GP/Solo Technology eReport this issue features an article I wrote on developing a plan of communications to be able to survive in time of disaster. Communications are essential not only with clients and your colleagues, but others as well.
Jack Welch, in a regular column in BusinessWeek talks about the “Dangerous Division of Labor” at Hewlett-Packard caused by the separation of authority between Chairman of the Board and CEO. Welch (and his wife Suzy) contend that governance “experts” are mistaken when they promote placing these two positions in separate hands. There can be only one leader, not two, in a company to be successful. (more…)
Carolyn Elefant suggests that more lawyers are successful starting new practices than we might think. (more…)
Alan Childless and Stark County Law Library Blog recognized and mentioned our posting on terminating an associate. (more…)
In one of my coaching sessions today, I was confronted with a question that doesn’t arise often, but often enough to merit some review.
An associate was “guilty” of not attaining and remaining at the level of quality desired by the firm. The precise details are not important for our purposes.
The associate was with the firm only 6 months and had previously been warned to address the issues of client service and quality performance of legal services. My client, the managing partner, decided that the time had come to dismiss the associate rather than wait for the eventual malpractice suit, Bar disciplinary action, or loss of client(s). (more…)
Another announcement of a major law firm going to India, this time in a very big way. Not just for legal services, but for staff functions. Lawyers normally want these functions right "next door" where they can get the information they request immediately ("instant gratification"). (more…)
Ed Poll will be conducting a 6 week Teleseminar Series for the South Carolina Bar. Starting October 12th, and each week thereafter for 6 sessions, key aspects of operating The Business of Law(r) will be discussed. Sign up now! Or call Ed Poll for more information.
I’m glad to see that the UK is not unlike the US!
Today, a new Age Discrimination Act goes into effect in England. With the millions of dollars to be involved, much litigation is expected. (more…)
A recent NALP survey suggests that associates in large firms feel free to make lateral moves from one law firm to another … and that such movement in small firms is neglible. (more…)
Another rule change being considered by The State Bar of California is Rule 5.1 concerning the responsibilities of supervising lawyers. The rule provides that partners and other lawyers with managerial authority in a law firm must make reasonable efforts to ensure that the firm has in effect measures giving reasonable assurances that all lawyers in the firm conform to the Rules of Professional Conduct.