities will arise,” he said. “Be prepared.”