LAW PRACTICE ROUNDTABLE
Managing Change: How Law Firms Are Answering the Wake-Up Call

How do you cope with the short term while continuing to address what is critical for the long term? Five firm leaders—Norm Bacal of Heenan Blaikie, Carl Barton of Holland & Hart, Mark Foster of Stinson Morrison Hecker, Patrick Lamb of Valorem Law Group and John Robertson of Hartzog Conger Cason & Neville—talk about the challenges and the opportunities that today’s raft of changes are presenting.

Recession-Response Tips for Small Firm Lawyers

If that stick-your-head-in-the-sand approach to dealing with the down economy isn’t working for you, try the tips on this to-do list.

It’s Bonus Time! Rewarding Top Performers With Innovative Incentive Programs

With traditional compensation systems under scrutiny, more firms are wondering how to take better care of their best producers. Meanwhile, firms with bonus structures already in place find they’re at an advantage when it comes to motivating and retaining top talent.

Compensation Challenges: Trends in Paying Partners and Associates in Trying Times

What options do law firms have when it comes to altering lawyer compensation to reduce costs? Here is what smart firms are doing as today’s economic events rain down on them.

Leadership Transitions: Seven Steps to Ensure Success

Some may advocate passing the reins immediately to avoid “lame-duck syndrome,” but it takes much more than a few days for incumbents to pass on their accumulated wisdom. Here are action steps the incoming and outgoing leaders should address—together.

Retirement Planning Challenges in the New Economy

It’s the perfect storm. The crush of baby boomers reaching retirement age will hit law firms’ shores right on top of the giant waves created by the economy’s tumble. It’s the perfect time to shed outmoded retirement plans.

Product Watch

An electronic redaction package is reviewed—plus, what’s new from legal technology providers.

Product Review

Keep Your Eyes on the Road and Your Hands on the Wheel: Controlling Your Smartphone via iLane

If you compulsively use your BlackBerry in the car, here’s a new device to make calls, manage your inbox, and even respond to e-mail hands-free.

Hot Buttons

Blunders in Managing Information Technology

Addressing these IT management challenges can have enormous benefits for your firm—including more harmony.

Managing

Diversity in Law Practice: What Are the Issues and Why Does Failure Persist?

An interview with Terri Hartwell Easter sheds light on law firm diversity initiatives.

Rainmaking

How Small and Midsize Firms Can Land Big Business

Making size an advantage in a down economy.

Profitability

Protecting Your Take-Home Pay

Personal finance pointers.

Taking the Lead

Your Influence on Staff: It’s Part of the Territory

Here’s guidance for managing partners on supporting your executive director —and important advice about your interactions with staff members.