Employee retention is not only a cost-effective strategy, but it also helps maintain institutional knowledge and ensures a smoother transition when team members retire. One innovative approach that can facilitate this transition and keep experienced staff on board is "flex-retirement." What Is Flex-Retirement? Flex-retirement, also known as flexible retirement, is a workplace … [Read more...] about Flex-retirement: A win-win strategy for employee retention
Diversity
Women now majority of associates, record gains in partnerships
For the first time in the history of the US legal industry, the majority of associates are women, and women have also made record gains in achieving law firm partnerships. NALP has released its annual Report on Diversity in U.S. Law Firms, available at www.nalp.org/reportondiversity. The report, based on information from the 2023 NALP Directory of Legal Employers (NDLE), … [Read more...] about Women now majority of associates, record gains in partnerships
The Israel/Hamas conflict rocks our workplace
By Lynne Curry Question: I supervise a tight-knit team of professionals that work hard and play hard. To describe them as intense would be an understatement. They all care about current events and their heated discussions add spice to the workday. Even more important, their commitment to improving the world is core to why they’re willing to work for low salaries in our small … [Read more...] about The Israel/Hamas conflict rocks our workplace
Sample Policy: Halloween Costumes
Creating a policy for dressing up for Halloween in a law office is important to ensure that employees maintain professionalism while still having the opportunity to enjoy the holiday. Here's a suggested policy: [Law Office Name] Halloween Dress-Up Policy Purpose: The purpose of this policy is to allow employees to participate in Halloween festivities while maintaining a … [Read more...] about Sample Policy: Halloween Costumes
Black lawyers and students drive diversity for associates but partnerships lag
Diversity continues to rise at US law firms, with greater gains at the associate level than the partnership level. NALP has released its annual Report on Diversity at U.S. Law Firms. The report, based on information from the 2022-2023 NALP Directory of Legal Employers (NDLE), shows that overall gains continued to be made in the representation of women, people of color, and … [Read more...] about Black lawyers and students drive diversity for associates but partnerships lag
Summer associate diversity gains but challenges remain
Overall gains have been made at the summer associate level in the representation of women, summer associates of color, and LGBTQ summer associates at major U.S. law firms in 2021 as compared to 2020. The annual Report on Diversity at U.S. Law Firms, released this month, is based on the 2021-2022 NALP Directory of Legal Employers (NDLE). The percentage of summer associates of … [Read more...] about Summer associate diversity gains but challenges remain
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
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
NALP releases their 2017 Report on Diversity in U.S. Law Firms
The National Association for Law Placement (NALP) has released its 2017 Report on Diversity in U.S. Law Firms based on the recent analyses of the 2017-2018 NALP Directory of Legal Employers (NDLE)—the annual compendium of legal employer data published by NALP. The report shows that women and Black/African-Americans made small gains in representation at major U.S. law firms in … [Read more...] about NALP releases their 2017 Report on Diversity in U.S. Law Firms
Fish & Richardson adopts The Mansfield Rule to boost diversity in law firm leadership
Fish & Richardson recently announced that it has partnered with Diversity Lab to pilot the "Mansfield Rule," which requires law firms to consider women and attorneys of color for at least 30% of the candidate pool for leadership and governance roles, equity partner promotions, and lateral positions. Fish is among the first 30 U.S. law firms to adopt the Mansfield Rule, … [Read more...] about Fish & Richardson adopts The Mansfield Rule to boost diversity in law firm leadership