Why you need this policy: Copyright infringement has become a serious liability risk for law firms: * In 1991, a mid-sized Washington, DC, law firm was sued for $14 million by a publisher. The case was eventually settled but not until after the firm incurred over $1 million in legal fees; * In 1999, a large Wall Street firm settled a … [Read more...] about Model Policy: Copyright compliance
Tools
Model Policy: Client billing
Why you need this policy: Attorneys have every right—and need—to be paid. But getting clients to pay their bills on time is a major challenge that forces you to confront a bewildering array of fee arrangements, billing of non-fee expenses, and ethical constraints stemming from the attorney-client relationship. How this policy helps you: The centerpiece of juggling all of these … [Read more...] about Model Policy: Client billing
Model Policy: Client privacy
Why you need this policy: As with any other corporate website, law office websites collect and use personal information of site visitors, including "personally identifiable" information, i.e., names and other information that can be traced back to a specific individual. Such use and collection of personal information is subject to requirements under privacy laws. How this … [Read more...] about Model Policy: Client privacy
Model Policy: Client file retention and destruction
Why you need this policy: One of the thorniest challenges of managing a law office is the handling of client files. It's not just an administrative issue. Retention and destruction of client files are subject to legal and ethical requirements, including the ABA Rules of Professional Conduct. How this policy helps you: It's crucial to establish a written policy that explains how … [Read more...] about Model Policy: Client file retention and destruction
Model Policy: Reduced schedule and flexible work arrangements
Why you need this policy: Once upon a time, the belief was that an individual could be an attorney or a primary caregiving parent but not both. Attitudes—and laws—have changed this thinking and opened the door to all kinds of flexible work arrangements allowing attorneys to balance their professional and parental obligations. How this policy helps you: Every law office needs a … [Read more...] about Model Policy: Reduced schedule and flexible work arrangements
Model Policy: Sexual harassment
Why you need this policy: Personnel issues are among the most difficult problems faced by law office managers. And few personnel issues are any more difficult than sexual harassment. How this policy helps you: The starting point in managing sexual harassment is to establish a clearly written, specific policy that includes a/an: Policy statement indicating that sexual … [Read more...] about Model Policy: Sexual harassment
Model Tool: Space Planning Checklist
Why you need this checklist: Before embarking on an office redesign, you need to consider which layout best suits your teams' needs, as well as mind the practical matters, such as access to electrical outlets, etc. How this checklist helps you: This checklist will help guide you through the space planning process when it's time to redesign your workplace. How to use this … [Read more...] about Model Tool: Space Planning Checklist