Law Office Manager

Managing staff

Here’s what to do when you suspect a staffer of drug or alcohol abuse

When the firm suspects a staffer of alcohol or drug abuse, an overriding concern is how to address the issue with that employee, says Jeffrey M. Schlossberg, a partner and chair of the employment law group at Ruskin Moscou Faltischek in Uniondale, NY. The wrong words can open the door to a discrimination claim. Don't mention the obvious Whenever there's suspicion of an … [Read more...] about Here’s what to do when you suspect a staffer of drug or alcohol abuse

Three errors that can cause wrongful termination problems

Though every employer knows – or should know – the rules for safe firing, mistakes still happen when it comes to showing an employee the door, says Peter Golden, a business and employment law attorney with The Golden Law Firm in Atlanta. In his own practice, he finds that employers most often fall down on three points: missed documentation, unfair employee comparisons, and … [Read more...] about Three errors that can cause wrongful termination problems

Pouter, wannabe boss, and ain’t-none-of-me and how to change them

Unacceptable behavior is never going to respond positively to negative statements such as “you have a bad attitude” or “you’re lazy.” Turn the conversation instead to what the behavior is, how it is affecting the other staff and the office, and how the manager and other staff see the staffer because of it. Then show alternative behaviors. But … [Read more...] about Pouter, wannabe boss, and ain’t-none-of-me and how to change them

Have you built a law office staff that cares?

By Catherine Jones bio Thanks to everyone who attended our webinar, “How to Build a Law Office Staff that Cares,” with Steve M. Cohen. The webinar recording is now available on the site, along with the presentation materials. One of the poll questions produced some results that I found particularly interesting. Question: What percentage of your current employees would you … [Read more...] about Have you built a law office staff that cares?

Model Tool: Conflict of Interest Policy for Romantically Involved Employees

Why you need this policy: A law firm's control over an employee doesn't normally extend to the employee's love life. But when a romance between co-workers affects the workplace and the law firm's business, it becomes an employment matter. This is most likely to happen when a relationship ends. You need to implement a Model Conflict of Interest Policy to protect your law firm … [Read more...] about Model Tool: Conflict of Interest Policy for Romantically Involved Employees

How can I rein in a runaway staff?

Question: The previous manager let staff get away with everything. I’m the new manager. How do I change the staff behavior? Answer: Take the bull by the horns. Hold a staff meeting and spell out the new expectations. Call them rules or call them pet peeves, but make it clear that everybody is expected to follow them. Cover all the items the previous manager let slide so staff … [Read more...] about How can I rein in a runaway staff?

How to end the jealousy when a sharp newcomer threatens the long timers

A tenet of management is that "people require care." And nowhere is that more evident than in the situation where a bright-eyed, eager, and well-qualified new staffer comes in—and threatens the long-term staffers. The cure is recognition, says Venus Opal Reese, PhD, a consultant for professional and business development. And it has to come fast, because left alone, the … [Read more...] about How to end the jealousy when a sharp newcomer threatens the long timers

What to do when a lawyer harasses staffers but no one complains

Question: One of our attorneys continuously makes inappropriate remarks to the staff. He thinks the remarks are funny. The staff don't complain, but what's said is obviously inappropriate. Everyone likes the lawyer, and the other lawyers want to keep him on staff. They have counselled with him, but he continues. What should we do? Answer: No office can afford to turn a blind … [Read more...] about What to do when a lawyer harasses staffers but no one complains

Model Tool: Sample dress code

Why you need this dress code: It would be nice if everyone understood what it means to be professional, but they don't. The reality is that staff often have to be taught how to behave. And part of being an administrator is teaching staff. How this dress code helps you: A written dress code is important, especially as business dress becomes more casual. If your firm doesn't have … [Read more...] about Model Tool: Sample dress code