Human Resources Management Flashcards
7 cards from real ALA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Human Resources Management flashcards as text
A legal administrator is designing a succession planning program. Which approach best ensures continuity of leadership in a law firm?
Answer: Identifying and developing high-potential employees for future key roles before vacancies occur
Effective succession planning proactively identifies high-potential employees and develops them through targeted training, mentoring, and stretch assignments before critical positions become vacant.
Under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), which employee activity is protected as concerted activity?
Answer: Two employees discussing their salaries to determine if compensation is equitable
The NLRA protects employees' rights to engage in concerted activity for mutual aid; discussing wages with coworkers to assess pay equity is classic protected concerted activity under Section 7.
A law firm's HR manager is calculating the total compensation cost for a new hire with a $80,000 base salary. Which item is typically included in calculating total compensation cost to the employer?
Answer: Employer-paid FICA taxes, health insurance premiums, and retirement plan contributions
Total employer compensation cost includes mandatory payroll taxes (FICA), employer-paid benefits such as health insurance premiums, and employer contributions to retirement plans, in addition to base salary.
Which HR practice is most effective in reducing unconscious bias during the candidate selection process for a legal administrator position?
Answer: Using structured interviews with standardized, job-related questions and a consistent scoring rubric
Structured interviews with standardized, job-related questions and consistent scoring criteria reduce unconscious bias by ensuring all candidates are evaluated on the same dimensions rather than subjective impressions.
A law firm is considering implementing a flexible work arrangement policy. Which consideration is most important from an HR compliance standpoint?
Answer: Applying eligibility criteria consistently and documenting accommodation decisions to avoid disparate impact claims
Consistent application of eligibility criteria and thorough documentation of flexible work decisions protects the firm against disparate impact discrimination claims and demonstrates equitable treatment.
Which method of resolving workplace disputes is most aligned with the interests of a law firm seeking to avoid litigation costs and maintain professional relationships?
Answer: Implementing an internal mediation or alternative dispute resolution (ADR) program
Internal mediation and ADR programs resolve disputes faster and at lower cost than litigation, preserve professional relationships, and reduce the firm's exposure to employment claims.
A CLM-certified legal administrator is reviewing the firm's employee handbook. Which provision would create the greatest legal risk if included without careful qualification?
Answer: An unqualified guarantee that employees will be terminated only for cause
An unqualified promise of termination 'only for cause' can create an implied contract that overrides at-will employment status, exposing the firm to wrongful termination claims; such language must be carefully qualified.