Fish & Richardson recently announced that it has partnered with Diversity Lab to pilot the "Mansfield Rule," which requires law firms to consider women and attorneys of color for at least 30% of the candidate pool for leadership and governance roles, equity partner promotions, and lateral positions. Fish is among the first 30 U.S. law firms to adopt the Mansfield Rule, … [Read more...] about Fish & Richardson adopts The Mansfield Rule to boost diversity in law firm leadership
Managing staff
Monthly events show appreciation for both employees and employer
At Rosenthal, Levy, Simon & Ryles in West Palm Beach, Fla., both the employees and the employer get their share of appreciation during monthly events designed to boost morale. Lori Ann DeMayo, the office administrator, explains how it works: As a small firm we are always looking for economical ways to show our appreciation and to boost the morale of the staff. Each … [Read more...] about Monthly events show appreciation for both employees and employer
How to handle 4 really irritating employee behavior problems
Not all staffing issues are related to discipline or employment law. In many cases, it's the seemingly less serious issues that can fluster even the most experienced manager. Here are four such issues with suggestions on how to handle them. 1 Flirting, but not by invitation Workplace flirting is an issue that can create administrative headaches and make others in the office … [Read more...] about How to handle 4 really irritating employee behavior problems
Why your best talent is leaving and four ways to win them back
By William Schiemann, Ph.D. bio Most leaders of companies today recognize the importance of having engaged people at work. Yet research from the Metrus Institute, Gallup, and others say that between 50 and 80% are not fully engaged. For many organizations, a majority of employees are only partially engaged, which a lot of research has shown reduces performance and … [Read more...] about Why your best talent is leaving and four ways to win them back
4 skills your next hire must have
To choose the right job candidate, look beyond the hard skills of education and experience and place heaviest emphasis on four soft skills. They are: the performance mindset willingness know-how personality Miss any of those four, and the hire is going to be a disaster, says business consultant, trainer, and coach Patrick Valtin, author of the book,"No-Fail … [Read more...] about 4 skills your next hire must have
Warm weather work attire
After a long, cold winter, who doesn’t look forward to a long, hot summer? For office managers, however, summer brings a new set of challenges, including what staff members wear to the office. Ah yes, warm weather work attire. Ultra-sheer blouses, midriff tops, plunging necklines, short skirts, shorts, and flip-flops. Whatever are they thinking? If you don’t have a summer … [Read more...] about Warm weather work attire
Associate salaries rise in some markets, but national median remains unchanged
The National Association for Law Placement (NALP) has released its 2017 Associate Salary Survey report, showing that the overall median first-year salary as of January 1, 2017, was $135,000, the same as in 2015, the year of the most recent previous survey—with both survey years reflecting response pools in which offices in firms of 251+ lawyers accounted for about 70 percent of … [Read more...] about Associate salaries rise in some markets, but national median remains unchanged
8 Traps to Avoid When Investigating a Sexual Harassment Complaint
Sexual harassment is a related problem that all employers must proactively address and prevent. While most managers are well aware of the need for sexual harassment policies, just having a policy isn't enough. If sexual harassment allegations arise, you need to know how to appropriately respond. Here are 8 potential mistakes your practice should be alert to and avoid making … [Read more...] about 8 Traps to Avoid When Investigating a Sexual Harassment Complaint
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
How to start a new job as the firm’s manager, not just as its top staffer
Advice to the new administrator: "The first few weeks of the job are very, very important and you have to use them well because you can't get them back." Using them well means establishing a professional management relationship with the partners, finding out what the partners expect of their administrator, and showing staff what's expected of them, says attorney T. Hensley … [Read more...] about How to start a new job as the firm’s manager, not just as its top staffer