Introduction To Firm Policy

Why you need this information and how it applies to you.

We are glad you have chosen to work at Godfrey | Johnson, P.C., and that you are taking the time to learn your law firm’s written policies. Your knowledge of Firm Policy is vitally important to your success in this organization.

The GojoSecure website.

When seeking information on the firm’s rules regarding vacation, sick leave, bonuses, workplace conduct, ethical matters and the other Firm Policy, as well as a comprehensive list of Firm Procedures applicable to litigation practice, technology and other key operations, this secure internal website (also known as a private intranet), is the place to look. Your browser’s “back” button and “history” button make it easy for you to backtrack if you jump from one document to another and need to return to where you left off. You can also open links as new pages or new tabs.

What is Policy?

Policy is a compilation of governing principles, employed to set direction in an organization, to guide decisions and achieve rational outcomes. Policy is a statement of intent, and is implemented as a rule, procedure or protocol; hence the close relationship between policies and procedures. Policy drives how Procedures are designed and executed.

Why must a law firm, or any business for that matter, have written policy? One might just as well ask why societies have written laws. The short answer is that policy, when made broadly known, provides a common basis of understanding of key operational aspects and required conduct, which improves the stability of an organization by providing employees with confidence in their understanding of the operational principles that govern operations in the workplace.

Policies assist in both subjective and objective decision making. Policies can be general in nature, or highly detailed, depending upon the subject matter. You will never be truly at home in any group unless you know and understand that group’s policies, which is why your study of this material is so important.

Policy helps to define who we are as a group, and constitutes an expression of those philosophies to which we all agree. We rely upon the expectation that you as an employee of this Firm expressly accept and agree to follow these policies, and that you demonstrate your agreement anew each day by continuing to work at Godfrey | Johnson, P.C.

While no written body of policy can cover every situation that may arise, we have made every effort to address the matters that most require written standardization and guidance. If you believe there should be a policy on an issue but have not found one here, please let us know.

The difference between Policy and Procedure.

In a broad sense, policy and procedures both define how we operate as a firm, but there are differences between them, and understanding these distinctions will make it easier for you to find what you are looking for in this internal website. Policies are similar to laws, and consist of rules practices and terms of employment.

Procedures, on the other hand, are more akin to an instruction manual and contain checklists and sequences of specific steps to be followed for particular tasks and activities. When you are seeking the details of the Firm’s standardized operational methods, you will generally find what you are looking for in the Procedures section of this website.

How these Policies interact with laws and codes.

The Firm’s Policy supplements rather than replaces the guidance provided by Rules of Professional Conduct and state and federal law governing employment and the practice of law.

These policies are intended to help all of our lawyers, support staff and other employees adhere to the ethical principles that govern the practice of law, and are not intended as a substitute for a deep knowledge of the Rules of Professional Responsibility, court rules and other applicable standards and laws.

This material applies equally to all lawyers and support personnel.

In the event of any conflict between these policies and any applicable law, professional code or rule, the latter will govern.

Confidentiality of this material.

The material on this secure website is confidential and proprietary in nature. It may not be shared with anyone outside of the firm without prior express authorization.

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© Brett Godfrey 2020. All rights reserved. No portion of this material may be duplicated, disseminated or reproduced without express written permission from the author.