A good website is valuable 24-hour marketing. But underneath it lies another web—one of ethical concerns, the main ones being misleading information, unwanted client relationships, and confidentiality breaches. For that reason, the American Bar Association set out guidelines for attorney websites, Formal Opinion 10-457 developed by the ABA's Standing Committee on Ethics and … [Read more...] about Is your website violating ABA’s ethical guidelines?
Risk management
Discrimination at work: Prevalent yet subtle workplace bias erodes productivity and engagement
A recent study by VitalSmarts, a Top 20 Leadership Training Company, has found that more than a quarter (27 percent) of those who experience discrimination at work report the bias to be common, impactful, and beyond their ability to manage. The result of this triple threat of factors leads to frustration, stress, depression, and helplessness on the job. To measure the impact … [Read more...] about Discrimination at work: Prevalent yet subtle workplace bias erodes productivity and engagement
When watercooler talk turns political, workplace productivity drops
Employees in the US find it increasingly difficult to ignore political discussions in their workplace, and 31% believe political conversations among coworkers decrease their company's productivity. Throughout February 2017, Clutch, a B2B ratings and reviews site, surveyed 1,000 full-time employees to evaluate their experience with political expression in the workplace and … [Read more...] about When watercooler talk turns political, workplace productivity drops
Is one lawyer putting your firm at risk of a social media firefight?
By Lynne Curry, Ph.D, SPHR bio Consider this scenario: One of your firm's most successful attorneys is also one of the most abrasive individuals you've met. He doubles down whenever he gets into any kind of skirmish, no matter who it's with—a client, an employee, or even someone on the street. You've tried for years to get this "Darth Vader" to change. No such luck. … [Read more...] about Is one lawyer putting your firm at risk of a social media firefight?
Information Security Checklist for Small Businesses
Why you need this checklist: This checklist, created by Sensei Enterprises, Inc., will help you identify what your cybersecurity program must address. How this checklist helps you: This checklist will help you pinpoint your cybersecurity policy's strengths and weaknesses. How to use this checklist: Print off this checklist and review it with members of your cybersecurity … [Read more...] about Information Security Checklist for Small Businesses
Cyberthreats demand your attention and a customized approach
The recently released BakerHostetler 2017 Data Security Incident Response Report highlights the critical need for senior executives in all industries to understand and be ready to tackle the legal and business risks associated with cyberthreats and to have enterprisewide tactics in place to address intrusions before they happen. At the same time, Dell just released the … [Read more...] about Cyberthreats demand your attention and a customized approach
Keep your firm and yourself cyber safe with some digital spring cleaning
The National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) and Better Business Bureau (BBB) are encouraging consumers to get their online lives in good order by conducting a thorough cleanse of their cyber clutter and make "digital spring cleaning" an annual ritual to help protect valuable personal data. A NCSA survey found that preventing identity theft is a top safety concern for Americans, … [Read more...] about Keep your firm and yourself cyber safe with some digital spring cleaning
What employee drug use is costing your practice
Workers with substance use disorders miss nearly 50 percent more days than their peers, and up to six weeks of work annually, according to analysis from the National Safety Council, NORC at the University of Chicago, and Shatterproof. Despite the alarming new statistics, there is a persistent gap between employer perceptions of impact and the actual human and business costs … [Read more...] about What employee drug use is costing your practice
Why you need to draw the line on unethical behavior
By Dr. Steve M. Cohen Some of the most difficult office decisions come down to ethics, and some of the most difficult ethical decisions often seem mundane at first glance. Regardless, I recommend caution because the potential pitfalls are so serious. I have a client who hired someone away from a competitor. The first week on the job, this new hire produced "intelligence" … [Read more...] about Why you need to draw the line on unethical behavior
Accountability and your legal staff: The effects on your law practice
By Elizabeth M. Miller, MBA bio I am a great proponent of accountability for everyone in a law firm including myself and the attorneys. It is the method by which a law firm can measure that clients are receiving the best possible service from your firm. An accountable law firm starts with leaders who first hold themselves accountable. After all, we do have to lead by … [Read more...] about Accountability and your legal staff: The effects on your law practice