By Brenda A. Barnes and Camille Stell Law firms are not unlike other professional service firms with regard to how they compensate the leaders of their firms. Historically, the compensation of the managing partner has developed over time and correlates to the role that the partner will play in leading the firm. A successful managing partner compensation plan should include … [Read more...] about How to compensate managing partners
Working with lawyers
Characteristics of a modern compensation plan for lawyers
By Brenda A. Barnes and Camille Stell A successful compensation plan should reflect shared goals and values. A successful plan also requires trust among the members of the firm. A winning compensation plan aligns the values of the law firm with relevant, up-to-date market data. Here are additional components of a modern compensation plan. Evergreen Compensation plans must be … [Read more...] about Characteristics of a modern compensation plan for lawyers
Coming out at work
By Lynne Curry “He’s talented but anti-social,” the business owner said of his accounting manager when he called. “At first, we thought the problem was that “Gene” was a finance type and kind of a geek. But there have been odd comments from others over the last two years,” explained the business owner as he asked for my help as an HR consultant. “The latest problem is he … [Read more...] about Coming out at work
Still managing remote staff? 8 tips to do it better
As lawyers continue to drag their feet about returning to work at the office, many legal support staff also want to continue to work remotely. Unless your law office is taking a hard stance about working on the premises, it's likely you will continue to supervise some of your team from afar. While managing a remote workforce can present its own set of challenges, it can also … [Read more...] about Still managing remote staff? 8 tips to do it better
Do you just open your mouth and let the words fly?
By Lynne Curry When you’re upset with another person, do you open your mouth and let your emotions erupt and words fly? If you want to resolve an interpersonal conflict, you can’t afford to blast the other person. While you may feel vindicated, you risk the other person attacking back, getting defensive or shutting down If you want things to become better and not worse … [Read more...] about Do you just open your mouth and let the words fly?
3 questions to ask in your daily standup meetings
A daily standup meeting can be a highly effective way to keep your staff motivated and moving on important tasks. This 10-minute meeting, used in a variety of workplaces, provides an opportunity for a quick check-in on the day’s priorities. As the name implies, participants stand up—a posture that discourages long discussion. The meeting is so short no one bothers to find a … [Read more...] about 3 questions to ask in your daily standup meetings
Get a grip on costly office gossip
By Dr. Steve M. Cohen No matter how distracting, office gossip is something that no manager will ever completely eradicate. Like other human foibles, it’s too ingrained in our systems. That doesn’t mean you should ignore it or let it dominate your workplace. Office gossip is increasingly dangerous to many workplaces, including medical offices. It’s not that people do it … [Read more...] about Get a grip on costly office gossip
Should a lawyer do administrative tasks to save money?
By Elizabeth M. Miller Should a lawyer do administrative tasks to save money? Of course, the answer is no. Struggling business owners will spend time to save money, whereas successful business owners will spend money to save time. Because you can always get more money—you cannot get more time. So, you need to ensure the work you spend your time on makes the biggest … [Read more...] about Should a lawyer do administrative tasks to save money?
Office politics and how it damages your firm
By Elizabeth M. Miller bio Office politics can be a problem in any size law firm—from a firm as large as 1000+ to as little as a solo practitioner with 2 staff members. A definition "Office politics" is the use of networking within an organization to further one's own agenda. The word "networking" could easily be interchanged with the word "gossiping". That is office … [Read more...] about Office politics and how it damages your firm
Speaking truth to power
By Lynne Curry What happens when you imagine marshaling your courage and telling the law practice managing partner or someone else in a position of authority that he’s made the wrong judgment call? Do you fear retaliation or making a problem situation worse? If speaking the truth to power feels as risky as jumping out of an airplane without a parachute, you’re not alone. … [Read more...] about Speaking truth to power