My First Year at Blog Watch
Exactly one year ago today, I logged my very first post here at ALM's Legal Blog Watch. As I wrote back then, I couldn't believe my fortune at the opportunity to write for Blog Watch, and even a year later, I'm still pinching myself. Writing this column takes me on an awesome roller-coaster ride every week through the numerous offerings of the talented mix of ALM affiliate bloggers and gives me an excuse to track trends in the legal profession, keep current on law-related news and read a good share of the Supreme Court cases that issue each term.
Sharing a blog with someone as talented and well-written as my co-blogger, Bob Ambrogi, has kept me on my toes, pushing me to match his quality. And our ALM editors have given us free reign here; I've never been taken to task for writing posts that criticize law firms, vendors or bar associations that subscribe to ALM publications or support them by advertising.
Finally, I'm very grateful to our loyal readers who follow this blog and take the time to submit comments. Please, let me know how we're doing and what kinds of coverage you'd like to see here.
Posted by Carolyn Elefant on March 1, 2007 at 04:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Teaching Law Students How to Avoid Burn-Out
Arnie Herz of Legal Sanity is providing a tremendous service to law students by talking to them about how work can be rewarding and meaningful. As Herz points out:
These bright and motivated students likely know the statistics on lawyer attrition. But, they may not be aware of the steps some firms are taking to address this problem through lawyer engagement and experience management.
Herz offers a couple of links on what law firms are doing now to help give associates input into the firm and make them feel valued. For example, he discusses one law firm's initiative involving upward reviews, where associates have a chance to rate partners. As a result, associates have input into ways to improve the firm as well as an opportunity to voice criticism of partners, so that they can also improve performance. And at What About Clients?, Dan Hull agrees that everyone benefits when junior associates are invited to share their thoughts about their superiors.
In my view, what Herz is doing is significant. So many new graduates have heard about the downside of law firm life. As a result, they resign themselves to unhappiness, figuring that they'll work as indentured servants for a couple of years to pay off debt and then look for greener pastures. Maybe Herz's efforts will help turn the tide and inspire a new generation of lawyers to demand more for themselves than just money: happiness and fulfillment.
Posted by Carolyn Elefant on March 1, 2007 at 04:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
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