(This article first appeared in SLAW). Most law firms intuitively understand the value of mentoring. Unfortunately, that rarely translates into a successful mentoring program. Here’s what’s wrong with them, and how to fix them. There are so many skills a young lawyer needs to develop in their formational years, and so little time in which [...]
It’s official: we are headed into a recession and possibly a depression. And we’re headed into this abyss while still in quarantine, which may last until there’s a vaccine and the time needed to inoculate everyone. Government assistance – for those who qualify – helps, but can’t last forever. How do we get out of [...]
In my last post I provided a few tips to help firms prepare for the pandemic. Well, it’s here now, and while we figure out how to live through it we’re all getting bombarded by Covid 19 email messages ad nauseum. Most of the emails I’ve received have told me absolutely nothing except that the [...]
Like most businesses, small to medium-sized law firms depend on business as usual to meet their revenue targets and cover expenses. Most can withstand an economic downturn, the loss of an important client, the sudden need for new technology hardware, etc. Preparing for a longer-term threat is a different. We are facing a pandemic. While [...]
Lawyer time is valuable… and so is client time. When a lawyer has decided to meet with a client in a non-billable capacity, they are well-served by taking the time to ensure both parties receive maximum value in the exchange. Contrary to popular belief, showing up for a non-billable meeting with a client isn't enough. [...]
Are you a lawyer considering retirement, or do you know someone who needs to start thinking about their retirement? If so, read on... It seems counter-productive to be thinking of an exit strategy when building a business; but that’s precisely what experts say you should do. This was particularly relevant during the .com era when [...]
“Survival mode is supposed to be a phase that helps save your life. It’s not meant to be how you live”. Michele Rosenthal, Author and Trauma Therapist. Whether I’m coaching individual lawyers or assisting a firm with a strategic plan, inevitably the concept of stress management will arise. It could be at the heart of [...]
(This article first appeared in SLAW) Business decisions – especially those involving marketing and branding - require careful consideration. But they also require timely action. Are law firms hurting themselves by being too slow and cumbersome in making business decisions? Within administrative and outside provider circles, law firms are notorious for their slow reactions and [...]
For me, December is a time of reflection and planning. I start by reflecting on my plan and actions for the current year. Did I do all of the things I had committed to doing? If not, why? What can I learn from that? Did I accomplish what I wanted to. If not, why? Did [...]
By definition, make or break decisions occur when we have the least amount of time and emotional control to make them. How can we make the best possible decision in the worst possible circumstances? Management is about dealing with people and things – including events. We can’t possible manage every timekeeper, every moment of the [...]