How to deal with lawyers who will not follow your practice systems
This problem crops up an awful lot in practices...
Not all law firms systems are so bad that they can just be ignored...some are well-designed and crucial to success...
Here's my approach...
1. If not already exhausted this avenue(and yourselves) arrange reasonable training and mentoring urgently and get specific commitments to change with reasonable time-lines...and confirm in writing.
2. If not enough success, urgently assess whether the pain of losing the person now is greater than the wider disruption and pain of them staying, often to leave on their terms when it best suits them, and least suits you!
3. If it isn't, free up their future as fast as the law allows in your jurisdiction...
4. If it is, work around the person until you can organise the firm to be strong enough to do without them...then see step 3...
People who are mavericks and on balance are problems you don't need have too much influence and can prevent your firm from becoming/remaining, truly excellent.
Move them on!
PS It should go without saying that a person who meets their fees budget can still be a maverick who needs to be part of someone else's team....quickly!
Rob Knowsley LLB...lawyer, management consultant, motivational speaker, educator, dedicated to applying 48 years professional and business experience to help determined lawyers get the most from their skills. Established KMS 34 years ago...now advised 1380 Australasian law firms. Available to assist a select group of small firm lawyers serious about true excellence in their firms. Email...rknowsley@gmail.com or find me on Linkedin.
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