By Stacey Hanke bio Most people consider themselves to be good listeners, finding it hard to admit otherwise. We know listening is vital to building strong relationships with coworkers, managers, clients, and leadership. In fact, it is considered to be the single most important communication skill necessary, valued more highly than speaking, in the business world. We spend … [Read more...] about 8 actions to be an exceptional listener
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How to manage maternity or leaves of absence
Employee leaves of absence for maternity or medical reasons can be tricky to navigate and can place heavy staffing and workload burdens on small and mid-sized practices, says Chris Lessard, an HR advisor with CEDR HR Solutions. Lessard, a California-based attorney, says practices can face potential discrimination claims for violating leave-of-absence laws, along with … [Read more...] about How to manage maternity or leaves of absence
To-Dos: Your February office checklist
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
Do these 5 tasks now and get ahead of your tax preparations
By Elizabeth M. Miller bio The holidays are over and it's time to get back to work—and reality. And the reality is that tax season is just around the corner. Ideally, you were attentive to your accounting and recordkeeping last year so you're ready to just hand over your records and reports to the accountant and—voila—your tax return is ready. But the reality … [Read more...] about Do these 5 tasks now and get ahead of your tax preparations
Communication DOs and DON’Ts
Managers still spend a great deal of time communicating face to face, despite the proliferation of technology. However, because of technology, verbal communication skills sometimes take a backseat to written communication skills. Nevertheless, how you say something can be as important as what you say. With this in mind, here are communication DOs and DON'Ts. DO Make sure … [Read more...] about Communication DOs and DON’Ts
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
What is a PDF? (And what ISN’T it?)
By Jay Stromberg bio Throughout my career in the legal industry, I've spoken with people who have the impression that PDF documents are "secure." When I ask them what they think this means, I often hear they believe it is difficult to change the document. Sadly, this isn't true. Worse: When attorneys believe this common myth, they can put sensitive client data at … [Read more...] about What is a PDF? (And what ISN’T it?)
Half of today’s U.S. legal professionals have flexible work arrangements
Special Counsel, a provider of legal consulting, attorney recruiting, legal talent, legal technology and eDiscovery solutions, recently released its 2019 Salary Guide, which includes comprehensive national salary and benefits data and total compensation figures for in-demand legal positions at law firms and companies ranging in size. According to this year's guide, with the … [Read more...] about Half of today’s U.S. legal professionals have flexible work arrangements
Always ask these 7 questions before you fire a staffer
They are the seven-question solution. They have become the standard for determining whether a firing is justified. A "no" answer to any one of them leaves room for argument that a dismissal was discriminatory. They are the seven questions arbitrators ask when settling firing disputes. They are a valuable pre-termination checklist to determine whether a firing is … [Read more...] about Always ask these 7 questions before you fire a staffer
What to do when the winter blues hits your workplace
Winter gets a frigid reception at many workplaces around the country. According to research from staffing firm Accountemps, 38% of professionals said winter weather has a negative impact on their mood at work. About one-quarter (26%) cited January as the least happy month. Employees in Pittsburgh, Detroit and Cleveland felt bluest in the wintertime. In contrast, professionals … [Read more...] about What to do when the winter blues hits your workplace