Legal professionals are under constant pressure to work more efficiently and effectively, and using technology can help them do both while lightening their workloads, according to Michelle Spencer, founder of the Legal Learning Development Network. "Microsoft Word is a tool that is used repeatedly each day, especially by those producing legal documents, which can be really … [Read more...] about How to become a Microsoft Word ninja and boost your productivity
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3 steps a manager must take to end harmful gossip in the workplace
By Lynne Curry bio The conversation stops when you walk into the break room. Two employees look at each other, mouth "later," and head back to their desks. An hour later, you see another employee dart into the restroom and come out five minutes later with reddened eyes. You ask her "what's up?" and when she looks like she might burst into tears, you usher her into your … [Read more...] about 3 steps a manager must take to end harmful gossip in the workplace
Don’t leave succession planning on your law firm’s back burner
Having a discussion about selling your law firm as you approach retirement isn't always easy, because it can get you thinking about uncomfortable issues such as whether you'll be able to adjust to not working, and even your own mortality. Tempting as it is to put off such decisions for as long as possible, it's best to start succession planning several months or even several … [Read more...] about Don’t leave succession planning on your law firm’s back burner
Failsafe solutions to 3 irritating staff behavior problems
Dealing with unacceptable staff behavior is for most managers the hardest part of the job. Here is a no-fail formula that works in all situations and instructions for how to apply it to three of the most annoying types of people. 1 The ultra-sensitive staffer who can't take criticism 2 The staffer who brings personal problems to work and tells everybody about them. 3 … [Read more...] about Failsafe solutions to 3 irritating staff behavior problems
On Better Communication
Do you freeze up when asked to write something for work? Don't worry. Whether you're writing a letter to a client or a blog for the company website, there are a few simple steps you can take to produce clear and coherent copy. A lot of people freeze when they have to write something. They get afraid they won't know what to say or how to say it. But they do know that. They … [Read more...] about On Better Communication
Ensure success in your new job as administrator
As soon as you've accepted the position of law firm administrator, you need to establish expectations – what is expected of you and what you expect of others. Once those parameters are clear, you can implement any necessary changes with authority and confidence. Walking into a new job as administrator? It's hard for a newcomer administrator to know where to begin work, what … [Read more...] about Ensure success in your new job as administrator
Personal touch helps win highly profitable corporate clients
It's a first-class presentation, but the corporate business goes to another firm. What happened? The big balloon deflator is that most corporations have their hiring decisions made long before the beauty contest. The winner is almost always the firm that has developed a relationship with the company beforehand, and the selection process is naught but a friendly formality. … [Read more...] about Personal touch helps win highly profitable corporate clients
Top 10 phishing phrases of 2018: The KnowBe4 list
By Jay Stromberg bio As you may know, Savvy is the largest reseller in the legal industry for KnowBe4 security awareness training. We are seriously proud of this partnership because of the significant security improvements that KnowBe4 has delivered to our clients. At a time when law firms are hacked into daily, this training platform is delivering quantifiable … [Read more...] about Top 10 phishing phrases of 2018: The KnowBe4 list
To-Dos: Your April office checklist
Here are a few tasks that should be addressed this month. Do a first quarter evaluation with employees who have a billing quota. Assess where they are in terms of reaching the annual goal and discuss any changes that need to be made, adjustments in procedures for capturing time or time management skills. Review the firm's profit and loss statement as it compares to the … [Read more...] about To-Dos: Your April office checklist
Inside your practice: Communicating, leading, & managing amid change
The only thing that is constant is change, said the Greek philosopher Heraclitus. And although he never managed a law practice, his words certainly apply to today's workplace. The case for transparency Change is a constant for the legal industry. Mergers, acquisitions, and new technologies—it's hard enough just to keep up let alone keep your staff apprised. Regrettably, … [Read more...] about Inside your practice: Communicating, leading, & managing amid change