As you know, a conflict of interest occurs when a lawyer or a firm takes on multiple clients who have conflicting goals or interests. And if your law firm does not have a system in place to check for potential conflicts, you could be courting serious trouble with your bar association, clients, or other attorneys, according to Robyn A. Bonivich, founding partner in Robyn's Law … [Read more...] about Avoid disbarment with a conflict-checking procedure
Working with lawyers
Is your firm struggling with cash flow?
By Brenda Barnes bio Henry Ford once said, "Vision without execution is just hallucination." While revenue production is the core goal for every business, the real magic is in understanding and managing your cash cycle. You can't execute without cash. According to Patty Block, consultant and owner of The Block Group, many small businesses struggle to appropriately … [Read more...] about Is your firm struggling with cash flow?
5 simple tips to help your employees get more from their healthcare benefits
By David C. Fortosis bio Health insurance and the U.S. healthcare system have become increasingly complex and confusing. Despite promises for a better consumer and patient experience from insurance companies and niche vendors, that dream is still elusive. Dr. Sachin Jain, Harvard MD and CEO of CareMore Health recently said, "The U.S. healthcare system is never so … [Read more...] about 5 simple tips to help your employees get more from their healthcare benefits
Study finds alarming ambivalence about gender discrimination in the workplace, despite evidence that compensation inequality and harassment exist
Randstad US has released results of a survey examining American workers' feelings and experiences related to gender equality in the workplace. The data reveals a sharp disconnect: Employees acknowledge that forms of discrimination and harassment exist in the workplace, but they aren't sure what they're supposed to do about it. For example, while 51 percent of both men and women … [Read more...] about Study finds alarming ambivalence about gender discrimination in the workplace, despite evidence that compensation inequality and harassment exist
6 ways to optimize your recruitment efforts
Law firms are feeling the effects of today's talent shortage. More than three in 10 lawyers (31 percent) recently surveyed by Robert Half Legal said recruiting highly skilled legal professionals is the greatest practice management challenge facing their firm. Caseload or workflow management ranked second, with 19 percent of the survey response. These concerns come at a time … [Read more...] about 6 ways to optimize your recruitment efforts
Who’s the real person you plan to hire? Can social media help you decide?
By Lynne Curry, Ph.D., SPHR bio The applicant knocked it out of the park with both his resume and his answers to your interview questions. The references he provided gave positive reports. Do you make the offer? Not so fast. Have you fully checked out the real person behind the resume and interview answers? If you search him out on social media, will you find posts … [Read more...] about Who’s the real person you plan to hire? Can social media help you decide?
Got troublesome staff? These five easy rules may make your job easier
Here are five easy rules that will make the job of managing difficult people a little easier—or at least make it go more smoothly. They are outlined by Monica Wofford, MBA, CSP, principal of Contagious Companies, a leadership training company, and author of "Make Difficult People Disappear." Rule #1: Address problems consistently Face the problem people. And don't be … [Read more...] about Got troublesome staff? These five easy rules may make your job easier
How to create a good mental health work environment for employees
Most people are aware that employees with a physical illness or disability are entitled to a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or time off under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). But it's not as commonly known that those with mental disabilities are also covered by the ADA and FMLA, according to a new XpertHR report on mental health … [Read more...] about How to create a good mental health work environment for employees
How to create a budget for your law firm
While many attorneys cringe at the thought of creating a budget, there are five important reasons why your law firm needs one, says Elizabeth Miller, an independent law firm administrator and consultant. Budgets help law firms achieve long-term goals, such as growing their businesses or buying an office instead of renting office space. You can't spend money you … [Read more...] about How to create a budget for your law firm
Sample Budget Spreadsheet
Why you need this budget spreadsheet: While many attorneys cringe at the thought of creating a budget, there are several important reasons why your law firm needs one, including helping you prepare for unexpected expenses. How this budget spreadsheet helps you: This 12-month, month-by-month spreadsheet lists some common fixed expenses of a law firm. How to use this budget … [Read more...] about Sample Budget Spreadsheet