It's not outstanding competence that makes an administrator a good presenter. "Competence alone is not enough to get a yes vote from the partners," says executive speech coach Chris Witt of Witt Communications in San Diego. What's more, the best ideas aren't always what appeal to the partners. What determines success is how well the proposal is communicated. And good … [Read more...] about A few tricks to make anyone a good presenter
Working with lawyers
2 goals you need to set for 2019 and how to achieve them
The start of the new year is a traditional time for people to set personal and professional goals. And in order to achieve goals, they must come with a roadmap. Here are two inter-related goals you can set for 2019: Goal 1: Win the lawyers' respect; and Goal 2: Earn a better salary. Not only will achieving these goals help you become a better manager for your law firm, they … [Read more...] about 2 goals you need to set for 2019 and how to achieve them
The 5 disasters that run law firms into the ground
Can your firm profit in the current economy? Or more worrisome: can it survive? The answer depends on how the firm is managed, advises one expert. And to a great extent it's the intangible elements of management that tell the tale. Law firms are living in a new world, says William F. Brennan, CPA, CMA, a principal with the legal management consulting firm Altman Weil in … [Read more...] about The 5 disasters that run law firms into the ground
How to handle the “bully lawyer” without losing your temper or your job
A growing concern in all types of professional offices is the bully boss. "Bullying is the issue for this decade that sexual harassment was in the 1980s," says Rachel Schaming, a business and leadership coach and certified conflicts mediator in Tucson, AZ. In a law firm, the issue is especially difficult, because the bully may be a senior lawyer. As a result, staff don't want … [Read more...] about How to handle the “bully lawyer” without losing your temper or your job
Easy answers to 5 tough questions managers often face
Here are the answers to five individual questions managers often encounter. They are outlined by attorney Shari L. Lane of Northwest Employment Law in Portland, OR. Changing the face of the job 1. Can the office require an employee to take on a different work schedule or move to another location? What if it affects the employee's child care or family responsibility … [Read more...] about Easy answers to 5 tough questions managers often face
Cyber security report uncovers why most corporate network breaches occur on Monday morning, and more
CYREN, a cyber security platform, recently announced the release of its latest CYREN Cyber Threat Report that examines trends surrounding malware, phishing, spam and other online threats. Friday malware spike results in busy Mondays for IT security professionals In the report, CYREN research confirms long-held suspicions that criminals are purposely intensifying their … [Read more...] about Cyber security report uncovers why most corporate network breaches occur on Monday morning, and more
In the office, your cooperation is mandatory, not optional
By Steve M. Cohen bio It might sound obvious, but being a key employee, especially a top-level manager, requires above all organizational loyalty. Yet in many businesses, some employees are working at cross proposes with their firm. Let's assume that your organization has an objective, probably something articulated in your mission and vision statement. This … [Read more...] about In the office, your cooperation is mandatory, not optional
Creating a peaceful office environment
Law firms are usually hired to handle contentious issues, but that doesn't mean the workplace itself needs to be fraught with conflict. If you're wishing for peace in the firm, there are a few things you can do that can have a significant impact. It goes without saying that office conflict, poor attitudes, and negative staffers undermine peace and tranquility. But any bad … [Read more...] about Creating a peaceful office environment
National Love Your Lawyer Day
If your clients suddenly start hugging the lawyers in your office, don't be alarmed—but do check your calendar. If it's the first Friday in November, then your clients are just enthusiastically embracing National Love Your Lawyer Day and are letting their favorite legal eagle know how much they love and appreciate them. Yes, there is such a thing as National Love Your Lawyer … [Read more...] about National Love Your Lawyer Day
Technology Update: 8 tools you can use now to work better, faster, and safer
The 2015 Pacific Legal Technology Conference held recently in Vancouver, British Columbia covered a host of big picture topics essential to everyone in today's legal profession. Presenters and exhibitors discussed practice management tools, technology in court, and the strategic reinvention of the law firm. And of course the big concern of the day, security, was the subject of … [Read more...] about Technology Update: 8 tools you can use now to work better, faster, and safer