University Style Training. Is A University Program The Answer For You?

Transcription

1 University Style Training For Law Firms Is A University Program The Answer For You?

2 Issues Confronting Our Firm Before PBU Poor class attendance Lack of interest in training An inconsistent level of knowledge Leveraging the firm s technology investment A University Style Training Program Was Our Answer

3 University Style Training Patton Boggs University (PBU) Overview Classes Challenges Training Staff Will This Type of Program Work For You? Things to consider Steps to take AU University it Style Training i Program May Be The Answer

4 Patton Boggs University Mandatory Training and Optional Certification Program Overview

5 Benefits to the Secretary More Efficient Less Stress Better Attorney/Secretary Relationships Better Relationships with Secretarial Team Training that may be applicable in other areas No cost to the secretary The option of receiving a monetary bonus

6 Benefits to the Firm More Efficient Secretaries Improved Interaction between Teams and Practice Groups Better Client Service Ability to better communicate and meet the needs of the client Higher level el of professionalism and better reputation

7 Mandatory Training For Secretaries Basic Proficient i Expert Continuing Education

8 Year 1 of the Program Basic Level Based on skills every secretary should possess in a legal environment Technical and Non-Technical Classes Mandatory and Optional Classes Classes Include: Mail Merge Table of Contents Table of Authorities Ethics in the Legal Environment

9 Proficient Level Year 2 of the Program Expands training to include Excel and PowerPoint Includes mandatory and optional classes, technical and non-technical

10 Expert Level The third year of the program Advanced classes in Excel and PowerPoint Introduction to Access Mandatory and optional classes

11 Continuing Education Continued mandatory training after the first three year structured program Ten hours of training during each year beginning with year four Choice of various training classes and topics both technical and non-technical

12 Secretarial Certification Optional Tests based on class material Must score 85% to achieve certification Each certification is a prerequisite for the next Secretaries achieving Proficient and Expert certification will receive a $1000 bonus per certification No monetary bonus for Basic certification

13 Testing Out Secretaries can be considered exempt from a particular level of training by taking the certification exam and scoring 90% or above Secretaries have one opportunity to test out

14 PBU for Paralegals l Launched in November 2003 Ten hour training requirement Technology-related classes Non-technical classes Job-related Training

15 Paralegal Certification Paralegal certification is a job-based track program Paralegals have the option to become certified in a particular track and obtain a monetary bonus The monetary bonus is based on the number of hours of classes in the particular track

16 PBU for Staff Launched in January 2005 Ten hour training requirement Technology-related classes Non-technical classes Job-related Training

17 Staff Certification No staff specific certification currently developed Staff members have the option of becoming certified at the Secretarial or Paralegal level

18 Other Opportunities to Fulfill PBU Requirements Et External ljbr Job-Related Classes Must be pre-approved Credit determined on a case by case basis Course Training and Development

19 Expanding the Program PBU for Attorneys PBU for Managers

20 Challenges New hires already have much of the basic knowledge People who have been in the program for 8 years have taken all the offered classes When users need the class knowledge, many times they have forgotten Training attorneys Measuring the Return on Investment

21 Classes Approximately 60 Technical Classes Approximately 50 Non-Technical Classes

22 Technical Staffing 5 Training Support Specialists in DC One Training Support Specialist in each of our regional offices (except Doha and Alaska) The Denver Trainer also supports our Anchorage office

23 Non-Technical Staffing The Director trains One full-time Trainer One part-time Trainer Outside Vendors Staff Instructed Classes

24 Implementing A Similar Program At Your Firm Partner with your HR and Non- Technical Training Departments Decide on a program to fit the needs of your firm Prepare your proposal Implement your program

25 Partner with the other Relevant Departments HR, IT and non-technical trainers must collaborate on all aspects of the program Policies and Procedures Classes Documentation Your proposal Continue to work together after implementation ti

26 The Needs of Your Firm Mandatory or Optional? Certification? An open or closed program? Bonus Structure? Testing?

27 Prepare your Proposal Training Departments (technical and non-technical) and HR must work together Explain the benefits to the firm Buy in from Management is a necessity!

28 Implementation Have all policies i in place Marketing, Marketing, Marketing!!!! Have ALL the Answers Recruit a few cheerleaders Continue to work with HR and non- technical staff to monitor and improve your program

29 Education is not filling a bucket, but lighting a fire. - William Yeats