Partners need to understand what their associates are saying to them, but Associates do not always have the gumption to express themselves clearly and partners… Read More »Translations From Lawyer Talk Part Six: Associate Talk
There was once a medium-sized law firm in Ontario which had two bright, young, industrious associates. Both of these associates were being considered for partnership,… Read More »It Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time
Back in grade two, the class bully and I got hauled off the principal’s office who demanded to know why we were fighting in the… Read More »The Litigator’s Dream Client
I sometimes hear from young (and sometimes not so young) lawyers who do not understand the math that supports their compensation in a law firm.… Read More »Lawyers: Understand the Math
You know me. Always giving back to the profession. Today I want to help associates understand what the partners mean when they use certain phrases.… Read More »Translations From Lawyer Talk Part Five: Partner Talk
One of my favourite clients was an engineering firm. I once wrote a letter of intent for them concerning the purchase of a business. They… Read More »Lawyer, Know Thyself
Once again, since I am all about giving back and public service, I offer these translations from legal talk (“LT”) to plain English (“PE”) to… Read More »Translations from Lawyer Talk Part Four: Speaking to The Other Side (Deal Making)
Law firms give lawyers minimum billable hours targets to meet. There is nothing wrong with setting expectations, I guess. The theory is that you make… Read More »Targets (On Our Backs)
Yet another public service. Lawyers are busy people and often do not have the time to get to personal stuff, so I thought that I… Read More »New Year’s Resolutions for Lawyers… And Likely Outcomes
I recently authored an article about law firm compensation systems, lamenting how they are usually laser-focused on billable hours and business brought in, but not… Read More »More About Compensation Systems