Why Do Law Firm Human Resource Managers Hire Sheila Nielsen to Coach Partners and Associates?

• The cost of recruiting new attorneys is very high.  Retention is often more cost-effective.

• Retaining women and minority attorneys can be difficult.  Sometimes these lawyers need extra support and assistance to gain skills that support advancement.

• Attorneys at all levels may be hindered by personal issues that interfere with greater success at work.  These problems can impact the efficiency and morale of the workplace.  Strategic investment in personalized executive coaching adds value to the workplace by helping key people to perform at a higher level.

• Attorneys who need to be let go at a senior level may have particularly difficult searches ahead; especially if they do not have portable practice.  The typical outplacement company which is geared to the business world may not be especially helpful to the lawyer presenting this problem.  Specific market knowledge and information about effective search strategies for lawyers can be crucial for a successful result with this population.

• Many outplacement companies charge a percentage of the partner's salary as the outplacement fee.  Ms. Nielsen charges law firms the same hourly rate for counseling that she charges clients in need of coaching.

• Some partners and associates benefit from sensitive, supportive, individualized outplacement work.  Ms. Nielsen has successfully assisted law firms with particularly sensitive or difficult outplacement cases.

To help lawyers improve their skills as business originators.

•  Some junior associates do not know how to develop business and need guidance.  But many partners need to maximize their billable hour potential.  The time spent mentoring younger partners or developing associates is not very cost effective.  Using outside help reduces the time burden on partners.

• Coaching for business development contributes to the success of the firm.  Executive coaching for business development skills has a direct bottom line impact that is cost effective.