When the towns of Malden and Pine City were destroyed by fire in 2020, the residents were left with nothing and are still trying to pick up the …
Why Young Attorneys Fear Working in Rural Areas and Why They Shouldn’t
Like most workplaces, law firms faced an unprecedented situation in 2020 that has continued into 2021. First, they had to implement a system for …
Back to the Office After COVID-19: How are Law Firms Preparing for It?
When was the last time you paused, thought about the recent past, and made a plan for the future?
I know. You’re busy. Clients are calling. Cases demand attention. But you do too. STOP. Now.
Open your calendar, find a free time slot. Preferably an afternoon, but I’ll take an hour if that’s all you can find. Set a date to reflect and plan.
Don’t blow it off. Put files, to do lists, and your phone aside.
Set the scene by transitioning away from work. Take a quick walk or listen to music for a few minutes. When you’re ready, sit down with pen and paper. Avoid electronics, as the tendency to stray into work may be too tempting.
What went well this year? What went poorly? Where do you want to be in 2021? Any ideas about what you might do differently? If no thoughts come to mind, make a list of people you can call. Talking through what to do and how to get there can be a tremendous help.
The ABA COLAP Cafe recently reprinted an excellent article on conducting a year-end self audit. Access it here. Take advantage of our own LAP (lawyers assistance program). The Oregon Attorney Assistance Program is free and confidential. If you know you want change and are at a loss about next steps, or just want someone to run your thoughts by, the OAAP can help. Visit the OAAP website to contact an attorney counselor. Consider scheduling a phone conference now as a follow up to your reserved planning date.
2021 is coming. We can make it better than 2020.
All Rights Reserved 2020 Beverly Michaelis
You may feel there’s nothing you can do about stress. The bills won’t stop coming, there will never be more hours in the day, and your work and family responsibilities will always be demanding. However, you have more control over stress than you might think. No matter how stressful your life seems, you can take steps to relieve the pressure and regain balance.
How? By using the four A’s:
Avoid
Alter
Adapt
Accept
For specific advice on how to cope with holiday expectations and holiday-related stress, review these articles from the Oregon Attorney Assistance Program:
Updated 2020 All Rights Reserved Beverly Michaelis
The OSB Professional Liability Fund is seeking a full-time claims attorney to join its Claims Department.
Responsibilities include managing a caseload of lawyer professional liability claims and working with covered attorneys and outside counsel on a broad range of matters involving lawyer professional liability.
Oregon State Bar membership, a minimum of five years of private practice experience in the State of Oregon, and proficiency in MS Office applications. Insurance coverage experience is helpful.
Competitive salary, plus excellent retirement, health insurance, and other benefits.
Application deadline is December 11, 2020.
Applications will not be accepted via telephone calls or inquiries.
Please email cover letter and resume to:
Madeleine Campbell
PLF General Counsel
Email: HR@osbplf.org
The Oregon State Bar Board of Governors created the Professional Liability Fund in 1977 pursuant to state statute (ORS 9.080) and with approval of the membership. The PLF first began operation on July 1, 1978, and has been the mandatory provider of primary malpractice coverage for Oregon lawyers since that date. Learn more here.
The PLF is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at the PLF are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national origin, gender, sexual orientation or identity, age, disability, family or parental status, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Oregon Law Practice Management 