Legal Management Talk

Description: Management or ‘mismanagement’ of human assets continue at every level of the law firm organization. Dr. Tom DeLong discusses how business of law leaders can increase their own leadership value while bringing their firm into management alignment. In this podcast, learn how to foster a culture where those responsible for managing others can be more inspirational, more honest, and learn how to gain commitment to the strategy of their firms.  About Tom DeLong Thomas J. DeLong is the Philip J. Stomberg Professor of Management Practice in the Organizational Behavior area at the Harvard Business School. Before joining the Harvard Faculty, DeLong was Chief Development Officer and Managing Director of Morgan Stanley Group, Inc., where he was responsible for the firm's human capital and focused on issues of organizational strategy and organizational change. DeLong teaches globally and consults with leading organizations on the process of making individual and organizational change. His new book, Flying

Description: You most likely have a list of people you can’t stand. Some of them are your co-workers and quite possibly your boss. In more politically correct terms, you may categorize them as “high maintenance,” but regardless of what you call them, Dr. Rick Brinkman, author of Dealing With People You Can’t Stand, How to Bring Out the Best in People at Their Worst, has communication tactics to help you get positive results from even the most toxic interactions. In this short podcast, meet “the Tank,” “the Sniper” and a whole cast of high-maintenance characters and how to bring out the best in them.    About Dr. Rick Brinkman Dr. Rick Brinkman is a holistic physician in public practice spreading his Conscious Communication® message to support people in their health and wellbeing. He is the coauthor of five McGraw-Hill books including Dealing With People You Can't Stand, How to Bring Out the Best in People at Their Worst, an international bestseller with translations in 24 languages and used as a text in b

  Description: Go behind the scenes of a real-life law firm disaster recovery operation. Mark Norton, Continuity Planning Manager for Agility Recovery shares what went right, what went wrong and lessons learned along the way.  It’s a cautionary story every law professional should hear, because disaster can strike anywhere.  Listen to this important podcast and then revisit your own disaster plan, you might want to make some changes.    About Mark Norton Mark Norton is a Certified Business Continuity Planner and the Continuity Planning Manager at Agility Recovery. They are a disaster recovery company that provides access for their 15,000+ members across the continent to the four key aspects of business operations during a recovery: Space, Computer Systems, Power and Communications. Since joining Agility, Mark has responded to more than 600 recoveries ranging from minor disruptions to major regional catastrophes.

What the heck is QBQ! and what does it do? Tune into this podcast to discover how to practice personal accountability by asking the often ignored QBQ!: Question Behind the Question. Accountability, ownership and latent leadership skills are put into action when we ask better questions such as, "How can I adapt to the changing world?" "What can I do to contribute?" When we think like this, we use our talent, skills and time to solve problems, enhance relationships, and accomplish team and personal objectives.  About Kristin Lindeen Kristin Lindeen is the daughter of author John Miller who wrote, QBQ! The Question Behind the Question. So growing up, Kristin was steeped in the QBQ! message of personal accountability. With this background, she is uniquely equipped to share it with others. Her clients include corporations, associations, schools, churches, and nonprofits. Kristin holds an M.A. in Curriculum, Instruction and Corporate Education from Colorado Christian University, and enjoys delivering practical c

Law firms are notorious for fostering high stress cultures, taking a high toll on staff productivity and overall well-being. Law administrators can learn how to maximize their team's creativity, energy and focus under pressure through simple yet infrequently used workday wellness strategies. About Lance Breger: Lance Breger is President of Infinity Wellness Partners, a comprehensive corporate wellness company that prepares law professionals for the most productive and healthy work life through onsite/online training in four critical areas of health and wellness: ergonomics, mind/body, nutrition and fitness.   Contact: http://www.infinitywellnesspartners.com/

No firm can afford a poorly drafted employee handbook. Listen to this podcast and find out how you can make your employee handbook policies compliant with legal requirements as well as those that are just strongly recommended. Mr. Cohen will discuss the most common mistakes often made in drafting policies and important strategies to avoid costly errors. In addition, he will share best practices in drafting and updateing your employee handbook. About Michael S. Cohen, J.D Mr. Cohen is a Partner at Duane Morris LLP in the firm’s Employment Services Practice Group where he concentrates his practice in the areas of employment law training and counseling. A highly sought-after speaker, he has trained and counseled employees throughout the country on employment subjects, including harassment prevention, diversity, discipline, hiring, firing, recruiting, performance evaluations and compliance.  

It seems that law firms have more questions than answers when it comes to diversity and inclusion issues these days. What is your firm’s diversity strategy and why should you have one? How do you create and maintain interest? Has your initiative stalled? What are the best practices?  Tune into this important podcast and get proven tactics that you can put to work in your firm. 

HR issues in law firms are fast becoming one of the most in-demand topics at ALA. And one of the most important HR trends ALA is tracking is - metrics. Tune into this podcast and learn how HR metrics can enhance your firm’s productivity and profitability.   About Cathy Missildine Cathy Missildine has extensive experience in many areas of strategic Human Resources Management.  She has worked with executives in the areas of performance, productivity, organizational metrics, training, employee & customer engagement, workforce planning, organizational design and strategic implementation.  Her past experience in operations and sales management in the technical, insurance and hospitality industries has given her a broad understanding of business issues and a solid foundation for building performance enhancing systems that support the business.  She earned her MBA from Kennesaw State University with an emphasis in Human Resource Management and Development.  Cathy is also a member of the Society for Human Re

