Emotional Intelligence: How to Identify It in Legal Professionals

Legal professionals are “smart.” That’s the common perception of lawyers and legal support professionals, and it’s also a common feature in the profession: those who work on legal issues tend to be analytical, focused and persuasive. The popular emphasis on cognitive intelligence, however, tends to overlook an equally important form of “smarts”: emotional intelligence. Here,… Read More »

Should You Consider Hiring a Candidate Who Appears Overqualified?

On paper, the candidate looks fantastic.  During the interview, the candidate astonishes you with their competence, thoughtfulness and achievements.  This candidate sounds great.  In fact, they sound too great. Should you hire a candidate who is overqualified for the job you’re offering?  While overqualification can make many hiring managers balk, hiring a candidate who appears… Read More »

How to (Professionally) Handle a Difficult Team Member

Legal support professionals need strong teamwork skills. On any project, they may consult both with other legal support staff and lawyers within their firm or department. They may also need to reach out to professionals in other fields, such as accountants, surveyors, or medical experts. Teamwork is key, and one difficult team member can make… Read More »

Legal Support Hiring Costs Soaring Out of Control? Here’s What to Do.

Legal support staff are essential to the smooth functioning of any law office.  As hiring the best talent becomes more competitive, however, an organization that doesn’t pay close attention to the bottom line may start to see its hiring costs expand in an unsustainable direction. Sound familiar?  Here are several steps you can take to… Read More »

2016 Career Guide for Toronto Legal Support Professionals

The new year is a popular time for resolutions: get in shape, eat better, spend more time with family. It’s also a great time to make some resolutions regarding your career. What were your career goals for 2015? Where did you meet them – or exceed your wildest expectations? Where did you fall short, and… Read More »

Increase Productivity by Creating an Environment of Accountability

Supervisors who hear the word “accountability” are likely to imagine themselves holding employees’ feet to the fire, demanding particular results and cracking down when goals aren’t met.  In some law firms and legal departments, such a “tough love” approach would be a recipe for disaster. But “accountability” doesn’t have to mean losing the respect and… Read More »

Not Sure What Your Hiring Needs Are? Here’s How to Figure It Out

Hiring can be an arduous process when you know who you need and when. But when you’re not certain which legal support staff you’ll need to add in the coming weeks or months, the process can seem daunting. Not sure who you’ll need to add to your staff as your law firm or legal department… Read More »

Does Your Company Mission/Vision Matter in Recruiting Top Talent?

Having a clear vision of your company’s purpose and values is vital in knowing who to recruit and how to attract them. You must have a destination in mind before you can map your future. Clearly focusing on the values that define your organization will make it easier to find and hire people whose values… Read More »

What’s Holding You Back? Why You Need to Start a Workplace Mentoring Program Now

Ask any law firm or legal department hiring team why their workplace needs a mentoring program and you’ll hear a long list of benefits.  Mentoring programs bring new staff up to speed quickly; they build lasting connections among co-workers; and they encourage teamwork and problem solving. But ask the same hiring managers whether their organization… Read More »