I'm a lawyer, and just bought out practice of retiring lawyer. Her paralegal has a bad attitude, doesn't want to work (admits it), has terrible work habits, but knows all the clients, knows all the systems, computers, etc. So, keep her or dump her?
Dump her. We are all dispensable. Post a confidential ad on Monster.com for a paralegal. Then when you find someone to replace her give her notice.
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Julia
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I have often been faced with this question I will tell you unequivocally you and your business will be better off without the attitude. Your only choice is to do it immediately or to discuss with her up front that since she is not happy you feel it would be best to put a transition plan in place over the next 30-60 days and offer her a bonus if the transition is successful.
Immediately hire a replacement and get them up to speed quickly.
Schedule a meeting with every single customer you have in the practice and let them know how pleased you are to be able to represent them
I assume the retiring partner has some sort of continuing obligation or vested interest in your success? If so engage him/her in this process
Whatever you do, do not let the situation fester. It rarely ends well.
You need to pull the pin and fire her, but in your lust to get rid of the bad news don't shoot yourself in the foot. Make sure you or someone else knows how to operate the sytems and has access to all of the firm's passwords. And when you do fire her, don't give her advance notice so that she can sabotage the place before she leaves.