As law firms enter into another year of flat revenue and the mandate of reducing headcount even further to meet budgetary constraints, it is time to revisit alternatives to this diminishing course of action.     Rob Mattern has worked with law firms for over twenty-five (25) years, through the good and the bad times; however, it is only in the last five (5) years that firms have been open to alternative strategies to reduce expenses.  Economic necessity has mandated this course of action, but also a client-driven enlightenment based on the universal necessity to become more cost-effective and efficient in the delivery of legal services.   Guest: Rob Mattern President and Founder Mattern & Associates, LLC Contact:  Rob Mattern:  rmattern@matternassoc.com610.459.7750  

When a law partner retires, the firm is faced with a wide range of operational and financial challenges. Tune into this important podcast and gain actionable information from top legal consultant, Kristin Stark. Learn best practices for - Retirement compensationDealing with the impact of partner successionPlanning for partner retirementsTransitioning clients …and much more About Kristin Stark Kristin is a Principal of Fairfax Associates. She advises firms on strategy development and implementation, organizational management and structure, financial management, and compensation. Prior to establishing the Fairfax office, Kristin was a Senior Director with Hildebrandt Baker Robbins (a subsidiary of Thomson Reuters), advising law firm clients on strategy and management topics. Before joining Hildebrandt, she was a senior consultant with Deloitte, managing consultant teams implementing innovative financial restructuring strategies for Fortune 100 companies. Ms. Stark has served global firms in the U.S., U.K., a

Tune into this important podcast and gain practical information on developing and implementing a strategic plan in your firm. But the biggest obstacle of all may be gaining consensus from senior leadership.  Our guest shares his expertise on the lifecycle of a strategic plan – from the executive ‘green light’ to roll up your sleeves implementation. John Remsen, Jr. is widely recognized as one of the country’s leading authorities on law firm leadership, management, marketing and business development. After serving as in-house marketing director at two major law firms, John formed TheRemsenGroup, a consulting firm that works exclusively with law firms to help them develop and implement long-term strategic objectives to improve cohesiveness, performance and profitability. Since 1997, he has worked with over 260 law firms and thousands of lawyers. Most of his clients are mid-size commercial law firms, ranging in size from 15 to 200 lawyers.  John is the past president of the Southeastern chapter of the Legal M

 Kristine A. Sexter, is an award-winning industrial and organizational consultant who has devoted over 22 years to studying organizational success and employee engagement.  With an extensive background in recruiting, developing, and retaining top talent, Kristine expertly serves the legal, manufacturing, healthcare and professional association industries with acclaimed metrics-based results. Ms. Sexter is known for her enthusiastic, appropriately-humorous and high-energy presentations. In addition to being a professional speaker and consultant, Kristine is a blogger, columnist and is the author of six books, including “Rolling Out the Recognition: Employee Retention Strategies for Manufacturers.” Kristine is a member of the esteemed National Speakers Association, is the Past President of the Oklahoma Speakers Association, was twice-honored as the Speaker of the Year, and is an Honors Graduate of The College of New Jersey. www.KristineSexter.com

Explore the role of the futurist today while getting a preview of what’s on the horizon in law firms tomorrow. Jobst Elster Jobst Elster brings extensive experience in market analysis, market research, public relations and product marketing to the legal industry. He has served as a legal market strategist for the last 15 years, advising companies entering the legal market, involved in mergers and acquisitions, and expanding operations overseas. Jobst regularly writes and speaks on legal technology, technology innovations and futures, legal marketing and big data.  elster@InsideLegal.com or via Twitter @InsideLegal. Article: Strategizing Today for the Legal Tech of Tomorrow, Legal Management, Jan. 2014   Eric Hunter Eric Hunter is the Director of Knowledge, Innovation & Technology Strategies at Bradford & Barthel, LLP and Executive Director of Spherical Models, LLC. He has recently integrated a Google-driven social media knowledge and collaboration environment within Bradford & Barthel, LLP.

Judy Hissong, Principal Nesso Strategies Website: http://www.nessostrategies.com/index.html   With over 15 years in C-level management, Judy provides a wealth of knowledge and expertise in successful business planning. With a background in Professional Services, she makes an ideal facilitator for strategic retreats and financial analysis.  Judy presents at several conferences on the topic of strategic and long range planning for law firms, and legal staff management. She also writes articles on the importance of strategic planning in the success of business, and is an instructor for the University of California San Diego.  Judy coaches small business owners on running a business and the necessary elements for success. Read her recent article in ALA's Legal Management: Magazine: http://www.alanet.org/legalmgmt/  

Lawyers increasingly use a wide array of technology tools to get the legal work done more efficiently. There are the legal and ethical risks with the adoption of technology. Firms and corporations must be concerned not only with unauthorized access to their own information, but about the protection of client data and information belonging to third-parties. Interview with Kurt Highducheck, Head of Technology, Intellectual Property Solutions at Thomson Reuters  

The 2013 ALA Law Firm Financial Management Conference takes place August 22-24 in Los Angeles, CA. Learn new ideas, techniques and outlooks to improve your firm's performance and results. In addition to top-notch educational sessions, attendees will have the opportunity to grown and expand their professional network.   Kate Harms, 2013 Conference Chair, tells us more about this event and why someone should attend.

It could be a burst pipe, a fire in a neighboring suite or a weeklong power outage—it doesn’t have to be a natural disaster that closes your firm’s doors. Does your current plan address temporarily relocating your office and can your lawyers continue providing services to their clients if such a situation were to occur? If not, then this session is for you. Join this hands-on session where you will receive and work through a checklist of items to review, and receive a template that you can bring back to your office and customize for your firm.

You’ve spent time and money in attracting and training the best employees you could find—and you want to keep them! But how attractive are your incentive programs to retain the best and the brightest talent working in your firm? How unique is your program and are you retaining your best employees?

The workforce has evolved into a rich mosaic of people from diverse cultures, beliefs and backgrounds. As a result, administrators must understand the broader issues of diversity and inclusion, and how this affects many people within the firm.