It's crucial to ensure that the law firm operates within the boundaries of the law and adheres to relevant regulations. Running afoul of the law can have serious consequences for the firm's reputation, finances, and even legal standing. Here are some, but not all, the ways a law office can get into trouble with the law and regulations: Unauthorized Practice of Law: … [Read more...] about 18 ways your firm can run afoul of the law and regulations
Risk management
Regularly review your vendor contracts for cost savings and compliance
In the fast-paced and detail-oriented environment of a law office, maintaining efficiency and cost-effectiveness is paramount. One critical yet often overlooked aspect of this is the periodic review of vendor contracts. Regularly reassessing these agreements can have significant benefits, from cost savings to risk management. Here’s why and how law office managers should make … [Read more...] about Regularly review your vendor contracts for cost savings and compliance
10-point review on safeguarding client data
In the digital age, safeguarding client data has become a paramount concern for law offices. Legal practices handle sensitive information daily, making them prime targets for data breaches and cyberattacks. As a law office administrator, you bear the responsibility of ensuring that client data is protected with the highest level of security. Here are some essential strategies … [Read more...] about 10-point review on safeguarding client data
TOOL: Model Notice and Waiver of Conflict of Interest
Why you need this model Notice: This model Notice will help your efforts to protect your practice from the risk of violating conflict of interest rules. How this model Notice helps you: If a potential conflict of interest exists, but the parties still want the firm to represent their legal interests, have all parties sign a Waiver of Conflict of Interest, acknowledging the … [Read more...] about TOOL: Model Notice and Waiver of Conflict of Interest
To avoid a messy workplace theft investigation, can we just fire our prime suspect?
Question: Several years ago, when one of our employees was stealing from other employees’ purses and desks, we called the police. The process—calling the police, alerting our insurance carrier and interviewing multiple employees to show fairness so we wouldn’t get sued for wrongful termination when we fired the one employee—tore apart our office. Some of our best … [Read more...] about To avoid a messy workplace theft investigation, can we just fire our prime suspect?
Five essentials to support employee mental health and well-being
Events of the last four years have changed the nature of work for many and the relationship that some workers have with their jobs. The Surgeon General’s Framework for Mental Health & Well-Being in the Workplace outlines the foundational role that workplaces should play in promoting the health and well-being of workers and communities. With more than 160 million … [Read more...] about Five essentials to support employee mental health and well-being
7 tips for a safe winter commute
In the best of winters, driving to and from the office can be challenging. This winter is becoming downright dreadful in many parts of the country. Snow, ice, and cold weather can all create hazardous conditions on the road, and it is important to take extra precautions to ensure the safety of yourself and others. Here are tips for winter driving safety for you and your … [Read more...] about 7 tips for a safe winter commute
Compliance quiz: Which employees can you discipline for smoking pot at work?
SITUATION Your practice is located a state where recreational and medical marijuana use is legal. But still you're shocked to find three of your employees smoking pot at work. The employees recognize that they've been caught red-handed but each offers up a different explanation: Bud reveals that he's addicted to marijuana; Herb explains that he uses medical … [Read more...] about Compliance quiz: Which employees can you discipline for smoking pot at work?
Safety Briefing: How to weather winter storms
Stormy weather, with snow, ice, rain and wind are a distinct possibility this time of year. You can use this sample safety briefing to remind your staff to keep themselves, their families, patients and co-workers safe during winter storms. Subject: Winter Storm Emergency Safety Briefing Dear [Law Office Staff], As we approach the winter season, it is crucial … [Read more...] about Safety Briefing: How to weather winter storms
How to keep the office in business-as-usual shape after any kind of disaster
How disaster-prepared is the business side of your office? Although large organizations often have good disaster preparedness programs, small to mid-sized offices usually don't. And sadly, because they usually have only one location, they are the ones who suffer most when business is interrupted. Here are some tips that will help you prepare for a disaster and get your … [Read more...] about How to keep the office in business-as-usual shape after any kind of disaster