Law firms are not immune from the application of employment laws and the human resource management challenges facing any Massachusetts employer. While the Massachusetts sick leave law, Equal Pay Act, and discrimination laws-just to name a few-apply equally to law firms and their staff, hiring and retaining lawyers has become more difficult given the work/life expectations of more recent graduates and the current thin market for experienced professionals. Managing lawyers also presents its own set of challenges, including determining appropriate levels of independence, juggling varied schedules, navigating decentralized work assignment systems, and reining in a strong tendency to defer to significant business generators-even when potentially inappropriate behaviors surface.
This new program informs and guides lawyers, executive directors, and office administrators who manage lawyers and staff in the legal environment. The expert panel explores the employment law and human resource management issues affecting lawyers and law firm staff from the outset until the end of the employment relationship. In addition to discussing typical problems and issues, the panelists review management tools and tips to avoid and address problems once identified. Join the dialogue!
This new program informs and guides lawyers, executive directors, and office administrators who manage lawyers and staff in the legal environment. The expert panel explores the employment law and human resource management issues affecting lawyers and law firm staff from the outset until the end of the employment relationship. In addition to discussing typical problems and issues, the panelists review management tools and tips to avoid and address problems once identified. Join the dialogue!
Course Content
2:00 - 2:10 pmWelcome and Overview
Ellen J. Messing, Esq.,
Messing, Rudavsky & Weliky, PC, Newton
Gretchen K. Pratt, Esq.,
Morse, Waltham
Jaclyn L. Kugell, Esq.,
Morgan, Brown & Joy LLP, Boston
David R. Kerrigan, Esq.,
Kenney & Sams, PC, Boston
2:10 - 2:45 pm
Issues Facing Law Firms Concerning Hiring and Retaining Lawyers and Staff
Panel
2:45 - 3:20 pm
Performance Management: Legal and Practical Issues: FMLA Issues, Discrimination Issues, etc.
Panel
3:20 - 3:30 pm
Networking and Refreshment Break
3:30 - 3:55 pm
Star Lawyers
Panel
3:55 - 4:25 pm
Application of Discrimination Laws to Law Firms
Panel
4:25 - 4:40 pm
Staff Issues in Law Firms
Panel
4:40 - 4:55 pm
Ethical and HR Considerations at the End of the Lawyer-Firm Relationship, Including Contacting Clients and Access to Firm Information
Panel
4:55 - 5:00 pm
'Ask the Experts' Q&A Session
Please Note
This webcast is delivered completely online, underscoring their convenience and appeal.
There are no published print materials. All written materials are available electronically only.
They are posted 24 hours prior to the program and can be accessed, downloaded, or printed from your computer.
Speakers
ChairDavid R. Kerrigan, Esq.,
Kenney & Sams, PC, Boston
Faculty
Jaclyn L. Kugell, Esq.,
Morgan, Brown & Joy LLP, Boston
Ellen J. Messing, Esq.,
Messing, Rudavsky & Weliky, PC, Newton
Gretchen K. Pratt, Esq.,
Morse, Waltham
