If you are a sole practitioner or a partner in a small firm, you may be
well-versed in the aspects of law that comprise your practice, but how much do
you know about the laws and regulations affecting you and your clients as
employers?
As your firm grows from one lawyer to a hardworking group of lawyers,
paralegals and support staff, employment law issues can take more and more of
your time, and also lead to costly learning experiences. You may be experienced
in your substantive area of the law, but can you confidently agree with all of
the following statements about your firm?
- Our practice maintains all legally required employment records for the
proper number of years; All of the employees to whom we pay a salary are
genuinely "exempt" from overtime under both state law and the federal
Department of Labor's new overtime regulations;
- We understand the pros, cons and risks of obtaining workers through
temporary agencies and employee leasing services, and have contractual
language in place to protect us;
- None of the people who do interviewing at our firm ask illegal questions;
- We have a personnel manual that includes all "must have" policies,
including a sexual harassment policy that complies with Massachusetts law;
- Our practices with respect to vacation, sick days and other benefits are
fair, consistent and in accordance with applicable law;
- We know exactly how to effectively and lawfully deal with chronic
absenteeism and leaves of absence;
- We always use progressive discipline, and can handle any termination
without fear of being sued; and
- When business slows down, we know how to conduct a layoff, reduce hours or
enact other cost-saving measures without risk of liability.
Read this highly practical book that covers common employment law issues
faced by legal practices from different perspectives.
Sponsoring Sections: The Sole Practitioner and Small Firm Section
Labor & Employment Section
Law Practice Management Section
Young Lawyers Division
Related Practice Areas: Employment Law, General Civil Law, Labor Law