By Elizabeth M. Miller bio Summer is here, and with that the inevitable slow-down of the court dockets as judges and judicial assistants make their escape over summer vacation. There are many ways to make efficient use of this downtime that will benefit the firm and keep you on track to end the year on a successful, and profitable, note. Here are 4 ways to make efficient and … [Read more...] about 4 ways to get the most out of slow summer days
Working with lawyers
How to improve orientation for your new associates
Bringing in a new associate right out of school requires far more than new business cards and letterhead. Starting the practice of law "is an overwhelming thing for young attorneys," says law firm management consultant Allison C. Hill of Nashville, TN. To perform well, they need extensive help with the nonlegal aspects of the job. She outlines some of the orientation points … [Read more...] about How to improve orientation for your new associates
5 things leaders can learn from stand-up comedians
By Andrew Tarvin bio As you can imagine, stand-up comedy can make you a better presenter. After all, it's one of the hardest forms of public speaking you'll ever do (aside from effectively teaching second graders), which means if you can do okay in stand-up, all other types of business presentations will seem easier. But stand-up comedy can also make you a better … [Read more...] about 5 things leaders can learn from stand-up comedians
How employers can help break the stigma of mental health in the workplace?
May is Mental Health Awareness Month! With approximately 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. experiencing mental illness, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, it is imperative that today's employers focus on breaking the stigma around mental health in the workplace. Why is it important to employers? By addressing this taboo topic, employees can educate themselves and … [Read more...] about How employers can help break the stigma of mental health in the workplace?
Some not-so-difficult ways to increase revenue
Need a better bottom line? Don't go the way of most firms and start "stripping the heck out of the operating costs." The real dollars come from increasing revenue. And doing that is often more common sense than magic, says financial consultant Michael R. Marget, managing director of 4L Law Firm Services in Tampa. Get under the payment wire The first and easiest way to … [Read more...] about Some not-so-difficult ways to increase revenue
How to turn a bad annual review into a self-improvement action plan
We're all human. Anyone can get into situations that are less than successful. And anyone can meet with a bad job review. But the ship can be turned around, says Theresa Rose, a professional development consultant and speaker. It takes a positive response to the partners, a positive emotional attitude, and an ongoing effort to improve in the areas that matter to the … [Read more...] about How to turn a bad annual review into a self-improvement action plan
Secrecy in the age of social media: six ways to keep sensitive practice information offline
You can be sure that most of your employees are active on social media. For younger ones, in fact, using Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are as natural as breathing. According to James Pooley, author of "Secrets: Managing Information Assets in the Age of Cyberespionage," social media and the sharing culture it has sparked are very real threats to organizations. "The … [Read more...] about Secrecy in the age of social media: six ways to keep sensitive practice information offline
Use weekly financial reporting to keep partners aware of cash flow
A Vermont manager has found that running the financial reports weekly instead of monthly is an easy way for the partners to stay always aware and in control of what's going on. They see every penny that has come in and gone out. They know how each attorney and each practice area is faring. And they know when to expect extra expenses and what the taxes are likely to be. The … [Read more...] about Use weekly financial reporting to keep partners aware of cash flow
How to beat the workplace bully in your law office
Loss of good employees, low morale and communication breakdowns caused by office bullies are costing your law office plenty, says Dr. Lynne Curry, Regional Director of Training and Business Consulting for Avitus, a national firm with offices coast to coast According to Curry, more than 65 million American workers have either been bullied on the job or seen their coworkers … [Read more...] about How to beat the workplace bully in your law office
3 steps a manager must take to end harmful gossip in the workplace
By Lynne Curry bio The conversation stops when you walk into the break room. Two employees look at each other, mouth "later," and head back to their desks. An hour later, you see another employee dart into the restroom and come out five minutes later with reddened eyes. You ask her "what's up?" and when she looks like she might burst into tears, you usher her into your … [Read more...] about 3 steps a manager must take to end harmful gossip in the workplace