February might be a short month, but there's a lot packed into it. Here are 7 areas you can tackle this month to help improve profits, protect the firm, and boost morale. 1. Review each department's revenues. By now the profit and loss statement for 2022 is in. Review the gross revenues of the firm and the revenues for each department if the firm practices in more than … [Read more...] about To-Dos: Your February office checklist
Compliance
4 ethics rules your staff might be violating
It's not just attorneys in your office who have to follow the rules of ethics. Your staff members have to follow them, too. It doesn't matter where the violation comes from, says law management consultant Jan Henderson of RJH Consulting in Jackson Hole, WY. What governs is the rule of respondeat superior, or "let the master answer." The employer is held accountable for the … [Read more...] about 4 ethics rules your staff might be violating
The top 10 regulatory issues for employers in 2019
To help employers plan for the year ahead, Paychex, Inc. (a provider of integrated human capital management solutions for payroll, benefits, human resources, and insurance services) recently released a list of the top 10 regulatory issues that employers should be aware of in 2019. The list outlines the current, most impactful laws and regulations, and the anticipated changes … [Read more...] about The top 10 regulatory issues for employers in 2019
Employment Law Update: The New Year’s Resolutions Edition
By Mike O'Brien bio A lawyer and doctor were talking together at a New Year's party when the doctor complained about how people always asked her for free medical advice. She said to the lawyer, "People probably always ask you for free legal advice…as a fellow professional, how do you deal with it?" The lawyer thought about it, and then said, "I always answer their … [Read more...] about Employment Law Update: The New Year’s Resolutions Edition
The 10 assumptions NOT to make when doing your OSHA 300s
December is here and it's time for the logs. No, not the yule logs—the OSHA 300 logs! It's time to get the year's injury and illness records in order and start getting the OSHA 300A ready for the Feb. 1 filing deadline. As you set about your task, here are 10 OSHA 300 assumptions you want to avoid at all costs. Bad assumption #1: We should record everything just to be … [Read more...] about The 10 assumptions NOT to make when doing your OSHA 300s
Can your employee’s mouth pull you into a defamation lawsuit?
By Lynne Curry bio "J.J." is a hard-working, talented manager who makes caustic statements when he stresses out. Although he initially offended you when you first started supervising him, you learned not to take his comments to heart. When others come to you upset, you tell them, "That's just J.J. being J.J." Some coworkers even appreciate J.J.'s bluntness. Several … [Read more...] about Can your employee’s mouth pull you into a defamation lawsuit?
5 steps to building a law office staff that cares
What's the climate like in your organization? Is it productive? Is it inclusive or exclusive? Do your employees enjoy coming to work? Do you? If yours is a high-performing office, buzzing with productive employees who enjoy coming to work, well done! If it isn't, then it's time you did something about it—because, as the manager, the organizational climate is your … [Read more...] about 5 steps to building a law office staff that cares
Managing political discussions in the workplace
By Lynne Curry bio During the Justice Kavanaugh confirmation hearings, more than fifty percent of Americans admitted they had taken part in political discussions in the workplace. Many of these discussions ended in conflict, frayed relationships, and tears. With the current high-stakes mid-term election, employers can expect more heated political discussions, … [Read more...] about Managing political discussions in the workplace
What you need to know about complying with the FLSA
To be or not to be exempt from overtime pay under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)? That is the big question, according to Sandra Hoyle-Smith, a Texas-based human resources expert and employment law mediator. Hoyle-Smith notes that many law firms do not calculate overtime correctly and in some cases have wrongly classified employees as being exempt from overtime pay when … [Read more...] about What you need to know about complying with the FLSA
TO-DOs: Your November office checklist
There's a lot happening this month—everything from Thanksgiving to budget preparations. Here are a few things you should address this month. Make your reservations. If you are planning a holiday party and haven't yet booked a venue, don't wait any longer. Certain restaurants get booked up quickly, especially if your firm wants to do a holiday luncheon instead of a dinner. … [Read more...] about TO-DOs: Your November office checklist