Special Remote Edition
IN THIS ISSUE: •
TAKE A LOOK AT HOW TEAM GS IS WORKING FROM HOME!
•
SEE TIPS TO IMPROVE YOUR REMOTE WORK ROUTINE
•
EXPLORE REMOTE RESOURCES FROM OUR TRAINING TEAM
•
GET DETAILS ON OUR VIRTUAL SPIRIT WEEK
Over the course of nearly 19 years, the footprint of Goldberg Segalla has spread internationally and across the country and we’ve become the fastest law firm ever to reach Am Law 200 size without a merger. As GS continues to grow, one thing remains constant: Our Values.
*As of 3/2/20
22
Get the theScoop Scoop Get
Rick’s Report Team GS, First and foremost, I hope each and every one of you is staying safe and healthy. It isn't often our firm experiences a "first" nineteen years in, but what is currently happening around the world is surely that. In a time of uncertainty, one thing hasn't wavered: your commitment to making GS the best it can possibly be. We've been existing in a remote environment since March 23 (and for some people even earlier) and I want all of you to know I am appreciative of the way you have stepped up to ensure there are no disruptions in our operations. The effort I've seen from our attorneys and our admin and legal staff truly exemplifies how we are exceptional professionals and even better human beings. This issue of Get the Scoop outlines the numerous ways to stay connected: whether you need some technical support or just something to put a smile on your face, please remember that Team GS is always here for you. I have every confidence that we will emerge on the other side of this situation stronger than ever. As always—and with more pride than ever—I thank you for all you do.
Contents Don't Forget to Remember............4 Mail, Shipping, Supplies—FAQs...6 HIPAA Compliance........................8 Brain Train......................................9 Straight from the Sorce...............10 Team Kindness..............................12 Step Challenge.............................14 The Extended GS Family.............15 Remote Work Resources.............16 Work From Home Set-Ups.........20 Spirit Week 2020: Update..........22 We Are GS....................................24
Get the Scoop is a bi-monthly, internal publication and a collaborative effort between the firm's Brand Management and HR teams. Have questions, feedback, or suggestions for future issues? Email Steve Pacer and Amanda Spencer: magazine@goldbergsegalla.com Special Remote Edition 3
Don't Forget to Remember
For weeks, our Leadership Team has closely monitored the situation related to COVID-19 on a daily basis and continues to provide updates as needed. To stay up-to-date on the latest information, we encourage all of you to continue checking our GS intranet while working remotely. All pertinent information related to the team will be updated here. Be sure to check out the following: • • • •
COVID-19 Health Care Plan Information COVID-19 Health Care Plan FAQs New information on Flexible Spending Accounts/Health Savings Accounts State-specific COVID-19 Resources
Please take care of yourselves and each other. We recognize that many of us may face challenges in the coming weeks, but we'll work through them together in true TEAM GS fashion.
To aid in our transition to a virtual environment our HR team is leading the charge on alternative ways to keep connected to one another. One way is a newly-created private facebook group for Team GS. The purpose of the page will be to share helpful tips and resources as a team. And, of course, have a little fun! *If you aren't on facebook, don't worry! Resources will continued to be posted on the intranet.
4
Get the Scoop
Request to join the group here!
Are you searching for a team member in charge of a certain task? Or not quite sure who can help answer a quick question? Check out our newly-designed Admin 411 Guide! The Admin 411 has been updated and is now searchable. The document is separated by department and broken down to include both general duties and specific responsibilities.
Check it out!
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) We understand this time may be stressful for some people. Please remember that ComPsych GuidanceResources is now available as the firm's Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provider. Services available from GuidanceResources include connecting with a clinician for confidential emotional support, obtaining legal support, financial planning, and more! The entire purpose of our EAP is to make your lives easier. We ecourage all our team members to utilize this resource.
