Law Office Manager

Hiring

You don’t need to bring staff back to the office to build a culture

By Lynne Curry Question: I’m a partner in a professional services firm. We barely survived the pandemic and only because we furloughed all nonessential employees. Those of us who were partners worked unpaid part of the time. We kept ourselves going by promising ourselves that “things would get back to normal.” Our company recovered slowly. We rehired many of the employees we … [Read more...] about You don’t need to bring staff back to the office to build a culture

Create a great job description and make it your guide for hiring

By Robert Half Trying to compete for top law office talent in a tough hiring market? Here’s another question: Do you know how to create a job description that can help you find the right candidates and set the stage for a new employee’s success? The job description is your hiring guide, and it needs to be thoroughly thought (or rethought) through. Do it well, and the … [Read more...] about Create a great job description and make it your guide for hiring

Sample policy for law office on diversity, equity & inclusion

Sample Office Policy on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Policy Statement: At [Law Office Name], we are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable work environment that values and respects the diversity of our employees, clients, and the communities we serve. We believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are not only fundamental human rights but also vital to our … [Read more...] about Sample policy for law office on diversity, equity & inclusion

How to create a safe and inclusive environment for the LGBTQ+ community in your law office

As a law office manager, it is your responsibility to foster a workplace environment that values diversity, inclusivity, and respect for all individuals. Creating a safe space for members of the LGBTQ+ community is not only a legal and ethical imperative but also a reflection of your commitment to equality. This article aims to provide you with practical strategies and … [Read more...] about How to create a safe and inclusive environment for the LGBTQ+ community in your law office

Non-compete agreements and deceiving your employer

By Lynne Curry   Question: I was so stoked when the premier firm in my area of professional services hired me that I did something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. I told my former manager what I thought of her. She ordered me to leave her company immediately. No problem, I had a new job to go to. I also had my entire future mapped out. I’d work for my new employer … [Read more...] about Non-compete agreements and deceiving your employer

“You’re not hired:” Leaving job candidates hanging can hurt your reputation

When companies engage with job candidates, a new survey reveals the importance of following up—even if they opt not to hire them. The Conference Board survey found that 18 percent of candidates who didn’t hear back from a company after an interview took a negative action against the company. That includes declining to recommend it to others or leaving a negative review. And … [Read more...] about “You’re not hired:” Leaving job candidates hanging can hurt your reputation

Black lawyers and students drive diversity for associates but partnerships lag

Diversity continues to rise at US law firms, with greater gains at the associate level than the partnership level. NALP has released its annual Report on Diversity at U.S. Law Firms. The report, based on information from the 2022-2023 NALP Directory of Legal Employers (NDLE), shows that overall gains continued to be made in the representation of women, people of color, and … [Read more...] about Black lawyers and students drive diversity for associates but partnerships lag

Dig deeper with these 4 types of interview questions

By Robert Half If you want to identify the best candidate for a job, you have to ask the right questions during the interview. And that takes preparation. You need to evaluate not only the job candidate’s skill sets and experience but also how the interviewee thinks. That requires you to ask the right types of interview questions, with both closed-ended … [Read more...] about Dig deeper with these 4 types of interview questions

Characteristics of a modern compensation plan for lawyers

By Brenda A. Barnes and Camille Stell A successful compensation plan should reflect shared goals and values. A successful plan also requires trust among the members of the firm. A winning compensation plan aligns the values of the law firm with relevant, up-to-date market data. Here are additional components of a modern compensation plan. Evergreen Compensation plans must be … [Read more...] about Characteristics of a modern compensation plan for lawyers