2016 is nearly here, which means that law firms and legal departments throughout Toronto are considering their goals for the coming year. To create the clearest path toward your organization’s goals, it is wise to include a strategic staffing plan that anticipates any needs for additional legal support staff and presents clear paths toward finding the best talent. Here’s where to start.
- What are your goals for the coming year? Does your firm or department plan to expand into an additional practice area, add lawyers to the team, or say farewell to a retiring legal support team member? These are the most common scenarios that will call for the hiring of additional legal support staff. Planning ahead will help ensure you have the support you need when you need it.
- How will these goals be implemented? Perhaps your organization is already working on adding an additional practice area or department. Perhaps you’re already seeking lawyers to fill this position, and you’ve realized that legal support staff will be needed too. Or perhaps the goal is set for six or nine months down the road. Regardless of your situation, looking at the path to the overall goal will help you determine what skill sets will be needed and what sort of legal support team member would be best equipped to offer them.
- How well can existing talent support these goals? Where are the “skills gaps,” and what are the best ways to fill them? In some situations, existing staff can fill in temporarily while you search for a new permanent member of the legal support team. In others, a member of your current team might be promoted or reassigned in a way that creates an opening elsewhere. Temporary staff with specialized skills or careful reorganizing of tasks can help minimize the negative impact of short-term “skills gaps” while you find the right legal support person for a long-term hire.
- How can our recruiters help? Staffing firms specialize in helping their clients grow sustainably and make big transitions. Your staffing partner can help you anticipate potential challenges and pinpoint opportunities in your strategic staffing plan. Your staffing partner can also help you find qualified legal support professionals with the right skills at the right time.
At Kent Legal, our experienced recruiters can help you create a strong staffing plan for the coming year. Contact us today to learn more about our legal support recruiting services in Toronto.