From the PALMS (Plaintiff Administrators' Legal
Management Solutions)
PIP (Personal Injury Plaintiffs)
Mid-Year Workshop Seattle 2004
Prepared by Johnna Ferguson
HR Ideas
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Put your policy and procedures manuals on an
Intranet for easy access and searchability by all
employees.
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Create a “face book” on the Intranet to help both
current and new employees get acquainted with the
entire staff.
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Don't be a manager who is easy to incite based upon
heresay. Get both sides of the story and the facts.
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When planning exit interviews, consider the phrase
“our firm hasn't met your needs.” This approach
shares the burden of failure with the employee and
helps ease the impact of a termination.
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Make sure to recognize and publically acknowledge
all staff efforts – regardless of the outcome of a
litigation decision.
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Don't give blanket kudos or reprimands. Be specific
and direct.
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Staff needs to hear more often from attorneys with
regard to their performance.
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Staff expects Administration to deal with
substandard behavior sooner rather than later.
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Teach your staff to stop triangulation! They should
deal with any issues directly with the person
involved. They should not tell the office grapevine
to avoid confronting the problem.
General Office Ideas
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As part of a disaster recovery plan, make
arrangements with a specific radio station to make
announcements advising your staff where to meet,
explaining conditions, etc. They will generally need
a “letter of authorization” in advance so get
everything in place – before you need it.
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Make sure you have access to $CASH$ to make
emergency loans to employees, provide food and other
services which might be required during a disaster
situation.
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ALWAYS get a contact for your employees – other than
a spouse or significant other.
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Make sure you are testing your “backups” before you
need to use them.
Marketing Ideas
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Throw a big party.
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Sponsor closed captioning on PBS stations.
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Send the attorneys out on speaking engagements – as
part of panels, or solo on specific topics.
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Send birthday cards to clients and former clients.
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Send status reports/updates to referring attorneys.
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Give away 3-sided pens – they won't roll off a desk.
These were ideas that apply to everyone. Contact
Johnna for some plaintiff-specific information.
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