Law Office Manager

Managing staff

How cultural differences complicate sexual harassment issues

By Steve M. Cohen bio You are probably tired of hearing about it, but some people never seem to understand that sexual harassment is not ok. "No" really does mean "no," and the workplace is not a singles' bar. Sexual harassment can also be a form of bullying or predatory behavior. In any form, sexual harassment is not acceptable and organizations that fail to deal with it make … [Read more...] about How cultural differences complicate sexual harassment issues

Georgia manager develops “how-to” manual that makes employee orientation easy

A Georgia administrator has set up an office manual that thoroughly trains every new staffer and attorney in every aspect of office operations. Having the business information in writing means newcomers don't interrupt other people or waste their own time asking about day-to-day things, says the administrator of the three-attorney, 13 staff firm. In a law firm, time is money, … [Read more...] about Georgia manager develops “how-to” manual that makes employee orientation easy

How to start your new hires off on the right foot

By Dr. Steve M. Cohen I'm often amazed at how many organizations start on the wrong foot with new employees. When you consider how much time you're going to invest in this person over the years, it's worth ensuring that you set the groundwork for success. And some of the most important steps begin even before the hiring. Both sides expect professionalism Even a normally … [Read more...] about How to start your new hires off on the right foot

Model Policy: Nondiscrimination and diversity

Why you need this policy: The diversity of the 21st century work force has made offering equality of opportunity to individuals regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, or other personal characteristics not related to their professional abilities is not just a legal mandate but an economic imperative. How this policy … [Read more...] about Model Policy: Nondiscrimination and diversity

Model Policy: Copyright compliance

Why you need this policy: Copyright infringement has become a serious liability risk for law firms:    * In 1991, a mid-sized Washington, DC, law firm was sued for $14 million by a publisher. The case was eventually settled but not until after the firm incurred over $1 million in legal fees;    * In 1999, a large Wall Street firm settled a … [Read more...] about Model Policy: Copyright compliance

Model Policy: Reduced schedule and flexible work arrangements

Why you need this policy: Once upon a time, the belief was that an individual could be an attorney or a primary caregiving parent but not both. Attitudes—and laws—have changed this thinking and opened the door to all kinds of flexible work arrangements allowing attorneys to balance their professional and parental obligations. How this policy helps you: Every law office needs a … [Read more...] about Model Policy: Reduced schedule and flexible work arrangements

Model Policy: Sexual harassment

Why you need this policy: Personnel issues are among the most difficult problems faced by law office managers. And few personnel issues are any more difficult than sexual harassment. How this policy helps you: The starting point in managing sexual harassment is to establish a clearly written, specific policy that includes a/an: Policy statement indicating that sexual … [Read more...] about Model Policy: Sexual harassment

Work stays on desktop

Here is a rule that is valuable but is found in few offices. Staff desks are for storing personal items. All work has to stay on top of the desk. That’s a good way to ensure that nothing gets overlooked. For the manager who questions the wisdom of the rule, take a look in any desk after someone quits. It’s amazing what people find there. And much of it is costly, such as … [Read more...] about Work stays on desktop