Mahatma Gandhi once said, “Man often becomes what he believes himself to be. If I keep on saying to myself that I cannot do a certain thing, it is possible that I may end by really becoming incapable of doing it. On the contrary, if I have the belief that I can do it, I […]
Optimal Attitudes – you are what you think Read More »
When initially meeting with a client, I will frequently say “Tell me about the people with whom you work”. “e client will often say: “I work in a practice group of five people. I get along well with four of them, but have problems with one person who is really difficult”. Usually I say, “Tell
Difficult Personalities and the Practice of Law Read More »
Two of my favourite words come to mind in connection with internecine (internal) conflicts between members of the same law firm or other office. These words are pernicious (“having an harmful effect in a gradual or subtle way”) and ubiquitous (“Found everywhere”). The ubiquitous part is likely a given considering human nature and the inherent
Internecine Conflict and a bridge over troubled waters Read More »
When you watch the All Blacks play, you know you are watching a high performance team with a high performance culture. The players move seamlessly, interacting with each other in a fluid and highly competent way and communication occurs accurately and in real time. And, of course, the All Blacks win more than their fair
High Performance Culture in Law Practices Read More »
Gender, Lawyers and Legal Throughput – Some heretical thinking In his book, Undaunted Courage, about the Lewis & Clark Expedition (the first expedition to cross the United States by land in 1804), Stephen Ambrose wrote: “A critical factor in the world of 1801 was that nothing moved faster than the speed of a horse. No
Gender, Lawyers and Legal Throughput Read More »
Some years ago, our dear friend Ernest was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and, after receiving treatment, decided to let the disease take its natural course. He lived for about six months more in a remarkably rich, full way. He remained intellectually engaged, was dignified in dealing with his illness and its physical effects, was receptive
Reducing law office stress – What really works? As you know, approximately six months ago New Zealand enacted the Health and Safety at Work Act (HSWA) which focuses on identifying, minimising and eliminating risks associated with inherently high risk aspects of the workplace. Unlike manufacturing and similar industry sectors that pose the risk of obvious
Reducing law office stress Read More »
Returning after parental leave – a roadmap for success Over the years, I have spoken with many lawyers who are returning to the practice of law after parental leave. The common theme I heard was that returning to the law after having been home for a while with a child is, not surprisingly, hard work.
Returning after parental leave Read More »
Sue is a senior solicitor who has been consistently and rapidly promoted during her five years at a mid-sized firm. She is bright, hard-working, mature and highly motivated to progress professionally. The partner to whom she reports, John, is busy and often does not give Sue much time or feedback about her work. Sue is
Resilience, self-management and the practice of law Read More »
The topic of succession planning comes up frequently when I work with law firms across New Zealand. Tis, no doubt, is symptomatic of the ageing baby boomers’ era and the multi-generational transfer of wealth. Getting succession planning right is critical for any lawyer or law firm. Unless you plan to close the doors permanently on
Succession planning – is your law firm getting it right? Read More »
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