Does your firm use document automation tools? If not, you’re not alone. According to a survey conducted in 2013 by the International Legal Technology Association, a whopping 62% of law firms surveyed reported not using a document automation system. But when you think about how much time your team spends assembling variations of the same documents every day, automating the … [Read more...] about How document automation can save you thousands
General
Chicago firm discovers in-person interviews can sharply increase client service and satisfaction
A Chicago law firm goes the extra mile to ensure client satisfaction, sometimes even getting on a plane to do so. Like many firms, 37-attorney firm sends out client satisfaction surveys. But unlike most firms, it gets the responses via in-person interviews held at the clients' places of business. The visits are limited to the largest revenue-producing clients, says the … [Read more...] about Chicago firm discovers in-person interviews can sharply increase client service and satisfaction
Make sure your staff follow these 5 basic rules when dealing with clients or employees with disabilities
The Americans with Disabilities Act does not require it, but good manners do—proper etiquette toward persons with disabilities, both clients and employees. Mistakes in manners often occur in professional offices. Here are some of the more common blunders to watch for: 1 The handshake A common error is not offering to shake hands with a client or employee who has a hand … [Read more...] about Make sure your staff follow these 5 basic rules when dealing with clients or employees with disabilities
How to prevent violence . . . and deal with it when it happens
On the topic of violence in the office, "people are in denial," says one security management consultant. "They can't believe it's going to happen." But it does happen, and it comes from a lot of sources – unhappy clients, unhappy employees, employees' unhappy spouses, and even from outsiders wandering in. In one office in North Carolina, for example, a client's husband was … [Read more...] about How to prevent violence . . . and deal with it when it happens
How to test the climate of the firm and staff’s satisfaction with it
What makes a staff a satisfied staff? One human resources expert cites three core items: management’s communication with staff, management’s commitment to supporting staff, and staff’s trust in management. To find out the level of each as well as where and how to make improvements, use a climate survey, or an opinion survey on the climate of the office. … [Read more...] about How to test the climate of the firm and staff’s satisfaction with it
Going crazy with Excel: What’s your story?
Sure, you know that Excel is useful for crunching numbers. You can populate spreadsheets with formulas and scenarios, and transform figures into charts. But did you know that Excel is also a tool for pilots, parents, pianists, and poets? You might be surprised at how some people have used the software. Here are just a few unusual uses that we found: One company uses Excel as a … [Read more...] about Going crazy with Excel: What’s your story?
Conducting background checks: Better safe than sorry
By Steve M. Cohen bio Despite some debate and even legal questions on method, I consistently recommend that my clients conduct background checks on all employees they intend to hire. Some of my clients are required by state or federal statutes to conduct background checks. This is especially widespread when employees will provide services to frail or vulnerable … [Read more...] about Conducting background checks: Better safe than sorry
For long-term survival, watch for the downfalls that cause partner splits
A partner split is like a marital split – expensive and hard to get over. Also like a marital split, it can often be avoided by knowing the elements that cause it and taking steps not to go down those roads, says Robert Denney, a Wayne, PA, management and planning consultant for professional offices. Why do partners split? For a number of reasons, he says. But money is … [Read more...] about For long-term survival, watch for the downfalls that cause partner splits
Use contract employees and temporary workers to solve difficult staffing issues
If your legal practice is like most, it's difficult to make a case for adding full-time office staff. And it's no wonder. Full-time employee benefits, including Social Security, 401k/403b contribution, disability insurance, health insurance, pension plan, and paid time off, add approximately 40 percent to an employee's salary, according to Salary.com, a leading provider of … [Read more...] about Use contract employees and temporary workers to solve difficult staffing issues
Orientation also keeps or loses that good hire
Orientation determines the success and retention of a new hire. It’s a necessary element, says employment law attorney and business advisor Katie Pratt of Berg Hill Greenleaf & Ruscitti in Denver. “It sets a foundation” of what the firm expects of the new employee and what the new employee can expect of the firm. It’s also legal protection, … [Read more...] about Orientation also keeps or loses that good hire