Law Office Manager

Risk management

What to cover in the office handbook and how to say it safely

While most firms have employee handbooks, few realize the responsibilities and even dangers a handbook creates. A handbook ensures that both firm and employees understand the full picture of the employment, says Beth De Lima, SPHR-CA, of HRM Consulting, a human resource management consulting company in San Diego, CA. It outlines what the firm expects from employees in terms … [Read more...] about What to cover in the office handbook and how to say it safely

5 HR issues you need to review and keep on your radar

A law office manager has a wide range of responsibilities, which can make it difficult to keep every potential staff-related issue top of mind. Nevertheless, there are five human resources issues about which you should remain vigilant. 1 Discrimination Here are various types of discrimination, as identified and defined by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission … [Read more...] about 5 HR issues you need to review and keep on your radar

FLSA continues to be a potential pitfall for many organizations

By Steve M. Cohen  bio In the rush of managing an office, it's easy to overlook significant pitfalls that can cause major problems. One of these pitfalls is the Fair Labor Standards Act, an area that managers and partners often overlook until they face a problem. I strongly suggest using caution to avoid problems and penalties. Until a few years ago, the law's … [Read more...] about FLSA continues to be a potential pitfall for many organizations

Anybody over age 40?

The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) is waiting and watching for a violation. Age discrimination can creep in quietly and unexpectedly. It can come even from some well-intentioned remark such as, "You're overqualified for this job"—the term "overqualified" being taken as a euphemism for old. Here Alix Rubin, an employment law attorney in West Caldwell, NJ, … [Read more...] about Anybody over age 40?

Four records management errors that can get your firm into trouble

Managing the firm's business and personnel records goes beyond setting a simple timeline for record retention. Time is only part of the picture, says records management professional Diane K. Carlisle, CRM. Where most offices fail is not in missing the timelines but in mismanaging the records. Here she sets out elements of record management that administrators need to be aware … [Read more...] about Four records management errors that can get your firm into trouble

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

The ethics of refusing business and parting company with a client

Attorney-client relationships can get mighty tenuous. And either side can be at fault. Here are three issues that cause great concern: Turning down a prospect, firing a client, and getting fired by a client. They are explained by Michael Downey, a partner with Armstrong Teasdale in St. Louis whose practice focuses on professional legal, risk management, and ethics issues. … [Read more...] about The ethics of refusing business and parting company with a client

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

How to protect your data against costly and destructive cyber attack

Who is hacking into law firms? Are you at risk? How do security breaches happen? How to protect your data The downside of smartphones Planning for a breach   At the law offices of Florrick, Agos & Lockhart, partner Diane Lockhart opens an email from a colleague and clicks on a link. As soon as she does, all the computers in the office go dark and a message pops up on … [Read more...] about How to protect your data against costly and destructive cyber attack