Legal professionals are under constant pressure to work more efficiently and effectively, and using technology can help them do both while lightening their workloads, according to Michelle Spencer, founder of the Legal Learning Development Network. "Microsoft Word is a tool that is used repeatedly each day, especially by those producing legal documents, which can be really … [Read more...] about How to become a Microsoft Word ninja and boost your productivity
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6 ways to optimize your recruitment efforts
Law firms are feeling the effects of today's talent shortage. More than three in 10 lawyers (31 percent) recently surveyed by Robert Half Legal said recruiting highly skilled legal professionals is the greatest practice management challenge facing their firm. Caseload or workflow management ranked second, with 19 percent of the survey response. These concerns come at a time … [Read more...] about 6 ways to optimize your recruitment efforts
What is a PDF? (And what ISN’T it?)
By Jay Stromberg bio Throughout my career in the legal industry, I've spoken with people who have the impression that PDF documents are "secure." When I ask them what they think this means, I often hear they believe it is difficult to change the document. Sadly, this isn't true. Worse: When attorneys believe this common myth, they can put sensitive client data at … [Read more...] about What is a PDF? (And what ISN’T it?)
Employment Law Update: The New Year’s Resolutions Edition
By Mike O'Brien bio A lawyer and doctor were talking together at a New Year's party when the doctor complained about how people always asked her for free medical advice. She said to the lawyer, "People probably always ask you for free legal advice…as a fellow professional, how do you deal with it?" The lawyer thought about it, and then said, "I always answer their … [Read more...] about Employment Law Update: The New Year’s Resolutions Edition
Worried about a data breach? Here’s why you should be
Your greatest asset, your employees, can represent your greatest threat—a data breach— according to computer security experts John Simek and Michael Maschke. "If you are worried about a data breach, you should be," says Simek, who is vice-president of Sensei Enterprises Inc., a Fairfax, VA-based digital forensics, IT and cybersecurity company. "If somebody really wants to get … [Read more...] about Worried about a data breach? Here’s why you should be
Dear newly hired law firm: Here’s what I really want
By Robert Denney bio What would it be like to be on the receiving end of an engagement letter after accepting a new client? While they may not actually put any of this to you in writing, it is very likely your new client has a few of the expectations set out in this letter. LETTER FROM A CLIENT TO ITS NEW LAW FIRM Today's Date Responsible Partner Our New … [Read more...] about Dear newly hired law firm: Here’s what I really want
NotPetya: How you can prevent the next attack on your law firm
By Doug Striker bio Want to know the ugly (like, SUPER ugly) truth about how badly a dirty piece of malware could cripple your law firm? Check out the recently released spreadsheet shared by Michael Sampson. Michael calculated the impact of NotPetya on DLA Piper, including direct costs of the IT staff, and the numbers are startling. Even scarier, the numbers don't include the … [Read more...] about NotPetya: How you can prevent the next attack on your law firm
In era of #MeToo, employers are still failing to take new steps to address sexual harassment
The spotlight on workplace sexual harassment since fall 2017 has led to high-profile resignations, terminations, and lawsuits. And while the revelations and consequences have prompted ongoing, national conversations about appropriate behavior, only 32 percent of working Americans said that their employer has taken new steps to prevent and address sexual harassment in the … [Read more...] about In era of #MeToo, employers are still failing to take new steps to address sexual harassment
The Tax Man Emaileth
By Doug Striker bio You know that old saying, "The only guarantees in life are death and taxes?" To that pithy, depressing phrase, I'd like to add "death, taxes, and phishing." Yes, I believe that phishing is and will be forever a part of our human experience because criminals know we are suckers. And no matter how many people I can train and turn into savvy, … [Read more...] about The Tax Man Emaileth
Telecommuters not working out? It’s not the flexibility that’s the problem; it’s your training program
Are you seeing a surge in low morale and unproductivity among your remote workers? Research suggests that it may be your lack of strategy and training that's to blame, not the flexibility. According to new national research from the Flex+Strategy Group (FSG), major corporations such as IBM may have gotten it wrong when they cited remote work as a barrier to innovation and … [Read more...] about Telecommuters not working out? It’s not the flexibility that’s the problem; it’s your training program