Answering a malpractice claim is a wretched experience that worsens as it goes along, because once a client files a malpractice claim, “there’s a high possibility that an ethical grievance will come from the same incident,” says Nancy Byerly Jones, a management consultant who focuses on preventive management, mediation, and dispute resolution. … [Read more...] about Six easy ways to open the door to a malpractice claim
Managing the office
7 golden rules for a trouble-free office move
There is no room for error in any office move. For every day the attorneys can't get into the new location or can't see their clients, the practice is out of business. The keys to success are a reputable mover and good planning. 1 Look for a qualified moving company The place to start is with a search for a moving company and the most important thing to look for is … [Read more...] about 7 golden rules for a trouble-free office move
17 quick tips for law firm leaders
By Robert Denney bio Here are some quick pointers to keep in mind, whether you've been a firm leader for decades or are new to the position. Have a vision. If you don't know where you're going, you'll never get there. Develop a strategic plan and follow it. Hell is paved with good intentions and business plans that were never implemented. … [Read more...] about 17 quick tips for law firm leaders
Donʼt get into a merger without smoothing out these rough spots
A merger can bring in more clients, give the firm a presence in a new geographic area, and add depth to an existing practice area. It can also be the downfall for the merging parties, says Allan Hodgart, a strategic development advisor and managing director in the London office of Huron, an international management consulting organization. To be successful, both parties need … [Read more...] about Donʼt get into a merger without smoothing out these rough spots
The surprising answer to what your staff really wants
Flexible work arrangements are often at or near the top of survey lists. And yes, money matters. But, perhaps surprising, career development also gets top rankings. Employees want to acquire knowledge and learn new skills in order to do their jobs and advance their careers. What's more, development opportunities play an important role in keeping staff members – and … [Read more...] about The surprising answer to what your staff really wants
When an employee has body odor
Q: I don't know how to say this delicately, so I'll get right to the point. A staffer at our practice has terrible body odor. Her B.O. is so bad that several other staffers have approached me, saying they don't want to work with her. Also, they have asked me to do something about the situation. I'm usually good at counseling employees, but this particular problem has me … [Read more...] about When an employee has body odor
Want to improve attorney tech use? Start by breaking down silos in your firm
By Michelle Spencer bio I have long wondered why there are two different teams in law firms doing similar functions. I am referring to the professional development and technology training teams. Both of the teams perform learning and development functions, and yet they are usually in two different departments that work alone, except in rare instances. They … [Read more...] about Want to improve attorney tech use? Start by breaking down silos in your firm
Start off staff’s year by putting the focus on professional growth
A good way to start off a year is with a professional development plan for each staffer. And call it such, says Richard Lepsinger, president of OnPoint Consulting in New York. It's not a vehicle for recognizing shortcomings in a staffer's performance that have to be improved. Instead, it's a discussion of capabilities, strengths, and weaknesses and how to grow during the … [Read more...] about Start off staff’s year by putting the focus on professional growth
How to stage your office for improved productivity
Is clutter slowing down productivity in your office? Clutter is a major distraction and eats up time, says Pat Heydlauff of Energy Design, a productive-focused environment company. "Nobody can concentrate or work efficiently amidst disorganization," she says, pointing out that getting rid of office clutter can significantly improve the atmosphere and speed up the work flow. … [Read more...] about How to stage your office for improved productivity
Improve your client relationships with these 4 unbendable telephone rules
Whoʼs calling? Oh, itʼs you. Sorry, heʼs not in. The ubiquitous complaint about lawyers is that they never seem be available when a client calls, often don't return calls on time, and sometimes don't return them at all. That habit is so common and so irritating to clients that the rare attorney who does have good phone skills "makes the million-dollar roundtable very … [Read more...] about Improve your client relationships with these 4 unbendable telephone rules