By Brenda A. Barnes bio Compensation—or lack thereof—drives many, if not most, succession plans. The most obvious reason for a succession plan is to compensate principals fairly for the firm they've built with their entrepreneurial spirit, including the physical assets and intellectual property they own, and for the money they've invested in their businesses. How to … [Read more...] about Do compensation plans drive succession planning results?
Working with lawyers
Easy-to-use interview system guarantees a good match between secretary and attorney
For secretarial interviews, an Ohio administrator uses the approach that includes everything—attorney input, staff input and even observations from the receptionist. At the 25-attorrney firm in Dayton, the administrator set up the system not only to make sure the applicant is qualified for the job but also to evaluate how well the secretary will work with the attorney and … [Read more...] about Easy-to-use interview system guarantees a good match between secretary and attorney
7 quick ways to jump-start your firm’s business development efforts
By David H. Freeman bio Every so often, you may think, "I could use some fresh ideas to jump-start the firm's business development efforts." Or perhaps the managing partner is looking to you for some input on how to grow the business. I have some resources that can help. Over the years, I've produced very short business development tips designed to trigger new … [Read more...] about 7 quick ways to jump-start your firm’s business development efforts
Matching your management style to your employee’s personality
Much like one bad apple, one bad employee can spoil the whole bunch in your office, says Dr. Steve Cohen, Principal, Lead HR Consultant at HR Solutions On-Call. Cohen, who is often described as a "mess management" expert for his ability to solve people problems for vulnerable organizations, says the typical job is always built on the issue of technical skills, but … [Read more...] about Matching your management style to your employee’s personality
8 actions to be an exceptional listener
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
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
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
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
What you don’t know about your managers and why you should find out
By Lynne Curry bio What are your mid-level managers doing that will cost you good employees in the next year? Are your professional staff getting the results you need them to? If not, what's getting in their way and how can you convince them to make needed changes? A 360-degree review provides you and your mid-level managers and professional staff members with … [Read more...] about What you don’t know about your managers and why you should find out