Operating Principles

We are client-focused. 

• We demonstrate authentic passion for solving our clients’ problems.
• We regularly visit our clients at their place of business to understand their business, culture and vision for success.
• We respond to each client's needs and circumstances.  We bring urgency and accountability to our tasks. 
• We know that our clients' time and money are highly valuable resources and act accordingly. 
• We work as a team to make the full resources of our firm available cost-effectively.
• We invite clients to evaluate our performance to help us improve our service.

We are members of a unified, winning team. 

• Every person employed by our firm is a highly valued “colleague,” and we encourage and help our colleagues achieve their highest potential. 
• We share a passion for client service and recognize that each of us directly contributes to client satisfaction.
• We are flexible and “do what it takes,” without regard to hierarchy or job descriptions.
• We enable colleagues to contribute successfully while balancing family and other life demands.
• We foster trust and openness, welcome ideas for improvement, and endeavor to have a workplace where every colleague has a respected voice. 
• We use firm resources wisely.
• We take measured risks in pursuit of growth and innovation.  We learn from our successes and our failures.
• We respond to each other with high levels of urgency and accountability. 
• We understand that giving and receiving constructive criticism are essential to improvement.  We give criticism promptly, forthrightly and in a constructive manner.  We accept criticism in the spirit in which it is given.
• We treat our colleagues fairly.  We recognize, value and reward outstanding firm-minded performance.
• We expect colleagues to address appropriately (without fear of retaliation) any colleague’s failure to follow our core values or guiding principles.

Relationships matter.

• We cultivate trust, the foundation of enduring and rewarding client and workplace relationships. 
• We only take on projects we are capable of handling well.
• We listen carefully and empathetically and we communicate clearly. 
• We follow through on the commitments we make.
• We treat our clients, their employees and our colleagues with respect and demonstrate sincere interest in their welfare and success.
• We understand the strengths and limitations of communication technology and use it to promote effective communication and respectful relationships.

We make a difference in our communities.

• We make a positive impact in our communities by engaging in civic and other activities.  Colleagues are expected to exercise leadership and demonstrate passion and enthusiasm when engaged in such activities.
• We devote our time to pro bono and other legal services for the poor and disadvantaged.