Recession Coping Guide

I just came across the CBA PracticeLink article A Recession Coping Guide for Canadian Law Firms by Janice Mucalov (April 2009). I like the thoughtful, careful, but yet strategic approach taken in this guide. The focus is on the client relationship, keeping up morale within the firm, and thinking long-term. Here is item #4 on keeping up morale:

Feeling uncertain is inevitable. But rumours, job anxiety and money worries can impair productivity. Reassure your lawyers that you are doing everything prudently possible to lead the firm through this recession.

Remind people how your firm weathered the last downturn – provide statistics and examples.

Communicate often with everyone in the firm. Explain the measures you are taking to keep the firm strong and the financial implications of these steps. Tell people if they are not going to be dismissed.

A number of additional resources are included at the end of the article.

Photo: “Mate” by Super is Sunny on Flickr. Used under Creative Commons licensing.