By Lynne Curry bio The conversation stops when you walk into the break room. Two employees look at each other, mouth "later," and head back to their desks. An hour later, you see another employee dart into the restroom and come out five minutes later with reddened eyes. You ask her "what's up?" and when she looks like she might burst into tears, you usher her into your … [Read more...] about 3 steps a manager must take to end harmful gossip in the workplace
Insight
Do these 5 tasks now and get ahead of your tax preparations
By Elizabeth M. Miller bio The holidays are over and it's time to get back to work—and reality. And the reality is that tax season is just around the corner. Ideally, you were attentive to your accounting and recordkeeping last year so you're ready to just hand over your records and reports to the accountant and—voila—your tax return is ready. But the reality … [Read more...] about Do these 5 tasks now and get ahead of your tax preparations
Haven’t prepared your 2023 budget yet? These 3 steps will help you get it done
By Elizabeth M. Miller bio No one likes to prepare a budget. Looking ahead a year and seeing what it's going to cost to run your law firm can sometimes be overwhelming, especially when you know that it's up to you to make sure the firm generates the revenues to cover the budget. And with so many year-end things on your plate, strategizing for next year is probably the last … [Read more...] about Haven’t prepared your 2023 budget yet? These 3 steps will help you get it done
Creating culture change: a case study of how one firm made technology training a priority
By Doug Striker bio Recently, I was speaking with a colleague who provides contract technology training services to law firms, much like we do at Savvy. She told me about a year-long experience that she recently had with a firm and it was so universally applicable that we agreed to share it as a case study. Here are the facts in a nutshell: The challenge: … [Read more...] about Creating culture change: a case study of how one firm made technology training a priority
17 quick tips for law firm leaders
By Robert Denney bio Here are some quick pointers to keep in mind, whether you've been a firm leader for decades or are new to the position. Have a vision. If you don't know where you're going, you'll never get there. Develop a strategic plan and follow it. Hell is paved with good intentions and business plans that were never implemented. … [Read more...] about 17 quick tips for law firm leaders
Want to improve attorney tech use? Start by breaking down silos in your firm
By Michelle Spencer bio I have long wondered why there are two different teams in law firms doing similar functions. I am referring to the professional development and technology training teams. Both of the teams perform learning and development functions, and yet they are usually in two different departments that work alone, except in rare instances. They … [Read more...] about Want to improve attorney tech use? Start by breaking down silos in your firm
How to improve processes in your law firm
By Elizabeth M. Miller bio Providing maximum efficiency is an endless challenge for today's law firms. Twenty or thirty years ago, before computers replaced electric typewriters (anyone remember those?), preparation of documents was an arduous task in which every pleading required that the wheel be reinvented over and over. Bookkeeping and trust accounting were … [Read more...] about How to improve processes in your law firm
Employment Law Update for HR Managers
By Mike O’Brien bio This is my periodic update prepared for interested HR professionals trying to deal with the complex American employment laws. Federal Appeals Court says sexual orientation bias is illegal: A federal appeals court (covering Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana) has ruled, for the first time, that existing law prohibiting discrimination based on sex … [Read more...] about Employment Law Update for HR Managers
Like a Boss: Traits and behaviors
By Michelle Spencer bio As I was reviewing articles for the Like a Boss series, a few themes kept appearing as key areas of focus for bosses: Communication, Performance Management, and Relationships. If you are looking for ideas for leadership training, any of these would be a good place to start. First and foremost, people want open, honest, and … [Read more...] about Like a Boss: Traits and behaviors
Why sometimes firms have to say “no”
By Bob Denney bio The Managing Partner of one of our clients once said to me, "The hardest thing in the world for most lawyers is to decline an opportunity for increased business, even when it's because of a conflict or a question of ethics." There's obviously no question about having to say "No" in those situations. But there are other opportunities for … [Read more...] about Why sometimes firms have to say “no”