(December 2011)
I am embarrassed to admit that I had an author approach me at our Annual Meeting and her article never rang a bell. This wasn’t because the article was boring or that she was worth forgetting; it was because I have become more removed from the daily grind of publishing a magazine. I will, however, cut myself some slack: By the time an issue is published, we are three issues beyond it. The subjects, author names and artwork all become a blur. What is new to you is old to us.
The details and intricacies of the production schedule are now in the capable hands of my staff: Managing Editor Tiffani Alexander, and Editorial Coordinators Maggy Baccinelli and Brent Thomas. They deftly keep the production of the ACC Docket and its supplemental newsletters moving right along. I spend a lot of time managing other projects that I have taken on and the relationships that go with it. While I still practice the technical skills I was trained for, I no longer do it all day, every day. Sound familiar?
Our Annual Meeting always seems to be packed with people, events, sessions and giveaways. Our best intentions to connect don’t always happen — our schedules are just too busy on site. One person I had only known through email, but did connect with, was the Law Department Management’s Vice Chair, Jeff Levinson.
Although our conversation lasted less than 10 minutes, we discussed how crucial law department management was to every in-house lawyer. Whether you have keys to the executive washroom or just became in-house counsel, you are now managing day-to-day operations — whether you like it or not. No matter what the degree on your wall might say, no one is really taught how to manage. We all learn how to do the technical end of our job. Management and leadership come later. We watch. We learn. We disagree. But, we vow to do it better next time.
The Law Department Management Committee is a valuable committee that every one of you should join. You all manage matter and workflow. Most of you manage people. All of you are expanding your skill set, and this committee can help. Along with this committee, our Business Education for In-house Counsel is something worth working into your budget. If you manage outside counsel, whether you are a one-person, small law, medium or large law department, ACC’s Legal Service Management Workshop has something on the agenda for you.
So, if I run into you at an event and my face looks blank when you mention an article you have written, please do not take it personally. We love all of our authors and are extremely glad you take the time to contribute. Without your efforts, the Docket would not be the outstanding publication it is today. And, honestly, if you want better recognition, find one of my staff. They are younger than me and have better memories.