When you need someone to talk to:
Call 1-800-272-7255 for 24/7 assistance Resources can also be accessed online at www.guidanceresources.com by registering with the Organization Web ID: GSEAP
Special Remote Edition 5
Mail, Shipping, Supplies—FAQs Q: How will I get mail if we are working remotely? Is Central Mail still operating? A: The firm has established a Business Continuity Team (BCT) which will continue to operate the firm’s central mail program normally. Mail received in your office’s Central Mail PO Box is received and processed daily. In addition, each office has been enrolled in the USPS Premium Forwarding Service which will reroute mail addressed to your office to the Buffalo Central Mail Room. Q: How will hand-deliveries and other non-postal deliveries be handled? A: Any office located in buildings with management teams capable of receiving hand deliveries and other third-party courier deliveries will be able to permit the building management to place material in the suite to be picked up. Offices without building management support will have their third-party courier deliveries subject to the vendor’s internal rules. For example, FedEx will attempt to deliver a package three times before holding the package and contacting the recipient to pick it up at the distribution center. Q: I need to send outbound FedEx packages and U.S. Mail. How is this being handled? A: Please view our Outgoing Mail procedure here. Office specific FedEx accounts numbers are listed on the Knowledge and Records Intranet page and labels can be created and printed from home or at the local FedEx Office location. Be sure to list the related file number in the reference section. If you have questions related to your FedEx account or need FedEx supplies, contact recordsbuffalo@goldbergsegalla.com. 6
Get the Scoop
For U.S. Mail, there are 3 options available based on need: • (a) Tier I – Small projects and infrequent outbound mail – contact recordsbuffalo@goldbergsegalla.com and attach PDF copies of the document(s) you need mailed, the address to send to and note any special services (certified mail service, return postage, or notary service) needed. Documents needing assembly or editing of any kind from the PDF provided will be delayed due to the volume of requests ready for immediate mailing. • (b) Tier II – More frequent outbound mail - contact Records Buffalo for a roll of peel and stick stamps to be sent to you. • (c) Tier III - Large projects and heavy, daily outbound mail - contact Tom Kennedy about getting a user account for Pitney Bowes online (SendPro®). These will be approved on a case by case basis due to account limitations. Q: How do I get supplies for firm-related work? A: Contact operations@goldbergsegalla.com with requested items, amounts, and address where needed. Your home address will be a temporary GS location registered with Staples. Expect heavy delays on sanitary items such as hand sanitizer or disinfectants. Q: How will research requests and subscription-related inquiries be handled? A: At this time research requests are suspended until further notice. All other subscription and/or resource account inquiries (Westlaw, Pacer, etc.) should be directed to Tom Kennedy. Special Remote Edition 7
HIPAA Compliance
One of the most important things to remember when working remote? Maintaining strict HIPAA compliance. The following are best practice guidelines to follow: ◊ Secure your work computer/laptop in your home office. ◊ Always lock your computer when you need to leave the room. (Window key + L) ◊ Do not forward documents to your personal email account. Documents should be accessed electronically through Citrix. ◊ All flash drives (USB) should be encrypted. ◊ Do not resort to using local folders, DropBox folders, or Outlook folders to the exclusion of iManage. All important documents and email must be saved in iManage, and that practice should not be put on hiatus even when working remotely. ◊ If you are using your personal computer to log into Citrix to work, please be sure to completely logout of Citrix before another family member uses the computer. ◊ If you have a GS loaner laptop, any personal use is not permitted. 8
Get the Scoop
Major League Baseball has understandably pressed pause on their Spring Training programs, but thankfully, we at Team GS still have the ability to train our brains thanks to our training team. All of Team GS is being offered the chance to sign up for a different kind of personal training sessions. Each session will be 30 minutes or less, topic-specific, and at your convenience.
Here’s how it works: 1. The Training team will have anyone interested complete an initial Q&A to determine your specific training needs. 2. Once the Q&A is completed, a custom plan to meet your needs will be prepared. 3. Finally, the Training team will create a customized schedule that works for you.
Are you interested in the Brain Train? Fill Out the Training Questionnaire to get started!
