Ordinary Leaders: An Untapped Resource
November 24, 2009
The kind of leadership that works best is not always the kind of leadership to which a managing partner is most naturally suited. Many organizational issues that a leader must face call for what we call "ordinary leadership."
Collision of Classes and the Training Challenge
November 24, 2009
How will law firms deal with the different class and experience levels that may be joining law firms at the same time? In this new legal world, designating classes for advancement by law school graduation year may no longer be feasible.
Qualified Plan Risk Management
November 24, 2009
You may be generally aware of certain fiduciary duty ERISA risks, and you may think you are protected from them. But odds are, you are not aware of all the risks and you are not protected from them.
When You're All Alone In the Forest
November 17, 2009
In an economic environment in which the larger firms are competing with the smaller firms for the smaller clients, and in which law firms are retrenching and the client pool is diminishing, can the sole practitioner or the smaller firm compete in this arena?
Partnership in Troubled Economic Times
October 29, 2009
It is vitally important that partners examine the culture of their firm before making "blanket" modifications to the partnership structure/admission practices simply to satisfy the current, and perhaps short-term, economic issues.
Pension Funding: A Program to Maximize Pension Growth and Limit Volatility
October 29, 2009
When a Pension is addressing its liabilities and assets, it is important that it present a simple, straightforward way to fund for the future for its participants in a meaningful and effective manner. The volatility of the markets since 2007 has increased demands on the Pensions, as an uneasy balance of influences and the Pension Protection Act of 2006 have required increasing funding levels to meet mandated levels.
The Sorcerer's Apprenticeship
October 28, 2009
Apprenticeships for new lawyers sound promising and the firms that are implementing them should be commended. However, under the current system of legal education and private practice, this model may not be realistic for most law firms.
Insurance Issues to Consider Before Retaining Contract Attorneys
October 28, 2009
Given the widespread use of contract attorneys, law firm managers should evaluate whether their firms' professional liability insurance policies, and those of their contract attorneys, provide adequate coverage. Some may be surprised to find that their policies have not kept pace with the times.
