A merger can bring in more clients, give the firm a presence in a new geographic area, and add depth to an existing practice area. It can also be the downfall for the merging parties, says Allan Hodgart, a strategic development advisor and managing director in the London office of Huron, an international management consulting organization. To be successful, both parties need … [Read more...] about Donʼt get into a merger without smoothing out these rough spots
Client relations
How to stage your office for improved productivity
Is clutter slowing down productivity in your office? Clutter is a major distraction and eats up time, says Pat Heydlauff of Energy Design, a productive-focused environment company. "Nobody can concentrate or work efficiently amidst disorganization," she says, pointing out that getting rid of office clutter can significantly improve the atmosphere and speed up the work flow. … [Read more...] about How to stage your office for improved productivity
Improve your client relationships with these 4 unbendable telephone rules
Whoʼs calling? Oh, itʼs you. Sorry, heʼs not in. The ubiquitous complaint about lawyers is that they never seem be available when a client calls, often don't return calls on time, and sometimes don't return them at all. That habit is so common and so irritating to clients that the rare attorney who does have good phone skills "makes the million-dollar roundtable very … [Read more...] about Improve your client relationships with these 4 unbendable telephone rules
Reports of the death of the billable hour are greatly exaggerated
By Sue-Ella Prodonovich bio How often are we told that the billable hour has had its day? That it's archaic, that it's inefficient, that it makes our clients angry and holds our practices back? Well guess, what? I disagree. In fact, I think the billable hour is wonderful - so wonderful that, for many professionals it should be a default in their business … [Read more...] about Reports of the death of the billable hour are greatly exaggerated
How to build your practice when you’re busy
By Sue-Ella Prodonovich bio 'How can I possibly work on business development? I'm flat out doing client work.' It's something I heard at a recent Practice Reboot seminar. And it's something I hear all the time from busy professionals. So, if you're struggling to find the time to build your practice, here are six tips to make it happen. 1. Eat the elephant How do you … [Read more...] about How to build your practice when you’re busy
Why you should notify applicants they didn’t get the job
Open positions, especially those advertised, often generate many applications. If your practice is located in a major metropolitan area or large town, you may receive a huge pile of applications, electronic or otherwise, in response to a job posting. Fortunately, not all job applicants will have the appropriate qualifications—otherwise, interviewing would … [Read more...] about Why you should notify applicants they didn’t get the job
Discrimination at work: Prevalent yet subtle workplace bias erodes productivity and engagement
A recent study by VitalSmarts, a Top 20 Leadership Training Company, has found that more than a quarter (27 percent) of those who experience discrimination at work report the bias to be common, impactful, and beyond their ability to manage. The result of this triple threat of factors leads to frustration, stress, depression, and helplessness on the job. To measure the impact … [Read more...] about Discrimination at work: Prevalent yet subtle workplace bias erodes productivity and engagement
Why sometimes firms have to say “no”
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”
Law firm giving away free helmets to promote Bike Safety Awareness Month
A law firm in Arkansas is promoting bike safety by giving away helmets to local children. During the week of May 15-19 the Law Offices of Alan LeVar will be giving out 100 helmets to help promote bike safety during National Bike Safety Month. Any child who stops by their Arkadelphia office at 702 Caddo St. can pick up their free helmet. Why are bike helmets important? … [Read more...] about Law firm giving away free helmets to promote Bike Safety Awareness Month
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