If you could start fresh with a new group of secretaries and paralegals, what would you do different? Im starting at a new firm next week and want to start the professional relationship off on the right foot..At my previous firm, the staff ran the office and had no boundaries or consequences.

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I think it depends on the staff culture at your firm. Not sure there’s anything you can do that changes how they work around you, other than standard being a good boss and hoping they treat you nicely back.

Take your secretary out to lunch to build personal connection. Get to know their likes and dislikes. Treat the relationship as a partnership and not a boss subordinate relationship. But put your foot down if they’re being bad.

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Find out their favorite candies / snacks and what TV shows they watch. If I can cackle and provide sugar, I get everything I need and more. No discipline necessary.

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One thing that I think is important: do they see themselves long term in the legal field? One of our paralegals does not, and it shows in the work ethic.

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As a former legal assistant myself, it makes all the difference when attorneys are present even when they don’t currently need something. Swing by their desk (like, specifically go to them, don’t invite them to your office) a few times a week just to chat, or suggest a virtual coffee chat if you’re still completely WFH. It’ll mean a lot to them for you to take the initiative.

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