By Bianca Moreiras bio Think you've found the perfect candidate for your firm's next partner? Before you make the offer, make sure the candidate has these 10 traits. 1. Honesty We would hope that all attorneys are honest; however, even stretching the truth when keeping timesheets is an act of dishonesty. Missing deadlines and making excuses perhaps is an oversight … [Read more...] about 10 traits to look for in your firm’s next partner
Working with lawyers
Sexual harassment in the workplace: how your practice’s policy can make a difference
Employees are more likely to report sexual harassment they witness at work when there is a zero-tolerance policy in place, according to a new study conducted by Florida International University (FIU). The study's findings show that companies where zero-tolerance policies are a top-priority are particularly effective in increasing the reporting of the most common forms of … [Read more...] about Sexual harassment in the workplace: how your practice’s policy can make a difference
What you can do to help resolve partner conflict
It's no secret that fighting among partners is a major cause of firm breakups. Not so well known, however, is how to resolve the conflict. When two individual partners or even two groups of partners are at odds with one another, the firm needs a middle person. That person can be the managing partner or a professional mediator. The middle person can broach the issue and bring … [Read more...] about What you can do to help resolve partner conflict
Artificial intelligence for litigators: No robots, just smart document assistance
By Doug Striker bio When you hear the words "artificial intelligence," you likely think of a TV robot that has learned its owners' food preferences, schedules, musical tastes and even moods. (Where is Rosie the Robot when you need her?!) But in real life, artificial intelligence often looks and smells like normal technology. The difference is that today's AI … [Read more...] about Artificial intelligence for litigators: No robots, just smart document assistance
The value of your personal information and how to protect it online
Technology makes it easy to connect to the virtual world around you. While an invaluable part of our lifestyle, our connected devices contain enormous amounts of personal data about us, our friends and family. This information—which includes contacts, photos, videos, location, health and financial data—is being collected by advertisers, tech companies and others, and … [Read more...] about The value of your personal information and how to protect it online
The predatory client and your workplace environment
By Lynne Curry bio You've met the predatory client and possibly even tangled with him. He or she makes life difficult for your staff, particularly your front desk employees, and possibly even for you because his status as a client enables him to do so. Often he represents hundreds of thousands of dollars in billings. Do legal practices have a responsibility to … [Read more...] about The predatory client and your workplace environment
Want to improve attorney tech use? Start by breaking down silos in your firm
By Michelle Spencer bio I have long wondered why there are two different teams in law firms doing similar functions. I am referring to the professional development and technology training teams. Both of the teams perform learning and development functions, and yet they are usually in two different departments that work alone, except in rare instances. They … [Read more...] about Want to improve attorney tech use? Start by breaking down silos in your firm
Is ACA employer reporting still required for 2017 tax year? Are you sure?
Ever since it was signed into law in 2010, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has been the subject of much concern—and confusion—for employers. This past year has been no exception, due to a handful of attempts by GOP lawmakers to overhaul the controversial legislation. At this time, however, the ACA remains the law of the land, and employers must prepare and report in January … [Read more...] about Is ACA employer reporting still required for 2017 tax year? Are you sure?
Feeling stuck and disorganized? Here’s how to turn things around
By Bianca Moreiras bio After working 30 years in the legal arena with highly skilled, highly skeptical attorneys I have learned that keeping myself in a positive "can do" frame of mind helps keep my sanity. Executing the feeling is another story. Each day brings new challenges or "change"—something that is inevitable, but also something attorneys will try to avoid at all … [Read more...] about Feeling stuck and disorganized? Here’s how to turn things around
U.S. employers to offer much merriment over the holidays
Bloomberg Law has released the results of its annual year-end holiday practices survey on how companies manage paid holidays and days off, office parties, and gifts and bonuses over the winter holidays, and it seems the next two weeks will be a good time for many of us. "With Christmas and New Year's falling on Mondays, fewer employers are inclined to provide another paid day … [Read more...] about U.S. employers to offer much merriment over the holidays