If you suspect that a partner has an issue with alcohol that is affecting their work, it is a delicate yet urgent matter that requires careful handling. Addressing this situation with professionalism, discretion, and adherence to legal and ethical guidelines is essential for the well-being of the partner, the staff, and the firm as a whole. Here’s how to approach this … [Read more...] about Supporting Law Firm Partners and Protecting the Practice: Addressing Alcohol Concerns with Care
Workplace Safety
Safety Briefing: How to weather winter storms
Stormy weather, with snow, ice, rain and wind are a distinct possibility this time of year. You can use this sample safety briefing to remind your staff to keep themselves, their families, patients and co-workers safe during winter storms. Subject: Winter Storm Emergency Safety Briefing Dear [Law Office Staff], As we approach the winter season, it is crucial … [Read more...] about Safety Briefing: How to weather winter storms
Winter Safety Checklist for Parking Lots, Walkways, and Office Entrances
Winter weather can present significant safety challenges for office managers, employees, and visitors alike. Snow, ice, and freezing temperatures increase the risk of slips, trips, and falls, making it essential to take proactive measures to maintain safe and accessible conditions around your office. This comprehensive Winter Safety Checklist will help you address potential … [Read more...] about Winter Safety Checklist for Parking Lots, Walkways, and Office Entrances
Get Ready for Employment Law Updates Coming in 2025
Coming up in 2025, there are several important employment law changes that managers should be aware of: Overtime Pay Threshold Increase: The Department of Labor (DOL) is expected to increase the salary threshold for overtime pay eligibility. Starting in early 2025, employees earning under $58,656 per year (up from $35,568) may become eligible for overtime pay under … [Read more...] about Get Ready for Employment Law Updates Coming in 2025
Should Your Staff Wear Costumes on Halloween?
Chances are someone on your staff is at this very minute planning a wildly inappropriate costume to wear to the office on Halloween. While Halloween can be a festive and enjoyable occasion, the legal profession demands a high level of professionalism and decorum. Here we consider the pros, and cons of permitting Halloween costumes in a law office, along with essential … [Read more...] about Should Your Staff Wear Costumes on Halloween?
Model Policy: Workplace violence and office security
It has become imperative, and in many states a legal requirement, that employers implement programs to prevent violence at the workplace. The centerpiece of the prevention effort is to adopt a written policy on workplace violence. … [Read more...] about Model Policy: Workplace violence and office security
Manager Briefing: Extreme heat emergency protocols
Objective: To ensure the safety and well-being of staff and clients during extreme heat weather conditions through comprehensive planning, immediate response actions, and continuous monitoring. Preparation Emergency Plan Develop and/or update the office’s emergency plan to include protocols specific to extreme heat. Ensure all staff are familiar with the plan and … [Read more...] about Manager Briefing: Extreme heat emergency protocols
18 ways your firm can run afoul of the law and regulations
It's crucial to ensure that the law firm operates within the boundaries of the law and adheres to relevant regulations. Running afoul of the law can have serious consequences for the firm's reputation, finances, and even legal standing. Here are some, but not all, the ways a law office can get into trouble with the law and regulations: Unauthorized Practice of Law: … [Read more...] about 18 ways your firm can run afoul of the law and regulations
Model Policy: Office Room Temperature
The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for maintaining a comfortable and productive work environment for all staff and clients by regulating the temperature in the law office. By implementing this office temperature policy, the law office aims to maintain a comfortable and productive work environment for all staff and clients. Consistent communication, … [Read more...] about Model Policy: Office Room Temperature
Must employee notify our office of DUI?
QUESTION If one of our employees gets a DUI, do they have to notify us? ANSWER It depends. EXPLANATION There are at least four factors affecting whether the employee would have to come forward and tell you about the DUI? Your HR policies: What, if anything, do your current policies say about whether employees must notify you of their DUIs? Conviction or … [Read more...] about Must employee notify our office of DUI?