Practice Management

Lawyers Appreciate The Enablers

By Brian J. Ritchey

Lawyers appreciate the respect of their peers.  The practice of law, like most professions, carries a high responsibility with it.  Those who work diligently to represent their clients with the integrity and respect for the rule of law are not always appreciated by those who share the same work space. 

Take the managing partner, for example.  Like other partners, they ascend to their position through the accumulation of work and clients.  They are then challenged with the responsibility to manage the practice and "herd cats", often with no additional pay and sometimes with no less obligation to maintain their revenue.  

Ascending to the rank of partner is an expression of faith, respect and honor to a lawyer.  It means you are highly  valued within the firm.  On the other hand, ascending to the rank of managing partner may seem like a prison sentence, pulling you away from what you do well to do what seems impossible (just ask David Maister). 

It takes a lot to take on the responsibility of increasing firm profitability while having to mediate the special interests of the other owners.  Lawyers should appreciate managing shareholders.

By the same token, all those who support lawyers appreciate fairness and respect as well.  Something all lawyers shouldn't overlook.

We all know the difficulty in getting work done quickly.  Having competent support staff makes lawyers look better.  Without painting too broad a brush, for many attorneys crisis is the norm.  Staff are constantly challenged by the needs of attorneys that need something now.  No matter what they have piled up on their desk, there will be things that have to take priority and many times take up most of the day.

Having support staff you can trust is golden - whether it be in the back office making the numbers work or just outside your office handling your crises. 

Don't forget to thank the people who enable you to focus on the practice of law.

Full post as published by More Partner Income on December 26, 2007 (boomark / email).