Law, and the practce of law is dynamic. Change is inevitable. And Necessary.
Clients evolve, economies fluctuate, and teams must adapt.
Yet, how we navigate these shifts speaks volumes about our commitment to professional integrity and the well-being of our colleagues.
The Right Team, The Right Way
Management in law firms holds the responsibility of crafting teams that cater to client needs and ensuring the right professionals are in place.
It's understood that decisions might involve dismissals due to performance issues or role adjustments, but the manner in which these transitions occur defines our professional ethos.
Performance Plans vs. Hidden Agendas
Traditionally, appraisal processes serve as a tool for addressing challenges, but what happens when out-of-cycle reviews and performance plans are strategically employed to manage individuals out of the firm?
This practice, camouflaged as support, often conceals a more insidious agenda.
I've had my fair share of experiences on both sides of this equation - managing out individuals with genuine intent to help them adapt, and being managed out myself, a process fraught with self-doubt and anxiety.
It's a painful journey, often exacerbated by prolonged uncertainty.
The core issue lies in the misuse of performance processes. When firms disguise their true intentions under the guise of support, it creates unnecessary stress and erodes trust.
A recent case brought this to light, where a good friend of mine was managed out without genuine support, causing prolonged distress over four months.
Let's be candid—misleading colleagues under the pretense of improvement is a breach of professional integrity.
If performance issues exist or economic constraints demand layoffs, transparency is paramount. The mantra "say what you mean, mean what you say, and don’t say it mean" resonates profoundly.
Fabricating faults or fostering a hostile environment is not only unprofessional but detrimental to the mental well-being of individuals.
Honesty, Transparency, and Professional Integrity
As legal professionals, we all deserve more - more transparency, honesty, and, above all, professional kindness.
If tough decisions must be made, let them be made with integrity and compassion, acknowledging the human impact of our choices.
Deserving More: A Call for Change
Let's uphold the principles that make our profession noble and build a culture where genuine support thrives.