Question: What’s the best way to deal with staff performance problems? It seems like attempting to work them out during performance evaluation discussions between the assistant and the lawyer she works for is just going to ...
The Editors - June 30, 2014
Oh, I admit I was a little hard on my colleagues, but their idea was an old one we tried years ago to no avail. I guess they felt I was a bit harsh in the process of shooting it down (again) too, because when I left the room, I overheard one of ...
Otto Sorts - June 16, 2014
Question: With the warm weather, the annual "what to wear" debate is underway at our firm — and it's probably time to update and enforce a dress code policy. Do most law firms have a dress code? Should we have ...
The Editors - June 9, 2014You may have contemplated joining a virtual law firm at some point, or creating your own virtual practice. Aside from the initial technological hurdle, a virtual practice can be an easy and welcome new reality. The joy of kissing your office ...
David Goldenberg - June 5, 2014 Each spring when I plant my garden, I have great expectations for all the vegetables I’ll be harvesting. By June, the new plants start to look a little like the pictures in the catalog, but here and there I encounter a few "volunteers" from last ...
Otto Sorts - September 24, 2013
Question: There has been so much talk about the Affordable Care Act. We realize there may be a few things we’ve missed regarding coverage of our staff. Help! Jude A. Dainton: Individual open enrollment for the insurance exchanges begins on ...
The Editors - September 19, 2013Some people always know exactly what to say. When words fail the rest of us, these people deliver the smooth segue, the clever comeback, the perfect parting shot. How do they do it so effortlessly? Maybe they've taken a page from Patrick Alain's ...
Joan Feldman - May 10, 2013Last month, I had the pleasure of attending the South by Southwest Interactive Track in Austin, Texas. This conference focuses on business and social media. I came away from the week with my head buzzing with ideas. Among them were concepts from ...
Ruth Carter - April 10, 2013
Staff members do a tremendous amount of work for your firm, and they interact directly with clients in numerous ways. And by the way, Model Rule 5.3: Responsibilities Regarding Nonlawyer Assistants is in play. So you will be on the hook for any ...
Mark Bassingthwaighte - April 8, 2013 The other day, Oriella, one of the young legal secretaries, wore these sandal-type shoes with long leather straps wrapping up to mid-calf. I thought they looked pretty, and a little sexy, and remarked on them to one of the older partners. His ...
Otto Sorts - October 23, 2012
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