Why Your Law Firm Needs Core Principles
12/09/22 • 26 min
Discussed in this Episode:
- What are core principles?
- Zinda Law Group’s core principles
- Should your core principles evolve?
- How do you apply them?
- Holding your employees (and yourself) accountable
What Are Core Principles?
Your core principals are your “bill of rights” that all decisions are based on. A mission statement or “core purpose” describes who you are. Your core principles are the action steps to achieve that mission statement.
Zinda Law Group’s Core Principles
Jack breaks down how Zinda Law Group established their core principles and explains what they are. 1. Failure’s not an option: “By doing the little things right... that leads to really big results”. 2. It’s only the best: Everyone at the law firm must be an A player in their role. 3. We’re going to outwork our opponent: “if there’s a problem on a case, we’re not going to give up until we find a solution. 4. We all take out the trash: Everyone will be treated equally 5. We make data driven decisions.
Should Your Core Principles Evolve?
Revisit no less than once a year. Core principles shouldn’t be something that easily changes, but they should be reevaluated often and make tweaks when necessary. Look 10 years into the future, will your core principles make sense as your practice grows?
How Do You Apply Them?
Repeat them often. Bring up your core principles at every opportunity. Put your core principles in your job posting to keep the wrong people from applying. “The People Analyzer” is a tool they use to determine how consistent their employees are with their core principles and is also used to determine raises, hirings, firings etc.
Holding Your Employees (and Yourself) Accountable
One of the most difficult things to do is release an employee who is a great worker, but doesn’t mesh with company culture. Look in the mirror and make sure you’re adhering to your own values. If you aren’t following the practices core principles, then why would your employees? If no effort is made, releasing that “star” employee is the right thing to do.
You can reach Jack at:
512-246-2224
Links:
Discussed in this Episode:
- What are core principles?
- Zinda Law Group’s core principles
- Should your core principles evolve?
- How do you apply them?
- Holding your employees (and yourself) accountable
What Are Core Principles?
Your core principals are your “bill of rights” that all decisions are based on. A mission statement or “core purpose” describes who you are. Your core principles are the action steps to achieve that mission statement.
Zinda Law Group’s Core Principles
Jack breaks down how Zinda Law Group established their core principles and explains what they are. 1. Failure’s not an option: “By doing the little things right... that leads to really big results”. 2. It’s only the best: Everyone at the law firm must be an A player in their role. 3. We’re going to outwork our opponent: “if there’s a problem on a case, we’re not going to give up until we find a solution. 4. We all take out the trash: Everyone will be treated equally 5. We make data driven decisions.
Should Your Core Principles Evolve?
Revisit no less than once a year. Core principles shouldn’t be something that easily changes, but they should be reevaluated often and make tweaks when necessary. Look 10 years into the future, will your core principles make sense as your practice grows?
How Do You Apply Them?
Repeat them often. Bring up your core principles at every opportunity. Put your core principles in your job posting to keep the wrong people from applying. “The People Analyzer” is a tool they use to determine how consistent their employees are with their core principles and is also used to determine raises, hirings, firings etc.
Holding Your Employees (and Yourself) Accountable
One of the most difficult things to do is release an employee who is a great worker, but doesn’t mesh with company culture. Look in the mirror and make sure you’re adhering to your own values. If you aren’t following the practices core principles, then why would your employees? If no effort is made, releasing that “star” employee is the right thing to do.
You can reach Jack at:
512-246-2224
Links:
Previous Episode
Deposition Preparation Essentials
Discussed in this Episode:
- Why is deposition preparation important?
- Preparation steps
- Mock deposition
Why is Deposition Preparation Important?
How your client does in a deposition will make or break how the defense evaluates your case. You cannot put too much time into a deposition.
Preparation Steps
These steps will allow you to properly prepare for the deposition. 1. Understand the defense’s case. 2. Make sure the client understands what the setting will be like 3. Do not overload the client with too much information. 4. Make sure the client knows to tell the truth.
Mock Deposition
Get your client familiar with the process by practicing with someone else from your staff. If your client is struggling with a mock deposition, the worst thing you can do is add negativity to the situation. Keep your client feeling positive.
You can reach Jack at:
512-246-2224
Next Episode
How to Invest in Yourself as a Lawyer
Discussed in this episode:
- Investing in continuing education
- Putting together a syllabus of educational materials
Investing in Continuing Education
When it comes to CLEs, you want to be intentional about the programs you attend. If you are a personal injury lawyer, for example, you wouldn't attend a program unrelated to your field.
Creating a Syllabus of Educational Materials
Next, create a syllabus of educational materials that will help you master your craft. Then, spend 15 minutes per day mastering your craft or improving yourself. The important thing here is to start small. Ask someone to hold yourself accountable and make sure you have the materials you need on-hand.
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