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
Managing the office
Model Tool: 90-Day File Report Card
Why you need this tool: When your clients are satisfied with your work, they're more likely to refer you to friends and colleagues. And one proven way to enhance client satisfaction and increase referrals is to provide clients with maximum personal contact. How this tool helps you: A major complaint from clients is a lack of access to their lawyers. As you implement policies to … [Read more...] about Model Tool: 90-Day File Report Card
Model Tool: Space Planning Checklist
Why you need this checklist: Before embarking on an office redesign, you need to consider which layout best suits your teams' needs, as well as mind the practical matters, such as access to electrical outlets, etc. How this checklist helps you: This checklist will help guide you through the space planning process when it's time to redesign your workplace. How to use this … [Read more...] about Model Tool: Space Planning Checklist
Use long-term vendor contacts to win long-term savings
Regular meetings with the vendors have led to significant savings for a North Carolina firm. Tracy Cook, administrator with Gailor, Wallis Hunt, an eight-attorney firm in Raleigh, NC, started the meetings when she came to the firm several years ago. One of her first actions as administrator was to go through the vendor files to see which vendors had contracts or did regular … [Read more...] about Use long-term vendor contacts to win long-term savings
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
From ready dinners to errand helpers, Georgia firm supports families
An Atlanta firm makes work life balance easier with some unusual add-ons for employees. The firm has engaged several companies that provide personal services, often at a discount. One, for example, delivers ready-to-cook meals to the office, which gives employees a quick-fix dinner to take home that isn’t fast food. Errand service There’s also an onsite concierge who is “at … [Read more...] about From ready dinners to errand helpers, Georgia firm supports families
Keeping the records long enough . . . but not too long
Do you know how long you are required to keep the firm’s tax records? How about any reports of on-the-job injuries? And what about e-mails? Here’s a summary of what you need to keep and for how long. Record retention raises questions in almost all offices. And because of the uncertainty, offices tend to hang onto records far too long, says attorney and record management … [Read more...] about Keeping the records long enough . . . but not too long
Employees fired for social networking offenses
Here are a few examples of cases in which a court or arbitrator upheld the decision to fire an employee for social network abuses. Note that the existence of a clearly written, specific social networking policy was a factor in each of these cases: OK to fire employee for: Why termination upheld: Disparaging Co-Worker in Blog: Nurse makes highly … [Read more...] about Employees fired for social networking offenses
Same-sex marriage brings new employee issues
Though it applies only to states where same-sex marriage is legal, the Supreme Court ruling on gay marriage warrants attention from administrators in all states. For those in Washington, DC, and the 13 states where gay marriage is recognized, there are new employment law requirements. For those in all the other states, the ruling calls for increased emphasis on … [Read more...] about Same-sex marriage brings new employee issues
It’s time to update and revitalize the firm’s marketing
Marketing your law firm doesn’t have to be an expensive and time-consuming task. There are some small steps you can take that will produce strong results. “When the market is quiet, you can make your mark.” And the quiet time is now, says San Francisco law firm marketing consultant Ann Bothwell. As the economy has fallen, most firms have held off on their marketing. They … [Read more...] about It’s time to update and revitalize the firm’s marketing