The Human Resource and Benefits departments of law firms face unique challenges when dealing with attorneys and staff, personnel issues, and hiring and retaining talent.  Because Broad Reach Benefits works closely with law firms of all sizes, we are familiar with the issues you face every day.  Some of the expected challenges HR and Benefits departments can keep in mind when working at a law firm include:

Reporting Structure
While attorneys must supervise the legal work conducted by paralegals and assistants, there is often a reporting structure within the legal support staff, as well as the need to report to HR for performance, administrative, and personnel issues. With so many levels and layers in the organization, consistency is key. It is important to have a handbook that everyone can reference and rely on and an engaged HR department that maintains professionalism and proactively avoids conflict.

Training and Performance Evaluation
Similar to the reporting structure, the HR department is challenged by tracking the unique professional development requirements for each level of staff, which may or not may not overlap. It is important for the staff to have an understanding of their expectations but also for their manager and the HR department to remind and document required and completed training and continuing education credits. Because of every changing laws and compliance issues, it may be difficult to track but with the right human capital management system and organization, this can be conducted with ease.

Attract and Retain
There are currently four different generations in the workforce. Each of these generations has different levels of experience, expectations, and motivating factors. How can you make sure you are attracting and retaining the right talent for your culture? For Gen Y, money is not a good source of motivation; they are seeking work-life balance, personal development opportunities, and a clear career path. An important factor to consider that appeals to all generations is a good benefits package – health and wellness, disability, retirement, and time off are just a few items that can help you find and keep the right talent for your firm.

What’s been your firm’s experience with any of these issues?  Is your firm’s benefits package designed to attract and retain the level of attorneys and staff you need for continued success?  With richer benefit plans comes increased cost which must be absorbed by the firm.  Have you pulled all of the proper cost control levers within your benefits to allow you to continue to offer the right benefits to your attorneys and staff?  Contact the Broad Reach Benefits Team today for a no obligation conversation regarding your firm’s particular needs.

References:
http://oureverydaylife.com/top-hr-issues-law-firms-16919.html
http://work.chron.com/top-hr-issues-law-firms-24948.html