People, Training and Coaching

By Bithika Anand

Training, development and skill-building are concepts that have largely been under-rated in law firms. The debate often is – whether they are a cost or an investment? The dilemma also stems from the uncertainty concerning the return on investment and how to scientifically measure the value addition from training and development activities. This article aims to discuss the benefits associated with skill-building and how can law firms foster a culture of knowledge-sharing, mentoring and growth.

By David Cruickshank

In BigLaw firms, or in any firm with multiple associates, an assignment of work by a partner or senior associate, is a signifier of many things.  To the management committee, it signifies leverage.

By Sean Larkan

Too often, partners with specialties do not train successors in that area of work, do not introduce their clients to team lawyers in an organised, structured way and when they retire the ‘cupboard is often bare’ i.e. no real succession has been provided for in regard to skills transfer, personnel or key clients. Legal staff are left in a melting pot of uncertainty as to workflow, quality of work, coaching, feedback and whether an interest will be taken in them or their work and progression in the firm. This results in lowered self-esteem, potential is not realised and lower productivity and sometimes departure results.

By Edge International

A compilation of the four-part “Law Firm Resilience” series focusing on: Financial Resilience; Operational Resilience; Commercial and Client Resilience; and People Resilience.

By Nick Jarrett-Kerr

By implementing three tools, we can gain (or regain) close and more trusting relationships with both colleagues and clients – despite remote working.

By Edge International

Periods of crisis, with sudden disruption to normal working life, create massive potential obstacles to engaging and supporting your people. This requires firms to make some rapid changes.

By Gerry Riskin

Managing Partners: Capitalize on your firm’s opportunity to enhance your outreach program to clients

By Sam Coupland

Few firms set out what they see as acceptable (or high) performance levels, much less holding their people accountable to reach these levels.

By Jonathan Middleburgh

Senior-level conflict can threaten the very existence of a law firm. Mediation is one tool to address such conflicts: but the process is far from straightforward.

By Gerry Riskin

1. The Legal Matter Here are some of the essential lessons I have learned after several decades of […]