Any complaint from a staffer about a boss is unpleasant to address. But when the alleged culprit is a partner, the situation can get grim. Confronting the partner could put the administrator in a job-threatening position. "It's a touchy situation," says Linnda Durre, PhD, a business consultant and corporate trainer in Winter Park, FL. Durre is also author of Surviving the … [Read more...] about Psychology to use when presenting a staff complaint to a partner
Working with lawyers
5 partnership points that cause more than the usual headaches
It's the partnership wonder. Many, many firms, from the smallest to the most sophisticated and well known, don't have partnerships agreements. Without an agreement, every facet of the practice is a potential battleground, says Arthur J. Ciampi of Ciampi LLC, a Manhattan company that represents law firms in partnership disputes. Ciampi is also coauthor of a book entitled Law … [Read more...] about 5 partnership points that cause more than the usual headaches
How to increase—and demonstrate—your value to the firm
Don't become an economic casualty. When revenues drop, firms put their administrators under close scrutiny. They want a good payoff for the salary investment. Sometimes the partners question whether the administrator is doing enough. And sometimes they question whether they need an administrator at all, says executive coach Lissa Weimelt, a principal with the executive search … [Read more...] about How to increase—and demonstrate—your value to the firm
Six easy ways to open the door to a malpractice claim
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
12 signs you are about to lose your job
Call it denial. Call it turning a blind eye to what’s going on. But even the most business-savvy administrator can fail to see when the job is in jeopardy. People think it will happen to everyone else but not to themselves. Administrators might be observing negative goings-on in their offices without cluing in that their jobs are on the line. The only way to stay safe is to … [Read more...] about 12 signs you are about to lose your job
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
What you can do to help resolve partner conflict
It's no secret that fighting among partners is a major cause of firm breakups. Not so well known, however, is how to resolve the conflict. When two individual partners or even two groups of partners are at odds with one another, the firm needs a middle person. That person can be the managing partner or a professional mediator. The middle person can broach the issue and bring … [Read more...] about What you can do to help resolve partner conflict
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
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