CLICK HERE Special Remote Edition 9
Straight from
THE SORCE
Welcome to Straight from the Sorce! My name is Lauren Sorce and I'm a Human Resources and Benefits Coordinator in the firm's Buffalo office. In this issue, I'd like to offer some tips on how to make your remote routine as best as possible!
How to Settle into Your
REMOTE WORK ROUTINE
1. . 2 10
Get the Scoop
Focus on Habits Pick a particular place you are going to use as a workspace and stick with it. One advantage to having a dedicated workspace is that it becomes associated with doing work, so that eventually you sit at the workspace and you develop a mindset to be at work.
If You're Going to Be Professional, You Have to Look Professional Do all of the things that you would do if you were going to be around an office full of people—even if the only one who sees you is your pet. That will make you feel more like you’re being professional.
3.
Take Care of Your Body Social distancing doesn’t mean never moving. If you live in a place where you can keep your physical distance while still going outside, then make sure you run, walk, or otherwise exercise. Research suggests that regular exercise has benefits for your ability to think and also boosts your mood. *Check out the back cover for a list of free fitness resources!
4.
Find a Group Get in touch with some of your coworkers. Meet up on Zoom, Skype, or your favorite hangout tool and just work. The aim isn’t to snoop into other people’s lives— it’s just to be around other people trying to get some work done. Not only can that help you concentrate, it might also make you feel a little less alone.
Click here for additional tips to help your remote work routine! If you have a health or wellness idea you'd like to see covered in our next edition of Straight from the Sorce, please contact me: lsorce@goldbergsegalla.com. Special Remote Edition 11
Team Kindness wants to take this opportunity to remind everyone: Appreciation is just as important as hand washing—spread positivity positivity, not germs!
Though Team GS may be separated by physical distance, the team spirit and generosity has not stopped. Has someone recently helped you when you weren't expecting it? Or gone out of their way to ensure something was completed? Keep the positivity going and be sure to submit High Fives to another team member here. Team Kindness is also well aware of how the lives of all of us are currently affected by what is happening around the world. If you know of someone having a tough time and who could use a bright spot for their day, please submit them to receive a Pick Me Up here. As always, thank you for all you do! 12
Get the Scoop
As part of our Give a Smile initiative we asked for submissions from GS kids of all ages describing what they have done in their own communities in terms of charitable efforts, volunteering, or fundraising. The results were exactly what we'd expect from kids related to Team GS members! They are all amazing kids! Emily C.: Emily's Brownie troop recently visited a nursing home to earn their “nursing home visit� patch. They made valentines to pass out to everyone. All the people were happy to get the valentines and talk to the kids. Andres D. (age 10): This school year, Andres worked with the Arrows Youth Hockey Organization and partipated in several charitable events, including a turkey drive and also a teddy bear toss during one of his hockey games, where people threw toys on the ice, which were all given to Toys for Tots. Abby N. (age 13): Abby has worked with cat rescues and shelters and has fostered cats for the past 3 years! She loves being able to take care of the kittens and allow them a chance to find a forever home. Ben K. (age 9): Ben recently helped his community when he and his family went to the beach and picked up trash. The entire family helped clean up the beach, which mostly included a lot of plastic. Lauren N. (age 17): Lauren is the leader of a club named Generation 2 Generation, which is designed to serve the older and younger generations. The week before Christmas, she delivered 100 wrapped basketballs to Gloria Parks Community Center in Buffalo with the help of her basketball team from St. Mary’s. Becky F. (age 9): Becky has helped foster 15 cats! She enjoyed being able to help them find their permament homes and says if it makes the cats happy, it makes her happy! Gabrielle B.: Gabrielle held an internship with the College of Charleston Homeless Women's Health Needs Research Project, a group that meets every Sunday to feed the homeless community in Charleston.
Special Remote Edition 13
Step Challenge
Movin' and Groovin' Don't forget to join our Movin' and Groovin' step challenge, which began earlier this month! The challenge runs through May 18 and we are encouraging everyone to hit the goal of walking 8,000 steps/day. The challenge follows a virtual map walking us through several iconic music cities throughout the country. Many of us have already encountered genres from Grunge to Country and a little Rock and Roll. Walking is more fun when music is involved so continue curating your playlists and enjoy a little extra pep in your step!
