Articles

Eat what you kill?

See a discussion comparing the British way and the American way of doing business in law firms.

Yes, there are cultural differences. Perhaps the singular difference is the willingness to think as an “institution” (lockstep compensation) rather than as an “individual” (compensation based on origination). The former makes for longevity while the latter may make for for rapid growth in the short term.

Perhaps it takes the entrepreneurial spirit to get going. Then the challenge is to change that into a managerial spirit, something that proves very difficult, too difficult for most.

The really successful firms, only a few in number, find a way to do this. (more…)


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Happy Spring

Spring is here! Does that mean Spring Cleaning to you?

Here’s an idea to consider: Many folks begin to clean their offices in the Spring; there’s a lilt in the air and a desire/need to rebirth one’s environment.

At this time of year, perhaps you’ll look at your storage room. Would you like to get rid of some of the old files? Would you like to reduce your storage expenses? Would you like to feel just a bit “lighter” knowing that you have less paper to store? (more…)


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The Impossible Dream on this Ides of March

The Impossible Dream is just that, impossible. Unless YOU don’t know it’s impossible and you go for it! Then, it just might be possible.

That’s the point in the March 13th, New York Times article, “Sleeping With the Guitar Player,” about someone with no musical talent (according to his wife) becoming a “star” (according to his public).

As lawyers, we have the capability of helping our clients realize their dreams … What a marvelous opportunity that presents to us! And, with a little business sense, we can even make a good living doing what we love while helping others in their times of need. What a gifted life we live!


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Credit and Banks

The Fair Credit Reporting Act amendment, effective December 1, 2004, allows banks to report information about your accounts to credit bureaus. This is new. It is an option, which makes good banking relations even more important!


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To Gun or Not To Gun

Does the Judicial System have the authority to ban guns from courthouses? That issue was presented before a Pennsylvania trial court; the judge said the Second Amendment, right to bear arms, prevents the Court from banning arms even in the courthouse.

A Pennsylvania appellate court disagreed and ruled that courts do have the right to restrict guns. Although part of the decision is based on where the gun may be — in the courtroom, in the judge’s chambers or in the halls of the buildings. That seems to be “splitting the hair” too thinly!

While the gun lobby is very strong in this country, it seems to me that carrying a weapon is subject to reasonable restrictions, just as is “free speech.” The First Amendment does not give one the right to yell “fire” in a crowded theatre. I’m not sure how or why the gun lobby has been so successful in being treated differently.

The argument that “guns don’t kill, people do” evades the conclusion that restricted access reduces the opportunity to use the weapon for offensive purposes. And, historically, the Second Amendment was not created to allow personal attacks, but rather to prevent political abuse by a tyrrany.

I suspect that the current challenge/argument in Pennsylvania is merely a precursor to further litigation. Stay tuned, as they say.


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The food industry as a model for lawers!

The restaurant industry can teach lawyers a great deal. A recent article suggests that waitresses and waiters can increase their tips significantly (and increase repeat business) by using a few very simple, but effective techniques.

In fact, there is a website in which Cornell University associate professor Michael Lynn discusses his findings that: 1) casually touching customers increases tips for both male and female servers, 2) touching increases tips more when waitresses touch female customers compared with male diners, and 3) touching increases tips of younger customers more than old.

While not all his findings are transferable or applicable to the legal profession, many are. Basic friendliness, courtesy and consideration go a long way to increase client-attorney effectiveness, increase revenue, repeat business and referrals.

Watch your server the next time you’re in a restaurant. When treated well by your server, think about how you can incorporate his/her skills in your practice. When treated poorly, compare those actions with how you and your office staff interact with your clients. Are there lessons there that you can use?


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