The past year of the pandemic has brought major changes in office space needs for law firms. Law professionals and administrative staff have been working from home and participating in remote meetings and court appearances. Some see the possibility of continuing to work remotely even after COVID-19 restrictions are loosened, and some see the possibility of moving to home and … [Read more...] about Checklist: How to evaluate an office space for a move
Managing the office
Renting out extra space? Set up protective walls to avoid risk
With more law firm employees working from home in the last few years, a firm may find itself living in too much space—and paying too much rent. One solution is to bring in a tenant. Usually the renter is a solo practitioner or a small firm, and the arrangement is good for everybody, because the firm collects the rent and the renter gets the amenities as well as the appearance … [Read more...] about Renting out extra space? Set up protective walls to avoid risk
Model mandatory face mask policy
More than 20 states have enacted laws requiring the use of face masks or coverings in indoor public places. Here’s a Model Policy incorporating current legal requirements and public health guidance that you can adapt for your own lab. … [Read more...] about Model mandatory face mask policy
Feds say insurers not required to pay for employer return to work COVID-19 testing
Since the public health emergency began, the US government has taken the position that insurers shouldn’t be allowed to make consumers pay for COVID-19 lab tests. But now comes news that insurers will not be put in that same position with regard to return to work screening conducted on employees by their employers. FFCRA rules for COVID-19 test payment The key piece of … [Read more...] about Feds say insurers not required to pay for employer return to work COVID-19 testing
Tool: Model COVID-19 Medical Screening Policy
Regulators have made it clear that given the unique circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, employers may implement pre-screening measures to ensure that people who have or may have the virus don’t get into work and spread it to others. But limits still apply and you can get into a lot of trouble if you don’t follow them. Here’s a Model Policy your firm can adapt that provides … [Read more...] about Tool: Model COVID-19 Medical Screening Policy
What employees and managers can do to protect each other
By Lynne Curry bio I’m scared. I don’t feel like my boss or coworkers are taking COVID-19 seriously. The medical professionals say we should be wiping down high-touch places. In our office, I’m the one who does it. So does that make me on the front line? Does my doing all this cleaning let everyone else feel safer so they don’t think they need to do anything? It would be fair … [Read more...] about What employees and managers can do to protect each other
Yes! You need an employee handbook
By Julie Ellison bio For many employers, the idea of creating an Employee Handbook is overwhelming. But the importance of having one should outweigh that hesitancy given the peace of mind it can provide you while you are busy running your law firm or business. An Employee Handbook is your road map for what your employees can expect from you and what you expect from your … [Read more...] about Yes! You need an employee handbook
How the “broken windows” theory applies to your law business
By Liz Miller bio The “broken windows” theory is that a building with broken windows is evidence of abandonment, neglect of the property and a lack of respect for the law. In its simplest form, the “broken windows” is the beginning of the decline of a neighborhood which begins to deteriorate. It starts with “broken windows” and then leads to graffiti, trash, abandoned vehicle, … [Read more...] about How the “broken windows” theory applies to your law business
How to set a plan for associate development that actually works
One area no firm can afford to ignore is associate business development. The firm's future depends on how well the younger attorneys are developed and cultivated. This is the next generation of the firm. They have to learn how to generate business or the firm isn't going to survive. Here are four elements for an effective business development program for associates: 1 … [Read more...] about How to set a plan for associate development that actually works
How to delegate better
Boost staff performance by communicating more clearly Not pleased with what staff are doing? It may not be their fault. Look at the directions they are getting—from the manager. Whenever a staffer who is capable of doing a job doesn't get that job right, chances are it's because the manager didn't explain what needed to be done. A manager should assign projects via a written … [Read more...] about How to delegate better