You can still register at goldbergsegalla.walkertracker.com. Remember to be mindful of social distancing and avoid walking in groups by all means while maintaining six feet of distance between yourself and fellow pedestrians. We welcome you to share your selfies sporting GS gear on your walks. We'd love to see any furry friends or residents of your home walking with you as well!
Check out these additional tips to keep yourself moving! 14
Get the Scoop
The Extended GS Family We’d like to introduce you to our newest—and tiniest!—members of the GS family!
Special Remote Edition 15
Email us a photo and details of your extended GS family: magazine@goldbergsegalla.com.
We understand that working from home can often present new and unexpected challenges. Please utilize the resources our Training team has compiled that may be beneficial while working in a remote environment.
Phone and Video Conferencing • BlueJeans for Remote Users • Cleaning Out Your Voicemail Inbox • Forwarding Office Extension—EC500 • Retrieving Voicemails Outside the Office • Setting GS Signature on iPhone • Soundpath • Video Conferencing Video Tutorials (BlueJeans, Zoom, Skype, FaceTime) 16
Get the Scoop
Citrix • Changing Your Password • How to eFile • Using ShareFile
Expert Time • Access OTG via URL • Automatically Release Submitted Time • Edit a Time Entry After Posting • On the Go Time • Shortcut Keys • Syncing Entries • Working Remotely Special Remote Edition 17
iManage • iFile and Send • Save and Sync • Work 10* Document Search *Work 10 is a website where you can access your iManage Workspaces/documents in read-only form
Additional How-To Resources • Accounting—Editing PreBills • Adding a Watermark • Creating Temporary File ID • Creating Electronic Signature *Nuance *Word
• Handwriting Options • Highlights and Markups • Scanning Documents • Snap Screen—Displaying Dual Screens • Winscribe Mobility 18
Get the Scoop
• Working Remote Survival Guide
Our Training team has also produced a Remote Work Survival Guide, which incorporates Frequently Asked Questions and additional solutions to some of the pitfalls when working from home.
Click Here to Access our Remote Work Survival Guide
More from Home Base • Departmental Processes and Procedures *Stay informed on how our administrative departments are handling certain situations now that we are in a remote environment.
• Insight from Team GS
*Interested on how some of your fellow team members are handling the transition to a remote environment? Take a look at some of their tips and tricks that may help make your days easier. Special Remote Edition 19
Work from Home Set-Ups! On our intranet and in our private facebook group, we asked for you to show us your work from home set-ups and the results did not disappoint! Check out some of the ways TEAM GS is working remotely! We love the creativity and how nothing will stop all the work you are doing for the firm.
An impressive four monitor set-up from Harry Kaus (Systems/Server Engineer, Buffalo). 20
Get the Scoop
Pat Naylon (Partner, Rochester) has an adorable friend keeping him company!
Kellen Gomberg (Legal Assistant, West Palm Beach) and Kate Allen (Legal Assistant, Buffalo) are learning how to share their new office space with their children!
Rene Putnam (Legal Assistant, Rochester) turned her craft room into an office.
Manuela Fischbein (Legal Assistant, White Plains) is staying positive with a smile at home!
Tammy Stahl (Legal Assistant, Orange County) has made her art cabinet her new desk.
Mike Shalhoub (Partner, White Plains) has all his necessary gear—including a kong for his dog Garth.
Special Remote Edition 21
TEAM GS! Or should we say ... Quaranteam GS? Though Spirit Week will not unfold as we had originally planned, we sure hope you are all ready to Get Spirited! This year, during the week of April 20, join your fellow Team GS members during our 6th Annual Spirit Week for a few zany days that we hope captures our amazing team spirit.
22
Get the Scoop
Monday - Happy 19th Birthday, GS! April 20: Start Spirit Week 2020 off by being a show-off! We're asking all team members to show us 19 of your favorite things!
