Expert staff in law departments who become known outside are hard to keep

Some law departments are fortunate to have on their staff a support staff manager who is very good, perhaps at managing intellectual property, handling document discovery, or bringing together knowledge. These accomplished sorts become known in their industry, speak on panels, write articles and achieve recognition, yet the Human Resource policies of the company limit their pay, promotions and professional growth.

Eventually, vendors, consultants, other units in the company, or law firms snatch them away. Other than to do whatever you can to retain the expert, be sure you have your star try to develop successors or at least codify the practices and strategies of the group.