MCCA Career Development Articles
MCCA Career Development Articles provides you with ongoing educational information related to skills for career advancement and development.
Putting Together a Powerful Project Team
By Charles A. Volkert, Esq.
Certain types of legal work, such as e-discovery and due diligence, can be efficiently and successfully handled by project teams specifically assembled for that purpose. When structured and deployed properly, project teams provide law firms and corporate legal departments with much-needed flexibility while reducing costs. Project teams deliver expertise and legal assistance exactly when the […]
Retention: Don’t Lose Your Best People Now
By Charles A. Volkert, Esq.
In recent years, both law firms and corporate legal departments have learned how to respond to tough times. Now it’s equally important to dedicate time to preparing for improving conditions, especially when it comes to retaining top performers. Signs point to a rejuvenating legal field. The vast majority (81 percent) of lawyers recently surveyed for […]
What You Should Ask During an Interview
By Charles A. Volkert, Esq.
Most job seekers spend a lot of time thinking about the questions they’ll be asked during an interview. But there’s one they often don’t give much thought to, yet it’s one of the most important ones they’re likely to hear: “So, do you have any questions for me?” Don’t let this simple query stump you. […]
Tips for Managing – and Motivating – Underperformers
By Charles A. Volkert, Esq.
If you have management responsibilities, at one time or another you’ll likely encounter individuals whose job performance falls short of standards. Given the flattening of legal organizations and the non-hierarchical management style that prevails in most offices, dealing effectively with underperformers can be a challenge. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help them […]
How to Bounce Back from Career Setbacks
By Charles A. Volkert, Esq.
Helping others solve problems is all part of a day’s work for you as a legal professional. You’re trained to use your powers of analysis and reasoning to dispassionately examine an issue, assess all relevant factors and determine the best resolution. Yet it is much more difficult to calmly and objectively use these skills when […]
Q&A: Getting Off to a Good Start
By Charles A. Volkert, Esq.
Q: I have just become a supervising attorney in our legal department. While my staff management experience is limited, I’ve led project teams and supervised paralegals. However, I’ve had limited experience in other aspects of managing, such as staffing, professional development or performance reviews. How can I establish credibility with the team and get off […]