Managing the firm's business and personnel records goes beyond setting a simple timeline for record retention. Time is only part of the picture, says records management professional Diane K. Carlisle, CRM. Where most offices fail is not in missing the timelines but in mismanaging the records. Here she sets out elements of record management that administrators need to be aware … [Read more...] about Four records management errors that can get your firm into trouble
General
3 ways you can boost office morale fast
Which would you rather have: an upbeat, engaged staff that contributes to a successful law practice or a staff that grudgingly shows up for work each day and plods through required tasks? Obviously, the first choice is preferable. In reality, however, your staff probably includes at least several employees who fit the latter category. Still, if most employees are happy, you … [Read more...] about 3 ways you can boost office morale fast
5 strategies for engaging millennials in the workforce
Temkin Group recently published a new research report, "Engaging Millennials in the Workplace," that identifies five strategies for engaging younger employees. Common estimates predict that the Millennial generation—those born between 1980 and 2000—will make up 60% of the workforce by 2020. As with each previous generation, this group of employees brings its own set of … [Read more...] about 5 strategies for engaging millennials in the workforce
Standing desks—Fad or functional?
You might want to stand up for this: "Sitting is the new smoking" says a recent study on the economic impact of reduced physical inactivity and sedentary behavior. Indeed, it's well documented that we are, essentially, sitting far too much, and for far too long. The results of this have been shown to be negatively affecting our health, and waistlines. Unfortunately, studies … [Read more...] about Standing desks—Fad or functional?
5 ways to network to a better job
The sport of networking is a full time game for job seekers, according to the author of a recent book for those starting out or starting over in a career. "Keep in mind, networking can happen anywhere," says Phil Blair, author of "Job Won! 500,000 Hires and Counting," and co-owner of Manpower San Diego, a franchise of the U.S. staffing firm. "Networking occurs in … [Read more...] about 5 ways to network to a better job
Manage client anger to avoid malpractice claims and bad publicity
Angry clients can be hard on the nerves. They can also be potential malpractice claims and probably bad PR for the law firm. But if you know how to respond to an unhappy client in a respectful and helpful manner, you may be able to turn that person into your firm’s biggest fan. Dealing with the angry client is an art. Dealing with the angry client is also a necessity. An … [Read more...] about Manage client anger to avoid malpractice claims and bad publicity
How one NY firm uses surveys to get repeat clients
Like many firms, an Albany, NY, firm surveys its clients each year. But it takes a different approach. It focuses on whether the clients feel the firm has their interests at heart. And in the end, it sends the clients the results of the study and what the firm has done in response. "We began it because we wanted to make sure we were providing clients what they needed," says … [Read more...] about How one NY firm uses surveys to get repeat clients
The art of setting fees that suit prospective clients
There's an art to presenting fees to clients. It's not just a matter of quoting an amount. It's a matter of finding out what result the client wants to see and what value the client attaches to that result. It calls for a lot of fishing tempered by a lot of tact, says Brian Kennel of Performance Management Consulting, a law firm practice management consulting group in New … [Read more...] about The art of setting fees that suit prospective clients
The ethics of refusing business and parting company with a client
Attorney-client relationships can get mighty tenuous. And either side can be at fault. Here are three issues that cause great concern: Turning down a prospect, firing a client, and getting fired by a client. They are explained by Michael Downey, a partner with Armstrong Teasdale in St. Louis whose practice focuses on professional legal, risk management, and ethics issues. … [Read more...] about The ethics of refusing business and parting company with a client
Pouter, wannabe boss, and ain’t-none-of-me and how to change them
Unacceptable behavior is never going to respond positively to negative statements such as “you have a bad attitude” or “you’re lazy.” Turn the conversation instead to what the behavior is, how it is affecting the other staff and the office, and how the manager and other staff see the staffer because of it. Then show alternative behaviors. But … [Read more...] about Pouter, wannabe boss, and ain’t-none-of-me and how to change them