KNOW, the Magazine for Paralegals Spring 2014 | Page 17

“Create a list of non-negotiable
expectations to avoid falling back
into old patterns.”
a consistent basis that prevent the team from
working in sync. They could include frequent
miscommunications about deadlines, documents
filed late, disruptive interruptions, negative attitudes, etc. Conduct a mini-root cause analysis
by asking probing questions about when these
scenarios appear and what may be causing them.

We appreciate Millie’s candor and unique perspective as it relates to law firm management pains
experienced by staff. These strategies are meant to
serve as initial action steps and are not comprehensive solutions to often complex problems. We hope
that they spark ideas for creative problem-solving and offer tools for managing more effectively.

Once causes are identified, create a list of
non-negotiable expectations to avoid falling
back into old patterns. For example: “We will set
deadlines, drop deadlines, and check-in dates for
all client matters.”

About the Author

* Use a priority code system to allocate to-do
tasks. Use a 1 for things that need to be done
today, 2 for things needing to be completed
within the week, 3 for this quarter, and 4 for longterm projects. Share the codes daily to produce
a visual overview of what may be causing them.
Once causes are identified, create a list of nonnegotiable expectations to avoid falling back
into old patters. For example: “We will set deadlines, drop deadlines, and check-in dates for all
client matters.”
* Use a priority code system to allocate to-do
tasks. Use a 1 for things that need to be done
today, 2 for things needing to be completed
within the week, 3 for this quarter, and 4 for longterm projects. Share the codes daily to produce
a visual overview of what needs to be done and
what can be delegated.
17

Jessika M. Ferm is the President of J.Ferm, LLC, an international leadership development firm, and specializes in relieving management pains for professional
services firms. She is known for her “no frills no fluff”
approach and writes extensively on management
and leadership topics. In 2009, she co-developed
the No Frills No Fluff Management Skills Program:
Lawyer’s Edition, which is tailored to assist lawyers and law firms in managing their time, clients,
and staff effectively. For more information, please
visit the No Frills No Fluff website at: http://www.
jferm.com or blog at: http://nofrillsnofluff.com/blog