By Bob Denney bio The Managing Partner of one of our clients once said to me, "The hardest thing in the world for most lawyers is to decline an opportunity for increased business, even when it's because of a conflict or a question of ethics." There's obviously no question about having to say "No" in those situations. But there are other opportunities for … [Read more...] about Why sometimes firms have to say “no”
Working with lawyers
Advice from the trenches: Lawyers offer law school graduates 25 tips for career success
Law school graduates embarking on their careers should seek out continual learning opportunities and be willing to take risks, according to a survey of 350 lawyers at law firms and legal departments in the United States and Canada. The research was developed by Robert Half Legal, a legal staffing and consulting services firm, and conducted by an independent research firm. … [Read more...] about Advice from the trenches: Lawyers offer law school graduates 25 tips for career success
5 ways to end generational stereotyping in your organization
By Dr. William A. Schiemann bio These days, the Millennial Generation is hyped, perhaps even more than Baby Boomers were hyped in the 1950s and 1960s. As I meet with executives around the globe, there is widespread confusion and misunderstanding about generational differences. This is creating stereotypes that are inappropriate, rarely true, and costing … [Read more...] about 5 ways to end generational stereotyping in your organization
Is one lawyer putting your firm at risk of a social media firefight?
By Lynne Curry, Ph.D, SPHR bio Consider this scenario: One of your firm's most successful attorneys is also one of the most abrasive individuals you've met. He doubles down whenever he gets into any kind of skirmish, no matter who it's with—a client, an employee, or even someone on the street. You've tried for years to get this "Darth Vader" to change. No such luck. … [Read more...] about Is one lawyer putting your firm at risk of a social media firefight?
What we’re overlooking when it comes to time management
By Brady Wilson bio Many times, I've seen business leaders send their employees off to time management courses in the hopes that the training will help increase engagement and productivity. Many times, I've seen those same leaders show bewilderment when the training doesn't seem to have any impact—or worse yet, results in employees being less engaged and less … [Read more...] about What we’re overlooking when it comes to time management
Growing your law firm with a carefully crafted blog
By Brenda A. Barnes bio First, there were firm newsletters. Law firms sent them out as a way to build community among existing and prospective clients. They were a branding tool that also fostered loyalty. Then, the internet accelerated that formula, allowing law firms to not only save money on print and mailing, but also push this content marketing vehicle out … [Read more...] about Growing your law firm with a carefully crafted blog
Keep your firm and yourself cyber safe with some digital spring cleaning
The National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) and Better Business Bureau (BBB) are encouraging consumers to get their online lives in good order by conducting a thorough cleanse of their cyber clutter and make "digital spring cleaning" an annual ritual to help protect valuable personal data. A NCSA survey found that preventing identity theft is a top safety concern for Americans, … [Read more...] about Keep your firm and yourself cyber safe with some digital spring cleaning
What employee drug use is costing your practice
Workers with substance use disorders miss nearly 50 percent more days than their peers, and up to six weeks of work annually, according to analysis from the National Safety Council, NORC at the University of Chicago, and Shatterproof. Despite the alarming new statistics, there is a persistent gap between employer perceptions of impact and the actual human and business costs … [Read more...] about What employee drug use is costing your practice
Biases and the use of flexible work arrangements in law firms
While the availability of flexible work arrangements has increased in law firms, new research released by The Diversity & Flexibility Alliance suggests that not all lawyers and staff are using the policies. The third annual Law Firm Flexibility Benchmarking Survey, recently released, examines the availability and usage of flexible work policies in large U.S. law firms. … [Read more...] about Biases and the use of flexible work arrangements in law firms
Why your latest management decision failed
When making significant decisions, have you noticed how difficult it is to come to a rational decision, even with a mastery of facts and employing logical thinking? Have you noticed that at every step of the process, there are players who push back, so that even the most obvious decisions become tortured? What's going on here? Did you ignore the social space? According to … [Read more...] about Why your latest management decision failed