Highfive, the video conferencing system, recently announced the results of its 2015 Workplace Culture and Communication Report, which details how the proliferation of communication tools affects the way people work and engage with their fellow employees. More than 1,200 professionals in traditional office settings across industries and regions completed the survey in August … [Read more...] about Communication and productivity are on the rise. But the tools that connect us also distract us
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A manual that covers the entire administration
A Washington, D.C. administrator has set up an operations manual that covers every imaginable item of managing the firm. It holds the basics of everything so that when she is out, the firm “can be on autopilot and keep the trains running on time,” says Jill D. Hirsch, chief operating officer of Slevin & Hart. And, she says, “it’s for me as well as for someone stepping in … [Read more...] about A manual that covers the entire administration
5 proven ways to spot and avoid hiring potentially “toxic employees” … and what to do if you already have them
Got toxins in the office? Toxins are people who cause dissent. They undermine people. They create an atmosphere of mistrust and suspicion. They kill the camaraderie. They are toxic because they cause enough misery to force worthwhile staffers to leave. Law firms are notorious for putting up with toxic people at both the attorney and staff levels. Professional people are not … [Read more...] about 5 proven ways to spot and avoid hiring potentially “toxic employees” … and what to do if you already have them
Excel Data Management
Bonus Content Excel Data Management Handout Presentation Slides - Excel Data Management Join presenter Monica Sandler, and you'll discover how to use Excel to bring your data under control. You need to view if: You're a Law Office Manager who prints labels, name badges, tracks partner start dates and benefits and other data tracking tasks. You're a … [Read more...] about Excel Data Management
4 ways to keep your cool in the midst of chaos
By Cheryl Toth, MBA bio How well do you think you handle stress at work? I used to think I was pretty good at it, until a few years ago, when I realized I wasn't. I was working for a healthcare technology company that was young and rapidly growing. Every day, my task and responsibility list seemed to grow exponentially. At first it was exciting, but after a while I was … [Read more...] about 4 ways to keep your cool in the midst of chaos
Model Tool: Monthly Attorney Report
Why you need this model tool: No firm can support even an excellent attorney who isn't profitable. Superb skills alone are not enough. Each attorney has to bring in a profit, and the numbers show in plain dollars and cents what profit each attorney is producing. How this model tool helps you: This simple chart tracks the monthly and yearly profitability of each … [Read more...] about Model Tool: Monthly Attorney Report
NY manager gets more done with 15 minute one-on-one meetings
Offices with a limited number of staffers can follow the management lead of a New York office manager who has replaced full-staff meetings with 15-minute individual meetings in which she talks with each person privately. In a group, not everything gets brought out, says the manager, which has just seven staffers. There is no opportunity to listen to each person. What's more, … [Read more...] about NY manager gets more done with 15 minute one-on-one meetings
12 common errors in English you’ll want to avoid
Errors in your writing reflect poorly on you—and on the legal practice. Even if English wasn't your best subject, it's not too late to brush up on the basics. Here are 12 common errors you'll want to avoid. 1. You're/your You're is a contraction, short for "you are." Your is a possessive pronoun, as in "It's your birthday." Quick check: Can you substitute "you are"? … [Read more...] about 12 common errors in English you’ll want to avoid
Why you should consider automating your client screening process
What's your firm's process for dealing with a potential new client? While large law firms may have sophisticated systems of vetting potential new clients that include detailed conflict of interest searches and approval committees, Edie Zimmerman of Legal Software Solutions, suggests your consider automating your screening process. "Some practice management databases allow the … [Read more...] about Why you should consider automating your client screening process
How to survive the coming competition
By Ron Friedmann bio Many in the legal market talk about a "New Normal" where margin pressure is the norm. Is this true, and does it matter? Yes, and here's why. Clients Want Value. Although BigLaw continues to prosper, it faces new competition. Clients want value and they now have market power, so they buy from alternatives to large firms. Clients Bring Work … [Read more...] about How to survive the coming competition