As a law office manager, it is your responsibility to foster a workplace environment that values diversity, inclusivity, and respect for all individuals. Creating a safe space for members of the LGBTQ+ community is not only a legal and ethical imperative but also a reflection of your commitment to equality. This article aims to provide you with practical strategies and … [Read more...] about How to create a safe and inclusive environment for the LGBTQ+ community in your law office
Hiring
Non-compete agreements and deceiving your employer
By Lynne Curry Question: I was so stoked when the premier firm in my area of professional services hired me that I did something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. I told my former manager what I thought of her. She ordered me to leave her company immediately. No problem, I had a new job to go to. I also had my entire future mapped out. I’d work for my new employer … [Read more...] about Non-compete agreements and deceiving your employer
Associate compensation plans: The 20-year salary swing
By Brenda A. Barnes and Camille Stell While the salary comparisons from 2000 to now may not seem important to your small or mid-size firm, keep in mind the trickle-down effect means: Unrealistic expectations of salary from recent law school graduates As your associates compare salaries with their colleagues at larger firms (who often have lockstep pay, at least for new … [Read more...] about Associate compensation plans: The 20-year salary swing
Model Policy: Nondiscrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy and Complaint Procedure
This model policy establishes guidelines and procedures to help you ensure that all employees can work in an environment free from unlawful harassment, discrimination and retaliation. … [Read more...] about Model Policy: Nondiscrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy and Complaint Procedure
“You’re not hired:” Leaving job candidates hanging can hurt your reputation
When companies engage with job candidates, a new survey reveals the importance of following up—even if they opt not to hire them. The Conference Board survey found that 18 percent of candidates who didn’t hear back from a company after an interview took a negative action against the company. That includes declining to recommend it to others or leaving a negative review. And … [Read more...] about “You’re not hired:” Leaving job candidates hanging can hurt your reputation
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
Dig deeper with these 4 types of interview questions
By Robert Half If you want to identify the best candidate for a job, you have to ask the right questions during the interview. And that takes preparation. You need to evaluate not only the job candidate’s skill sets and experience but also how the interviewee thinks. That requires you to ask the right types of interview questions, with both closed-ended … [Read more...] about Dig deeper with these 4 types of interview questions
Characteristics of a modern compensation plan for lawyers
By Brenda A. Barnes and Camille Stell A successful compensation plan should reflect shared goals and values. A successful plan also requires trust among the members of the firm. A winning compensation plan aligns the values of the law firm with relevant, up-to-date market data. Here are additional components of a modern compensation plan. Evergreen Compensation plans must be … [Read more...] about Characteristics of a modern compensation plan for lawyers
4 tips for safely searching social media when hiring
It is generally acceptable for employers to search social media as part of the hiring process, provided that they do so in a fair and nondiscriminatory manner. However, there are some considerations to keep in mind when using social media in the hiring process: Relevant information only: It is important to only consider information that is relevant to the job in … [Read more...] about 4 tips for safely searching social media when hiring
5 ways to improve your job search
It doesn’t hurt to have a plan in case you find yourself looking for a new job. Although the demand for skilled talent remains strong, professionals need to be increasingly strategic and intentional when making career moves, says David King, a senior managing director with Robert Half, a global talent solutions and business consulting firm. “Workers should make a point of … [Read more...] about 5 ways to improve your job search