Creating a Healthy Work Environment in a Family Law Practice
| Author | Sheila Engelmeier and Heather Tabery |
| Pages | 10-13 |
10 FAMILY ADVOCATE www.shopaba.org
interviews is key; make the same inquiries of each candidate
in the process. Candidates should not experience material
dierences when they interview; all candidates should be,
and feel that they are, considered fairly. On selection,
measure candidates on the same criteria.
Finding the perfect addition during the pandemic requires
innovative recruiting. Host a virtual happy hour to meet
multiple people at once who are interested in your practice.
Be open to folks outside your local area; consider a remote
colleague. Consider seeking the assistance of an anity group
in your area. Once you narrow down candidates, have
one-on-one conversations and really listen and get to know
the person before committing to work together. A solid team
with shared objectives, including a commitment to a positive
culture, and understanding of desired outcomes for clients
helps foster collegiality.
Ofce Relations
Maintain Personal Connections—Even When the Oce
Is Virtual. Communication is key, about both successes and
lessons learned through mistakes. Personal connections are
The practice of law can be as rewarding as it is
challenging. Family law attorneys navigate unique
circumstances very personal to their clients that
often become emotionally charged. A healthy
work environment allows work colleagues to
eectively serve clients without becoming personally
depleted. e COVID-19 pandemic has changed how we
work and caused increased stress. Now is the perfect time to
assess your practice. Creating, or improving, a healthy work
environment takes eort, but it is worth it to maintain a
successful, sustainable practice. Some thoughts to consider in
your journey follow.
Choose the Right Colleagues
How does the ideal colleague work? What work habits and
personal traits best serve clients and gel with the team? What
must be avoided? Create a forward-thinking list of what you
need in a colleague long term. Importantly, ensure that
hiring practices do not violate any antidiscrimination laws.
Be creative on outreach. You may nd the ideal candidate
somewhere you have not looked before. Consistency in
Creating a Healthy Work Environment
in a Family Law Practice
BY SHEILA ENGELMEIER AND HEATHER TABERY
Published in Family Advocate, Volume 43, Number 3, Winter 2021. © 2021 by the American Bar Association. Reproduced with permission. All rights reserved. This information or any portion thereof
may not be copied or disseminated in any form or by any means or stored in an electronic database or retrieval system without the express written consent of the American Bar Association.
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