Any attorney's career can be ruined for failure to follow the simplest rules of communication and ethics, says Allison L. Wood, principal of Legal Ethics Consulting, a Chicago company that counsels firms on avoiding disciplinary and malpractice issues. Wood was formerly a prosecutor in attorney disciplinary matters, and she has seen first-hand attorneys "in the tragic position … [Read more...] about Just common sense can ward off disciplinary and malpractice actions
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50 quick training tips
By Michelle Spencer, Senior Trainer, Bracewell & Giuliani LLP bio@txmischief As a trainer for a large international law firm, I'm always looking to the future, and part of that includes staying abreast of what is going on within ILTA (International Legal Technology Association). I've been fortunate to attend the annual conference for the past several years as … [Read more...] about 50 quick training tips
Critical Mass—Not Just for Physics Anymore
By Steve M. Cohen bio While most of us have a limited understanding of physics, we have an idea of what "critical mass" means. But just in case you need a refresher: When you reach a sufficient and/or necessary level of something to effect something else, you have critical mass. For our purposes, forget the physical aspect and think about your organization. Do you … [Read more...] about Critical Mass—Not Just for Physics Anymore
Workplace violence: A 10-step prevention and liability management plan
You don't need us to tell you that violence in the workplace has become a major societal problem. You probably also recognize that taking steps to keep violence out of your own workplace is not only a moral but a legal imperative. But what you may not know is exactly how to go about preventing workplace violence. And that's why we created this 10-step plan for you (as well as a … [Read more...] about Workplace violence: A 10-step prevention and liability management plan
5 ways your firm can be liable for workplace violence
Failure to prevent an act of violence from occurring at your workplace can result in your law firm being held liable under one or more of the following five laws: 1. U.S. OSHA The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) doesn't have a specific regulation or "standard" for workplace violence the way it does for other workplace hazards like chemicals, … [Read more...] about 5 ways your firm can be liable for workplace violence
Raffle gets staffers to monthly 8 a.m. meeting
A raffle for prizes gets each monthly meeting off to a fun start for the staff at a Finger Lakes, NY, professional office. Director of operations Eileen Szanyi says the draws are designed to increase attendance at the 8 a.m. meetings. “Those attending put their names into a basket for the month’s prizes,” she explains. “The gifts don’t have to be costly. One prize is always … [Read more...] about Raffle gets staffers to monthly 8 a.m. meeting
Employee briefing: 6 tips for preventing workplace violence
Share these tips on how to prevent workplace violence with your employees. 1. Assess your work environment: Critically examine all areas of your work environment, including parking lots, entryways, reception areas, work areas, and offices. 2. Pay attention to the warning signs: Many people who become violent communicate their intentions in advance. Threats from clients, … [Read more...] about Employee briefing: 6 tips for preventing workplace violence
Predatory behavior: Watch for it in your office
By Steve M. Cohen bio I've mentioned before that behavior can be grouped into three categories. 1. Overt behavior is behavior on a plan. A person decides he or she is going to do something and then does it. Setting an alarm and getting to work on time is overt behavior. 2. Inadvertent behavior could be described as autopilot behavior. It is … [Read more...] about Predatory behavior: Watch for it in your office
Can you use Facebook to screen job applicants?
"We don't think employers should be asking prospective employees to provide their Facebook passwords [for pre-hiring background checking] because we don't think it's the right thing to do." -- Facebook (statement on company's website) Facebook's statement has set off a firestorm of controversy and misinformation. The popular consensus seems to be that the employer's practice of … [Read more...] about Can you use Facebook to screen job applicants?
Due process safety net is complex, but not impossible
For many, summer is baseball season or, increasingly, soccer season. But in your workplace, you will also find team sports that can impact your bottom line or organizational effectiveness. Rules of the game If "players" in your organization are not playing ball the way they should, it's also a three-strike situation (or a red card, if you prefer soccer). What's important for … [Read more...] about Due process safety net is complex, but not impossible