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?
Managing the office
TO-DOs: Your December office checklist
Congratulations on making it through 2022! We hope it was a successful and satisfying year for you and your firm and that you take some time this month to celebrate your accomplishments. Of course, the work never stops, so here are some reminders for this month. Start thinking about the firm's taxes. Are there any bills you can pay this year to offset any unexpected income … [Read more...] about TO-DOs: Your December office checklist
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
How to avoid taking on second-hand stress
By Elizabeth M. Miller bio I've been working with the legal profession for nearly 40 years and I can assure you it is one of the most stressful work environments ever. The legal profession as a career choice is stressful because of stringent deadlines, including statutes of limitations, which if you miss one of those you have just sunk your own battleship. Other stressful … [Read more...] about How to avoid taking on second-hand stress
Worried about a data breach? Here’s why you should be
Your greatest asset, your employees, can represent your greatest threat—a data breach— according to computer security experts John Simek and Michael Maschke. "If you are worried about a data breach, you should be," says Simek, who is vice-president of Sensei Enterprises Inc., a Fairfax, VA-based digital forensics, IT and cybersecurity company. "If somebody really wants to get … [Read more...] about Worried about a data breach? Here’s why you should be
7 steps you can take now to improve next year’s bottom line
Year-end is a great time to evaluate the firm's finances and make a plan to improve next year's bottom line. Even if the year went well, there are always improvements to be made and areas that can be trimmed without impacting employees or the service they provide to clients. Here are 7 steps you can take now to improve next year's bottom line. 1. Evaluate your advertising … [Read more...] about 7 steps you can take now to improve next year’s bottom line
Reduce your risk of malpractice claims with a centralized calendar system
At one time, the word "deadline" referred to a marked section of a prison yard that, if breached by a prisoner, would result in that prisoner being shot. Today, the word refers to a time limit that, if breached, doesn't usually result in gunfire, but still has serious consequences. What's the problem? Failure to meet a deadline, such as a statute of limitations, and other … [Read more...] about Reduce your risk of malpractice claims with a centralized calendar system
Time to Give
By Brenda Barnes bio People by and large are generous. And it is this time of year that giving increases dramatically. The charitable impulse goes up by 31 percent each December, and if you own a business or run an organization, research indicates that 63 percent of your employees or members will be giving. Why not consider projects to engage your employees and … [Read more...] about Time to Give
Onboarding: How to make your new hire’s first day a success
The first day of working in a law firm can intimidate anyone, whether you're a new receptionist or a new associate. It doesn't matter how friendly your new co-workers are or how qualified you are for the job, it's still uncomfortable. You're stepping into a finely tuned machine and you need to get in sync with the moving parts, momentum, and direction. Fast. And how well you … [Read more...] about Onboarding: How to make your new hire’s first day a success
Yes, you can fire a client and still get paid
By Elizabeth M. Miller bio The frequency with which a client fires a lawyer is far greater than the frequency with which a lawyer fires a client. This is because lawyers will have their firm do almost anything to keep a client. But there comes a time in every lawyer's practice where you just cannot please that one client. It does not matter what concessions you make, how … [Read more...] about Yes, you can fire a client and still get paid