It is the money that gets the first-year associates in the door. But it is the work that keeps them there. Many associates are gone by the third year, and most of them go because the work assignments don't live up to their expectations. To retain the associates it has spent so much money recruiting, the firm needs a mentoring program that stays with each attorney on every … [Read more...] about How a mentor program can improve your associate retention rates
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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
Public image counts just as much as legal quality: 7 good rules
It takes more than good lawyering to make a practice a success. Just as important is a good public image. Here Trey Ryder, a legal marketing consultant in Payson, AZ, gives seven ways to make the firm look good. Rule #1: Pay up! Few people know much at all about the law firms in their community, Ryder says. They don't know the good from the bad. But what does get around … [Read more...] about Public image counts just as much as legal quality: 7 good rules
Here are four good ways to get your work done and enjoy a long weekend
Many managers will agree that the most difficult part of their job is finding time to get all the work done. And, while everyone loves a long weekend, it's hard to make up for that lost workday. So here are four good time management recommendations from workflow advisor Jason Womack of Ojai, CA, author of Your Best Just Got Better: Work Smarter, Think Bigger, Make More. These … [Read more...] about Here are four good ways to get your work done and enjoy a long weekend
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
Boost quarterly profits with this proven 6-pronged cost cutting plan
Every now and then, office administrators are forced to look for new ways to cut expenses. There are lots of dollars waiting to be saved, but many of them are in places so conspicuous they get overlooked. Go for the obvious. To save the firm money, begin with increasing staff productivity and continue on to reclaiming lost office supplies and capping what the firm pays for … [Read more...] about Boost quarterly profits with this proven 6-pronged cost cutting plan
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