By Lynne Curry bio Question For weeks, “Carolyn” told the five of us in our department that she had allergies whenever any of us asked her about her sneezing. She worked with us in the same building, used the same copier, restroom and office fridge and handled the same coffeepot. I tried to avoid her because she kept forgetting her mask and didn’t seem to understand what six … [Read more...] about Coworker exposed all of us to COVID-19
Risk management
How to create a legally sound COVID-19 medical screening policy
Like so many other law offices during the coronavirus pandemic, you may be considering medically screening your employees each day before letting them into the workplace. While screening is highly problematic in normal times, regulators have grudgingly acknowledged that it may be a justified health and safety measure during the pandemic. The operative phrase is “may be,” which … [Read more...] about How to create a legally sound COVID-19 medical screening policy
Coronavirus pushing rapid changes in employer law
By Mike O’Brien bio Employer law is rapidly changing amid the coronavirus pandemic. For one thing, Congress has passed another coronavirus related law. The United States Department of Labor (DOL) has provided some helpful guidance and answered a number of questions about the recent expansion of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and about the new paid sick leave law, … [Read more...] about Coronavirus pushing rapid changes in employer law
New overtime rule now in effect
By Mike O’Brien bio Jan. 1, 2020 was the deadline to comply with new FLSA overtime rule. At the end of September the Department of Labor issued its long-awaited final rule updating the salary level test for white-collar overtime exemptions under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Under the new rule, the minimum salary level for exemption is raised from $455 a week to $684 a week, … [Read more...] about New overtime rule now in effect
Pay rates, vacations while recovering, gig economy
By Mike O’Brien bio Department of Labor enters final stage of update to ‘regular rate’ rule under FLSA. As we have discussed previously in these updates, the Department of Labor has been working to update the definition of “regular rate” of pay under the Fair Labor Standards Act. The regular rate is used to calculate overtime pay. The rule has not been updated in half a … [Read more...] about Pay rates, vacations while recovering, gig economy
4 bad financial habits that may increase your policy premiums and your malpractice risk
Ineffective billing and collections practices affect more than the bottom line. They ultimately may determine what the firm has to pay for malpractice coverage. To an underwriter, poor financial habits are just like poor legal habits—they spell high risk for malpractice claims, says Dan Knise, president and CEO of Ames & Gough, a McClean, VA, specialty insurance broker. If … [Read more...] about 4 bad financial habits that may increase your policy premiums and your malpractice risk
5 benefits of rules-based calendaring software
1. Use of automated rules-based calendaring software may entitle your firm to discounts for malpractice insurance coverage. Talk to your provider; 2. Automated rules-based systems reduce human errors; 3. The software adjusts for local court rules and holidays; 4. Some programs come with predetermined reminder dates for different types of entries. When the calendar date is … [Read more...] about 5 benefits of rules-based calendaring software
To-Dos: Your September office checklist
Now that the summer is over and you're facing the final quarter, it's time to roll up your sleeves and get to work. Here are some important tasks you need to address now to ensure that you finish the year strong and are realistically prepared for next year. 1. Plan your staffing Start thinking about your staffing requirements for the coming year. Will you be adding another … [Read more...] about To-Dos: Your September office checklist
How to reduce the risk of in-office theft
Theft in law firms comes from all corners, from staff to partners. "It happens more than people realize," says legal management consultant John W. Olmstead, MBA, Ph.D, CMC. In fact, his own experience of working with law firms leads him to estimate that one in nine firms has experienced some type of theft. Every firm needs theft protection. But that protection needs to do … [Read more...] about How to reduce the risk of in-office theft
How and why you need to carefully screen cold calls from potential new clients
What's your firm's process for dealing with a potential new client? What happens when someone sends the firm an email asking for a quote for a real estate transaction or when a frantic caller leaves a long, detailed voice mail message about why she wasn't to blame for the fatal car crash being covered on the morning news? Who takes the call? How are calls prioritized? And is … [Read more...] about How and why you need to carefully screen cold calls from potential new clients