Do you think law office management is something you should go cheap on?

Then read this: New Year, New Law Firm Lawsuit-Palooza. If the court system were worried about business, it needn’t; it seems some lawyers are busily becoming defendants in lawsuits themselves. So there’s no worry about judges staying busy. A quick glance at the suits pending against some major firms serves as a good reminder that strong law-office procedures that are implemented , enforced, and reviewed, could probably have prevented more than a few of the scenarios we are now reading about. Conflicts checks, oversight of client funds, continuing legal education, and quality assurance are just a few of the areas some lawyers and those who serve them might brush up on. Really.

How to Plan Your Career Knowing You Probably Won’t Be Promoted

I’ve enjoyed American Lawyer’s chart depicting how many woman at big firms are promoted to partner—and, of course, find most of the results depressing. (See the chart here: Women Partner Watch.) I found the statistics about women making partner to be depressing back when I was in law school, when I was working for law firms, and in all the years since. If you’re female, a lawyer, and want a big career, you still have to face the grim reality that only three of 10 will take the next step up.  How do you make sure that you’re one of those three? Bringing in big clients or big accounts never hurts.  Finding a big-name mentor can help. Making a name for yourself in your field can also boost the odds. Personally, I’d hire my own publicist and career coach to help me; I wouldn’t leave something as significant as my own career to the whim of the powers-that-be who are above me, especially knowing how fickle or transient those powers sometimes can be. Also take a look at classes above you and the women who made the grade. Do you share their characteristics? Do you want to? Alternatively, of course, you can jump to another firm and try again, or you can choose a different type of entity to work for, one that doesn’t quite so much resemble a fraternity.

Law firm leaders and administrators, meanwhile, have to address morale problems; they might also have to answer to clients who are increasingly pushing for more diversity in firm workforces.  Rather than having to put a positive spin on a typically low number, they could, of course, just groom female associates so they would make partner.

Don’t Expect Anyone to Hand You a Career

I was interviewing a big-name New York lawyer years ago and asked him what chronic mistake new associates tended to make. His answer has always stuck with me: “Don’t expect anyone to hand you a career.” It’s advice all of us should take to heart. Getting the job is only step one.  Even performing well at it will only get you so far. What do you actually want to achieve by the time you are 60? 40? 28? Be a go-getter. Don’t just sit around and wait for it to happen. Whether you are a lawyer, a paralegal, a clerk, or a secretary, do something today to move closer to achieving your goal.

Remember Your Humanity as You Set Your 2012 Goals

My master plan for 2012 is chock full of ideas and corresponding actions aimed at getting me to where I want to be professionally by 2013 and beyond. I am reminded by articles like this, though, that incorporating a bit of forgiveness and adding in a few--or a lot--of good deeds can yield rewards far more important than an enhanced career status or a heightened income level. As we all embrace the new year with some hopefulness, we should keep our humanity in mind.