By Lynne Curry bio My client asked me to find him the one "right" applicant for a critical management position in his company. Out of more than 50 resumes, I chose my favorite. "Jacob" did a great job on his phone interview, so I called him in for an interview. Ten minutes before the interview, he called saying an uninsured motorist had rear-ended him and the … [Read more...] about An HR ghost story
Working with lawyers
Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP named one of the “Best Law Firms for Women” for 11 years straight
Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP was recently named among Working Mother's 2018 "Best Law Firms for Women," making this the 11th consecutive year that the firm has received the distinction. The list recognizes 60 US law firms for their policies in the advancement of women and for the implementation of work-life balance initiatives. "Katten has long recognized the benefit and … [Read more...] about Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP named one of the “Best Law Firms for Women” for 11 years straight
Who tops the nation in vacation days?
Last year, Americans used 17.2 vacation days, the most since 2010 according to new research from Project: Time Off. Despite this marked improvement, 52 percent of employees reported leaving vacation days unused at the end of the year. The new report, Under-Vacationed America: A State-by-State Look at Time Off and Travel, provides a look at vacation behavior in all 50 states. … [Read more...] about Who tops the nation in vacation days?
How to hold on to clients when a partner retires
Partner retirement is a watershed event, particularly when the partner has originated a large portion of the business or is dominant in the firm's management or practice development. Many firms go through a wrenching period of adjustment when a partner retires. Often the fallout is lost clients, unsettled management and even the breakup of the firm. Retirement is a sensitive … [Read more...] about How to hold on to clients when a partner retires
Why taking your vacation is worth the hassle
If you can't remember the last time you took a vacation, you're not alone. While American workers are stressed, they're not taking time away from work. According to a survey conducted by Harris Poll on behalf of CareerBuilder, 3 in 5 workers (61 percent) say they are burned out in their current job, and 31 percent report high or extremely high levels of stress at work, yet only … [Read more...] about Why taking your vacation is worth the hassle
How simple technology solutions can make your job astonishingly easier
As a law office manager, there likely are many days when you are frantically running around trying to make plays, getting blindsided by distractions, and sometimes even losing track of the plays you should be making. However, with the proper application of technology and processes in your day, you can feel as though you are confidently running the ball, are in control, … [Read more...] about How simple technology solutions can make your job astonishingly easier
What #MeToo means for corporate America and why employers must continue to address sexual harassment in the workplace
The #MeToo movement brought awareness and conversation to one of the most urgent issues facing the workplace today, but not enough data has been available to point to the causes or solutions until now. A new study, "What #MeToo Means for Corporate America," conducted by the Center for Talent Innovation (CTI), is the first of its kind to measure the scope of the problem within … [Read more...] about What #MeToo means for corporate America and why employers must continue to address sexual harassment in the workplace
Summertime tips for small firms: How to plan for a stress-free year end
By Brenda Barnes bio For many small business owners, summertime is often a slower time of year and a good time to take a look at your business. Even with half of the year gone, many business owners wait until year-end, or after the holidays, to assess their business needs. Taking the time now to review and adjust can help you make the most of the remainder of the year and … [Read more...] about Summertime tips for small firms: How to plan for a stress-free year end
Effective mentoring helps minimize staff turnover woes
A well-designed and well-managed mentoring program can have a major positive impact upon the career development and retention of associates in law firms big and small, says Bianca Moreiras, a law firm consultant, coach and speaker, and CEO of Bianca Moreiras and Associates. "Over 45 percent of new associates leave their firms by their third year and the top 400 law firms lose … [Read more...] about Effective mentoring helps minimize staff turnover woes
Eight rules for running your office right, especially if it’s a small one
The smaller the office, the more the manager works under a microscope. Everybody sees everything that's going on and everything the manager does. For a new manager in that setting, the microscope gets even stronger because staff are watching to see who their new boss is. And if that new manager has been promoted from within, the scrutiny is unforgiving because it's coming … [Read more...] about Eight rules for running your office right, especially if it’s a small one