Tuesday - Crazy Sock and Hat Day! April 21: Sock it to COVID-19! Hats off to first responders and medical providers! Tuesday is a day to put on your crazy socks and tip your hat to those keeping us safe and healthy!
Wednesday - Earth Day April 22: Wednesday is a day to honor Mother Earth. Consider going on a #solosweep of your neighborhood or sharing all the ways in which you go green! Wednesday is also Administrative Professional's Day. Be sure to celebrate the administrative professionals in your life and thank them for all they do.
Thursday - World Book Day April 23: Celebrate World Book Day by sharing the love of your favorite fiction or non-fiction! We encourage you to share your favorite book, post a photo of your favorite book, or even dress up as your favorite book character!
Friday - Virtual Happy Hour April 24: We'll end Spirit Week 2020 by celebrating together (but apart). Designated hosts will choose a theme and invite you for some safe socialization via Zoom! Stay tuned for more details.
We hope you'll snap a selfie and show us your spirit! You can upload your photos here. We'll be sharing submissions on the GS Community SpecialBlog Remote Edition 23 and on our Team GS Facebook page.
We are Kim Cook Honored With 2020 Women Making History Award Miami-based partner Kimberly Cook, a member of the firm’s General Liability and Heath Care groups, was honored with the 2020 Women Making History Award by the Florida Association for Women Lawyers, Miami-Dade Chapter. The Women Making History Award is awarded annually during Women’s History Month to an individual who exemplifies the ideals of professional achievement, perseverance, and dedication to women’s issues. Kim was presented the award at the Women Making History Award and Scholarship reception on March 12. Congratulations, Kim!
California Knows How To {Virtually} Party Like many people around the world, attorneys and staff from our Orange County and Los Angeles offices aren't letting anything stop them from having some fun together while we practice social distancing. The group recently got together to hold a virtual happy hour! Are you finding creative ways to stay in touch with your fellow team members? Email magazine@goldbergsegalla.com and show us how! 24
Get the Scoop
Bola Awujoola and Tomi Balogun Honored Among National Black Lawyers "Top 40 Under 40" Bola Awujoola and Tomi Balogun have recently been named to the National Black Lawyers “Top 40 Under 40” list for New York. Dedicated to honoring the nation’s best African American attorneys, the National Black Lawyers was created to promote attorneys as industry experts, cultivate a network of top African American attorneys nationally, and help enable its members to maintain their status as leaders. Bola, an associate in the firm's Workers’ Compensation group in Albany, joined GS in February of 2019. Tomi, an associate in our Corporate Law and Transactions and Workers’ Compensation groups in New York City, joined GS in April of 2019. Congratulations, Bola and Tomi!
Special Remote Edition 25
As tempting as it may be to sit on the couch and binge Tiger King while we're practicing social distancing, we thought it'd be a great time to remind you that several fitness-based companies and organizations are offering free access to their platforms. So, what are you waiting for? It's time to get moving!
Here's a list of some free fitness programs—all at your fingertips. • Daily Burn has extended its normal 30-day free trial to 60-days. Daily Burn offers thousands of 1-on-1 training or energetic, full-body group workouts you can do any day, at any fitness level. • Normally $15 per month, the Nike Training app is now free, offering over 185 strength, cardio, core, upper body, lower body, and full body workouts. • Peloton is offering a free 90-day trial of its workout streaming service including running, strength training, toning, cycling, yoga, meditation, and outdoor workouts—all accessible through your phone, tablet, TV, or web browser. • Planet Fitness is offering free daily class at 7p.m. ET on its facebook Live page. Are you making the most of your social distancing? Perhaps you've discovered a delicious new recipe? Or you're addicted to a new game? Maybe you've completed a killer puzzle? Let us know how you've been spending your time. Send photos and details to magazine@goldbergsegalla.com or share with us on our Team GS facebook page! Small & Medium
COMMITMENT TO
2017
DIVERSITY 2017
Best Workplaces™
Get the Scoop 26 New York | Illinois | Florida | California | Maryland | Missouri | North Carolina | Pennsylvania | New Jersey | Connecticut | United Kingdom