Law Firm People Management

Winning the talent war is one of the most important ways that an organization can make more than incremental change in a relatively short period of time. In his book, “Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap and Others ...

I’m often asked by friends and clients alike: “What advice do you have for holiday or end-of-year parties?” The first thing that comes to mind is "Don’t get drunk!" — but if you do, have a designated sober driver or use a car service to get home ...

Work can be stressful. Sure, sometimes you really enjoy your work, particularly when things are going your way. And, of course, you know the things you can do to reduce and manage your own stress levels. (Don't you?) But is it possible that you ...

Merrilyn Astin Tarlton | Once you've had a good meeting, you want to ensure you don't lose ground.

Question: My secretary is sick and absent from work a lot. Yet I need someone here every day to help me. What can I do? If your assistant is missing in action more than you like, you can find yourself in a ...

Writing and editing marketing copy — for a brochure, proposal, website, whatever — can be a high-wire act. If there's more than one lawyer in your practice, you know it's true: Make editing a group event, and it becomes a management nightmare. ...

When it was all over, I took a few days off. When I returned, the managing partner wanted to see me. I entered his office ready to be fired. It was the first big case I had led, and there had been quite a few problems.

I often begin leadership workshops by asking this question: What do you most look for and admire in a leader, someone whose direction you would willingly follow? What one word would you use to describe him or her? I’ve received hundreds of ...

“I never seem to get it right enough with him,” Sara told me, as she expressed her frustrations about being on Terry's case team. “He always has to do it better than me.” I nodded. Terry was an ace litigator, hardworking, controlling and driven ...

No one likes to deliver bad news. But things happen, and when they do it's important to let those around you know. In your law office, failing to share bad news at the appropriate time can lead to rumor and innuendo, as well as loss of morale ...