By Doug Striker bio I think it’s safe to say that the legal industry is not the most “agile” profession in the marketplace. The law actually breeds the opposite of agility. We tend to reward slow processes, long research endeavors, decisions-by-committee, slow turning of the ship to accommodate changes. So, it is no surprise that the rapid changes demanded by COVID-19 … [Read more...] about Now is the time to train for technology
Working with lawyers
Class of 2019 is the most employed since the Great Recession
The Class of 2019 experienced the highest employment rate in the dozen years since the start of the Great Recession, according to the National Association for Law Placement, Inc. NALP has released its Employment for the Class of 2019 — Selected Findings, a synopsis of key findings from the upcoming annual Jobs & JDs: Employment and Salaries of New Law School Graduates. The … [Read more...] about Class of 2019 is the most employed since the Great Recession
Study identifies generational similarities, differences in the workplace
The National Association for Law Placement, Inc. (NALP), in partnership with PP&C Consulting principals Aric Press and Yolanda Cartusciello, has released Multiple Generations in Law Firms: Working Together. The first-of-its-kind study provides insights into some of the generational dynamics at play in the current law firm work setting. The survey gathered responses from … [Read more...] about Study identifies generational similarities, differences in the workplace
Survey shows COVID-19 impact on summer programs, recruiting, and OCI
The National Association for Law Placement, Inc. (NALP) has released the results of two short “pulse” surveys about the impacts of COVID-19 on U.S. legal employers, law schools, and JD students. The surveys, conducted in May, were designed to quantify the rapidly evolving changes in the legal profession and the industry as a result of the pandemic. NALP is following up with a … [Read more...] about Survey shows COVID-19 impact on summer programs, recruiting, and OCI
Silver linings for legal industry in COVID-19 crisis
By Doug Striker bio It would be tragic if nothing good came out of this worldwide pandemic. Yes, it is easy to focus on the terrible, awful things that are happening on a global scale and even in our own neighborhoods and families. But at the same time, we simply must also recognize that good things are developing out of this tragic, exceedingly difficult experience. I … [Read more...] about Silver linings for legal industry in COVID-19 crisis
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
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
How to pay the partners
Is your compensation system driving away the talent you need to grow? What approach did your firm take when establishing its partner compensation plan? It's likely you chose one of the three traditional systems. There's the old "eat what you kill" method, which is based on individual performance; the seniority/lockstep system, which is determined by the partner's role in the … [Read more...] about How to pay the partners
Step by step guide to successful lateral hiring
Attracting a lateral hire requires more than sending out a request for resumes. To find the candidate it wants, the firm has to decide on the specific qualifications it is looking for. But more, it has to set a time limit for resume submissions, keep the candidates updated throughout the process, and make an offer the top candidate can't refuse. Here's exactly what we … [Read more...] about Step by step guide to successful lateral hiring
Want to jump ahead of the competition? Get everybody aiming for the same thing
No matter what the business, the winning players are always organizations with a motivated and productive workforce. And what maintains motivation and productivity is goals—plus mentoring, coaching, and training to help everybody achieve them. Workable goals admittedly take thought, planning, and a lot of follow-up, says business development and management consultant John … [Read more...] about Want to jump ahead of the competition? Get everybody aiming for the same thing